Your complete guide to unforgettable New Year's Eve in Des Moines, tailored for families, foodies, and nightlife seekers.
September 16, 2026
Des Moines gives you plenty of ways to welcome 2027, whether you're traveling with kids, meeting friends, or planning a cozy winter getaway. On New Year's Eve, little ones can enjoy stories, music, movement, and a countdown at the library. Later, you can catch Iowa Wild hockey, then stay for the team's postgame fireworks, or dress up for a live symphony show with aerial performers. Want something more relaxed? The Botanical Garden's holiday lights make a bright indoor stop before dinner or a cocktail party.
There's room to shape the night around your budget and energy. Choose a dance party where the crowd picks the songs, improv comedy, or a 21-and-over rock show. Des Moines is chilly in late December, so plan warm layers and book your stay near the events you want to attend. On New Year's Day, start slowly with drop-in Mahjong or visit an art-studio open house. Which kind of celebration sounds like your style?
Adults:
Children:
Child’s age:
1
Catch the Iowa Wild take on the Texas Stars at Casey's Center. The 6 p.m. game includes a diamond giveaway for the first 1,500 fans and team-listed postgame fireworks.
2
See the Des Moines Symphony's Cirque - Symphonic Cinema. Film scores, aerial choreography, and acrobatics make this 8 p.m. show a lively way to ring in the new year.
3
Wander through Dome for the Holidays at the Botanical Garden. Pair the indoor holiday lights with a four-course dinner or cocktail party for a festive evening.
4
Dance along at The Request Line's NYE Special at xBk Live. Vote on songs, then join the all-ages crowd for a midnight champagne or sparkling-juice toast.
5
Bring little ones to New Year's Eve Wiggles and Giggles at the Central Library. Stories, music, movement, free play, and a countdown make this 10:15 a.m. programme a fun start to the day.
Make your New Year's Eve a live sports night at Casey's Center, where the Iowa Wild face the Texas Stars. The puck drops at 6:00 p.m., giving you a lively start to the evening before the countdown. The team also lists a diamond giveaway for the first 1,500 fans, so arriving early could be worth it.
Postgame fireworks are part of the event, adding a festive finish to the game. Their display time and setting are not listed, so check event updates as your visit gets closer. You'll need a game ticket, and downtown parking options include event parking and city garages. This is a fun pick if you want sports and fireworks in one night.
Swap a standard countdown party for live film music, aerial choreography, and acrobatics at the Des Moines Civic Center. The Des Moines Symphony performs as Troupe Vertigo brings Cirque-style movement to the stage. It's a polished, theatrical way to spend New Year's Eve, especially if you'd rather take in a show than spend the night on a dance floor.
The concert starts at 8:00 p.m. and runs about two hours. Tickets are listed at $44-$106.40. You can also attend a complimentary pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the performance. Downtown meters and nearby parking ramps make getting there manageable; check posted parking rules for your visit.
Head to Wooly's for Pianopalooza, a ticketed New Year's Eve music event in downtown Des Moines. The listing gives a 7:00 p.m. Central start. Further programme details and the ticket price may be released closer to the date, so check the event calendar before you make plans.
Wooly's puts you in the middle of Des Moines nightlife, with another music option if you want a concert-style evening instead of a formal show. It's at 504 E. Locust Street, near other downtown venues, but plan your route and parking separately. If you're choosing between events, compare the latest schedule and ticket details before booking. This is a good one to keep on your list if you're building a night around live music.
For a late-night concert and a lively slice of Des Moines nightlife, head to Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. The Pork Tornadoes play pop and rock covers, with Rival 5 listed as the special guest. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the event is listed for 9:00 p.m. Admission is for ages 21 and over.
Tickets are available through AXS. The listing also offers advance-purchase premium parking, premium suite access, tables for four, and a quick-pass option; check the ticket page for current prices and availability. This is a strong fit if you want a band-led night out and already have a plan for getting back to your hotel after the show.
3+
images
The Iowa Wild's New Year's Eve game against the Texas Stars includes postgame fireworks. The game starts at 6:00 p.m., but the display time and whether it is indoors or outdoors have not been published. Game admission is required, and no public viewing area has been identified. Check event details before making this your fireworks plan.
The Botanical Garden sits in the downtown East Village, where you can enjoy a winter walk before heading to your evening plans. Its Dome for the Holidays offers a warm indoor visit on select evenings, with lights and seasonal displays. The Garden closes on January 1. It is not a listed fireworks viewing spot, so treat it as a festive stop rather than a place to watch the display.
For an open-air break, take a winter walk among the large sculptures at this downtown park. The outdoor setting gives you room to stretch your legs, but it is weather-dependent and has no verified sightline to the Iowa Wild fireworks. There are no confirmed public fireworks viewing locations or citywide outdoor display details to plan around, so don't count on seeing fireworks from the park.
The Iowa Wild game at Casey's Center is the listed fireworks event, and admission is ticketed. Check the team's event updates for display timing and where spectators should be.
Downtown garages, ramps, meters, and the ParkDSM app can help you plan parking, but event rates may apply. Check availability and rates for your chosen venue before you leave.
Des Moines' December climate normals include an average daily temperature of 27.7°F and average snowfall of 7.9 inches. Wear warm layers and check the forecast before spending time outside.
2+
images
Des Moines makes a winter family getaway easy to plan, with indoor attractions and seasonal events for different ages. You can keep the day relaxed, warm up between outings, and choose activities that fit your family's pace. Here are a few ideas for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The Central Library hosts a short New Year's Eve storytime from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. for babies and preschoolers. Expect stories, music, movement, free play, and a countdown. Library buildings close at 5 p.m. that day. Central Library has free underground parking for up to two hours, and the library welcomes requests for programme accommodations.
Make this an indoor outing if the weather turns snowy or cold. The Science Center is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on New Year's Eve and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on New Year's Day. Explore hands-on exhibits and interactive displays together. General admission is $20 for adults and $16 for children ages 2-12; children under 2 are not listed in the child ticket category.
4+
images
Keep the celebration going on January 1 at this free, 5-8 p.m. open house. Studios open to visitors, so you can see artists' work and learn about their creative process. The event listing also includes music, food, and drinks. Accessible parking and a free shuttle from overflow parking lots are available.
2+
images
For a special-occasion meal, The Original Delmonico's lists a New Year's Eve three-course prix fixe dinner for its later seating, starting at 9:00 p.m. It costs $225 per person, with beverages and tax extra and a 20% gratuity added. Reservations are available through the restaurant's event page. For other upscale choices, 801 Chophouse serves steakhouse fare, while Splash focuses on seafood. Check each restaurant's holiday hours and booking details before you go.
Spaghetti Works offers Italian dishes and has highchairs, making it a practical pick when you're dining with younger kids. Centro is another option, with Italian and American dishes and highchairs available. These are restaurant choices rather than published New Year's Eve set menus, so check holiday hours and reserve ahead if possible.
Keep dinner casual at Tasty Tacos, listed as a cheap-eats spot for Mexican food. Fong's Pizza serves pizza with Asian-inspired options and stays open late on regular Fridays and Saturdays. Both offer a more relaxed alternative to a prix fixe dinner. Holiday hours can differ, so check before heading out.
5+
images
Downtown is a handy base for the Civic Center, Casey's Center, and Wooly's, with several New Year's Eve events nearby. You can cut down on winter travel between your hotel and your plans, but check event-night parking rates and availability. Book early if you want to stay close to the action.
For a polished stay, consider Hotel Fort Des Moines, with a rough planning range of $150-$350 per night. Des Lux Hotel offers a smaller, romantic-style option at about $180-$350. Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown has suites that can work well for families, at roughly $150-$300. These are estimated ranges, not guaranteed New Year's Eve rates; prices can change by date and room type.
The East Village is a good fit if you want restaurants, shops, and the Botanical Garden nearby. The Garden hosts its holiday lights experience on select evenings, so this area suits a slower, scenic start to your night. Downtown venues are close, too, though winter weather can make even a short walk feel longer.
AC Hotel Des Moines East Village is a modern option, with an estimated budget of $150-$300 per night. Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown offers suite-style rooms for longer stays or families, around $130-$250. Hilton Des Moines Downtown is another nearby full-service choice, roughly $150-$300. Think of these as broad planning estimates; compare your exact dates before booking.
10+
images
West Des Moines makes sense if your plans include Val Air Ballroom or Tallgrass Theatre. It's away from the main downtown cluster, so plan a ride or designated driver for the evening. You may also find it easier to choose a hotel with parking and stay put after your event.
For a comfortable, full-service stay, look at Sheraton West Des Moines, with a rough range of $120-$280 per night. Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines is a family-friendly pick with breakfast included in many stays, at about $100-$220. Marriott's West Des Moines location offers another upscale option, around $150-$300. Rates are estimates for budgeting, not confirmed holiday quotes. Check cancellation terms and transport plans before you book.
Reserve accommodation and paid event tickets early, especially for the Symphony, Iowa Wild game, and Botanical Garden dinner. Garden reservations are advance purchase and nonrefundable, so check dates before paying.
