Des Moines, IA

Des Moines SantaCon

Bring your best Santa look to downtown Des Moines, pick up one wristband and make your way through a lineup of participating bars.

DATE

Event Date

Time

Event Time

Location

Des Moines, IA

About
Des Moines, IA
SANTACON

Des Moines SantaCon is a ticketed holiday bar crawl for guests 21 and older. After you check in, you get a wristband and a digital map, then you visit participating bars dressed as Santa, an elf or a reindeer. Court Avenue and the Historic East Village are both downtown Des Moines districts known for bars and nightlife. Winter here is properly cold, with average lows near 20 degrees, so your map and a coat will do more work than a costume alone. The check-in venue, participating bar lineup and full schedule are confirmed in your event information, so keep an eye on your inbox after you buy.

THE EVENT DETAILS

Everything important, without the wall of text.

One wristband

Pick it up once at check-in and use it at participating Des Moines bars.

Event route

Your digital map shows each participating stop, so you can plan the next walk.

Holiday drink specials

Deals are offered by participating bars. You still pay for your own drinks.

Christmas party energy

Expect Santa suits, elf ears and a few sweaters worn over serious winter layers.

WHAT YOU GET WITH YOUR TICKET

The essentials that make this SantaCon crawl easy to join and fun to explore.

Participating Bar Access

Your wristband gets you into the participating Des Moines bars on the route.

Exclusive Drink Specials

Bars set the deals. Nothing about drinks is automatically included.

Event Wristband

Issued at check-in and worn all through the crawl.

Digital Crawl Map

Marks the participating stops. Your pace, your order.

Festive Party Atmosphere

A crowd in matching reds and greens filling downtown bars.

Photo-Ready Moments

Matching group costumes make easy photos, whatever the weather.

PARTICIPATING VENUES

The participating bars are confirmed through your event information and displayed on the digital map, so treat that map as the final word. Lineups can change, and each bar controls its own specials. Court Avenue and the East Village both have plenty of nightlife in Des Moines, but your stops come from the map.

SIMPLE STEPS

From booking your pass to enjoying the final stop.

Buy Your Ticket

Pick the Des Moines ticket for your party and pay online. Final sale means final, so make sure everyone is in before you check out.

Check In & Get Your Wristband

Go to the confirmed check-in venue with a valid government-issued photo ID and collect your wristband and route map.

Visit Bars & Enjoy

Hop between participating bars at your own speed, ask about SantaCon deals and keep your wristband on.

Keep the Celebration Going

Head home when you are ready. Any extra plans for the end of the night will be shared in your event information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The essentials for planning your Des Moines SantaCon

What is Des Moines SantaCon?

A ticketed crawl. Guests in Santa gear visit participating Des Moines bars on one wristband, and everyone in your group needs their own ticket.

When does Des Moines SantaCon start?

Scroll to the event details at the top for start and end times. Then check your ticket information, which confirms the check-in window and meeting point.

How old do I have to be?

You must be 21 or older and show a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in. Bars may ask again, so keep the physical card handy throughout the crawl.

What is included with my ticket?

Wristband, bar access, deals, map, that is the package. The deals come from participating bars, and drinks themselves are not automatically free, so bring a card.

Do I have to visit every bar?

No. Visit participating bars at your own pace within event hours. Some groups stay longer at a few favorites, and the map simply shows what is available.

How cold will Des Moines be?

Iowa winters run cold, with average lows near 20 degrees, and a crawl involves walking outside between bars. Wear thermal layers under your costume, gloves and shoes with grip in case the sidewalks are icy.

How do I get home after the crawl?

Settle your ride before the first stop, book a rideshare or name a designated driver. You will be moving between several bars, so plan the trip home in advance.

Can I transfer or get a refund?

Sales are final and refunds are not offered. Transferring or exchanging a ticket may be possible, so read your order terms and contact the events team early.

GET YOUR SANTACON TICKET

Pick your pass and get ready to join the party.

Choose your date

Secure checkout • Instant confirmation

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Must be 21 years or older to attend with a valid form of government issued id. There are no refunds as all sales are final. If you cannot make the event, you may be able to transfer your ticket to a friend or exchange another applicable event. All participating bars and or drink specials are always subject to change at the venues discretion.

THE HOLIDAY PARTY IS CALLING

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Join thousands of partygoers at our next Santacon event. Book your spot today!

Testimonials

What Partygoers Say

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GROUP BOOKING

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Groups of 20+ may qualify for discounts, VIP perks, reserved check-in, and private party packages.

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Sat, Dec 5, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM