Tweet

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Picking out the perfect gift for friends and family can be a hassle, but spending the holidays with them doesn’t cost a thing (well, not literally). There’s always something happening during December in Des Moines — whether it’s ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza or meeting Santa Claus at the mall. If you’re on a budget, these events will get you into the holiday spirit, while also enabling you to enjoy adventure and traditional seasonal fun at a reasonable price.

Cheap

Look at Lights

Kill two birds with one stone, as the saying goes. Complete some local holiday shopping while viewing the 150,000-lights display at historic Valley Junction during their “Jingle in the Junction” event. Local businesses and surrounding streets all participate in the fun, so if you enjoy colorful light displays during the holiday seasons, this is a great place to be! Along with viewing the outstanding light display, goers can participate in free horse and carriage rides, listen to carolers and watch Bill Gordish carve ice sculptures.

Date: December 15, 2016

Price: Free

 

Inexpensive

See a Christmas movie

Are you bored of looking at Christmas lights and listening to Christmas music? Grabs some friends and family, find a movie, grab some buttery popcorn and start a new tradition by watching new movies at the theater! It’s inexpensive and can help you escape the hectic holiday by taking a few hours to just relax.

Some new Christmas movies in theaters are ‘Believe’ (Dec. 2); ‘Tree Man’ (Dec. 6); ‘Office Christmas Party’ (Dec. 9).

Price: Check with your movie theater (Generally some price between $7 and $10).

 

Expensive

Watch a Musical

Last year’s ‘The Nutcracker Ballet,’ was a sold-out show, and now it’s returning to the Civics Center. This show is based off the classical story of “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice.” The plot follows a young German girl named Clara, who falls asleep and dreams of finding her living Nutcracker Prince. During her dream she also travels to a distant land and ends up having an intense battle against the seven-headed Mouse King.

Price: Ranging from $17.50 to $52.50