Des Moines' December average daily temperature is about -2.4°C (27.7°F), with average snowfall of 7.9 inches. Wear warm layers and shoes with good grip, and check the forecast before heading out.
Check DART's holiday schedule closer to your trip; don't rely on a previous year's service. Downtown garages and meters are options, but special-event rates may apply. Check venue parking and local traffic updates for restrictions or closures before you drive.
Keep your phone charged, save your hotel location, and plan a ride back before the evening gets busy. Compare event end times with transport options, and leave extra time for winter roads and parking.
These picks cover different budgets and travel needs, from airport stays to downtown bases and family-friendly room options. Choose by location and the kind of trip you want, then compare rates and room details for your dates.
100+
images
Stars:
This airport-area option can make arrival and departure days simpler during a winter trip. It gives you a place to stay outside the downtown event cluster, so plan how you'll get to your New Year's Eve plans. The hotel name makes its airport location clear, which may suit travelers catching an early flight. Check current room details and rates before booking.
88+
images
Stars:
Consider this airport-area stay if you want to keep your lodging close to your travel connection. For celebrations downtown, allow time to arrange transport in winter weather. Its name identifies it as a suites property, so compare room layouts when booking for your group. Confirm the room type and current price for your dates.
100+
images
Stars:
This is another option to compare if you're keeping your hotel budget in check. Look at its location alongside the events on your itinerary before choosing where to stay. A lower-cost trip can leave more room in your budget for tickets, meals, or winter activities. Check current rates, room details, and transport options for your dates.
100+
images
Stars:
Its event-center name makes this a useful option to consider when you want a base for a downtown celebration. Staying near your plans can simplify winter travel, but check the exact route to your chosen venue. The name also signals suite-style accommodation, which may suit travelers who want more room. Compare room types and rates before booking.
100+
images
Stars:
A downtown address puts this hotel in a practical area for travelers planning events in the city center. You can compare it with your chosen venues to see whether the location works for your plans. Its Hyatt Place name gives you a clear brand and neighborhood to search when comparing room options. Check rates, room details, and the best route for your itinerary.
100+
images
Stars:
This downtown hotel is worth considering if you want to stay near central Des Moines plans. Its name identifies it as a suites property, which can be helpful when comparing space for a family or travel group. Check how far it is from your chosen event and what transport options fit your schedule. Compare rates and room layouts for your dates.
68+
images
Stars:
This downtown suites property can work well when you want a central base and extra room to consider. Its location gives you a starting point for mapping out New Year's Eve venues around the city center. The suites format may be useful for longer stays or travelers sharing a room. Check the available layouts and prices before you book.
100+
images
Stars:
This named downtown property is a strong candidate if you want your stay centered in the city. A central base can make it easier to plan around downtown events, dining, and parking. Its Curio Collection branding gives you a distinct hotel name to compare with larger chain options. Review the room choices and rates for your dates.
100+
images
Stars:
Choose this downtown option if you want a familiar hotel name in a central area. Its location can help when you're planning an evening around downtown venues, though you should still check routes and parking. The Hilton name makes it easy to include in a brand-to-brand comparison. Look at current prices and room details before deciding.
100+
images
Stars:
A downtown location makes this hotel a convenient one to compare for a city-center New Year's Eve itinerary. Staying in the area can reduce the distance between your room and downtown plans. Its Marriott name offers a familiar option when comparing hotels across the city. Check exact venue routes, room availability, and rates for your stay.
48+
images
Stars:
This airport-area hotel may suit travelers who value a simple arrival or departure plan. If your celebration is downtown, factor the extra journey into your evening schedule. The name indicates suites are available, so compare room layouts if you're traveling with others. Check current rates and transport options before booking.
89+
images
Stars:
An airport-area stay can be handy for families arriving by plane or leaving early the next day. For New Year's Eve plans downtown, work out the ride before you settle on this location. Compare room options to find a setup that fits your family. Check current rates and the details for your travel dates.
100+
images
Stars:
This downtown option gives families a central location to consider for a holiday visit. Its name identifies suites, which may offer room layouts to compare for parents traveling with children. A central stay can make it easier to plan around downtown attractions and events. Check the available room types and rates before booking.
53+
images
Stars:
This hotel's name places it by Drake University, giving you a different base from downtown. It may suit families visiting the university area or travelers who prefer that part of the city. The Home2 Suites name signals suite-style rooms, so compare layouts for your group. Check travel time to New Year's Eve events and confirm rates for your dates.