Looking for a holiday gift that feels a little more personal? Holiday markets and craft shows around Des Moines are a great place to find handmade items, seasonal décor, specialty foods, and gifts you might never discover while scrolling online.
The 2026 calendar includes shopping events in Des Moines, Ankeny, and West Des Moines, with options starting in early November and continuing into December. Whether you’re planning a shopping day with friends or a festive weekend outing, here are six events to put on your calendar.
Event details were checked in October 2026. Visit the linked event websites before heading out to confirm hours, admission, and any updates.
Des Moines Holiday Boutique
Dates: November 6–8, 2026
Location: EMC Expo Center at the Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Shopping hours:
Friday, November 6: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday, November 7: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday, November 8: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Des Moines Holiday Boutique offers a full weekend of indoor holiday shopping, with hundreds of vendors and a mix of gifts, clothing, home décor, and specialty foods. The event features both local and national artisans, along with holiday displays to inspire your seasonal decorating. Iowa Events Center
This is a good option if you want to browse a wide selection under one roof. Bring your gift list, wear comfortable shoes, and give yourself time to explore.
View event details and ticket information
Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Sale in Ankeny
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Prairie Trail Sports Complex, 2250 SW Vintage Parkway, Ankeny
Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Sale returns for its 45th year in 2026. Presented by the Ankeny Art Center, this annual fundraiser is a longtime Ankeny shopping tradition. The announced 2026 location is Prairie Trail Sports Complex, so be sure to use the current event information when planning your visit. Presale tickets are listed at $8. ankenyartcenter.org
For shoppers in Ankeny, Huxley, and the northern Des Moines metro, this is an easy event to build a Saturday around. Browse the sale, then meet up for lunch or coffee nearby.
View Santa’s North Pole Village details
Beaverdale Holiday Boutique
Dates: November 13–14, 2026
Location: Holy Trinity Catholic School, 2926 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines
Shopping hours:
Friday, November 13: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 14: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
The 49th Annual Beaverdale Holiday Boutique brings together more than 60 artisans and vendors. Organizers highlight handcrafted wood and glass items, clothing, home décor, and door decorations, with homemade meals and treats also available. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to visit on Saturday. Holy Trinity Catholic School
Choose Friday evening for an after-work shopping outing, or make the Saturday event part of a relaxed weekend morning. It’s a useful stop for shoppers looking for handmade gifts and seasonal pieces for their homes.
View Beaverdale Holiday Boutique details
Iowa’s Largest Arts and Crafts Show
Dates: November 13–15, 2026
Location: William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines
Shopping hours:
Friday, November 13: 3–8 p.m.
Saturday, November 14: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, November 15: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: $8 for adults; children 10 and younger enter free.
With more than 300 exhibitors selling handmade products, Iowa’s Largest Arts and Crafts Show offers plenty to browse over three days at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show
If you enjoy taking your time at craft shows, leave a generous window for this one. Walk through with your gift list, but keep an open mind. Sometimes the best find is something you didn’t know you were looking for.
View the fairgrounds event listing
Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market
Dates: November 20–22, 2026
Location: Capital Square, Downtown Des Moines
Admission: Free
Market hours:
Friday, November 20: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Saturday, November 21: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, November 22: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market returns for its 21st season with local vendors, holiday shopping, food, and live entertainment. Food trucks will be located outside on Cowles Commons. The organizer had not yet released the full 2026 vendor lineup at the time this guide was prepared. dsmpartnership.com
Scheduled the weekend before Thanksgiving, this market is worth considering for both holiday shopping and inspiration for upcoming gatherings. Check the vendor list closer to the event if you’re hoping to find a particular product.
View Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market details
Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Dates: December 3–6 and December 10–13, 2026
Location: Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
Hours for both weekends:
Thursday: 5–9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines brings a European-inspired Christmas market to Principal Park for two weekends in December. Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, try European foods, enjoy entertainment, and sip warm glühwein. The event also offers children’s cultural activities in its KinderKorner. christkindlmarketdsm.com
This is a good choice when you want your holiday shopping to be part of a festive outing. Dress warmly, allow time to eat and explore, and check the daily schedule before choosing which day to attend.
Plan your Christkindlmarket visit
Local Holiday Makers Market in West Des Moines
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Valley Community Center, 4444 Fuller Road, West Des Moines
The Local Holiday Makers Market highlights locally crafted gifts, with organizers listing items such as artisan jams, baked goods, home décor, jewelry, and homemade dog treats. Shoppers can also stop at the center’s Maplenol Cafe for a warm drink. Valley Community Center
If your gift list includes someone who appreciates food, handmade pieces, or something for their pet, this is a market to consider. It’s also an opportunity to meet the makers behind your purchases.
View Local Holiday Makers Market details
Tips for Shopping Holiday Markets Around Des Moines
A little planning can make your shopping day easier, especially if you’re visiting more than one event.
Make a Gift List Before You Go
Write down who you’re shopping for, a few of their interests, and your budget. Leave some room for unexpected finds, but use your list to keep purchases focused.
Check Admission and Payment Options
Some events charge admission, and vendor payment methods can vary. Review ticket information ahead of time and bring more than one way to pay.
Ask About Custom Orders Early
If you find a maker whose work would be perfect for a personalized gift, ask about holiday deadlines. Confirm pickup or shipping arrangements before placing your order.
Bring Reusable Bags
A sturdy tote makes it easier to carry several purchases. If you’re shopping for fragile items, ask the vendor how to protect them during the trip home.
Plan Around Food Purchases
Bring a cooler if you expect to buy anything that needs refrigeration, especially when your shopping plans include several stops.
Make a Holiday Shopping Day of It
You don’t have to finish your entire gift list in one outing. Choose a market that interests you, invite a friend, and leave time for coffee or lunch along the way.
From Ankeny’s Santa’s North Pole Village to the handmade finds in Beaverdale and the festive atmosphere at Christkindlmarket, the Des Moines area offers plenty of ways to make holiday shopping part of the season’s fun.
At The Hokel Real Estate Team, we love sharing the local events and businesses that help our communities feel like home. Save a few dates, explore somewhere new, and enjoy discovering what local makers have created this holiday season.