Festive Holiday Party Ideas in Des Moines, Iowa

Best Places to Celebrate in Des Moines

Heading out for your celebration? Your first step is choosing the perfect atmosphere. Many Des Moines restaurants and event spots deck the halls this time of year with cozy holiday décor, seasonal cocktails, and warm lighting that instantly puts everyone in a festive mood.

Be sure to reserve early. Holiday weekends fill up quickly! Consider celebrating at:

• A local steakhouse or chef-owned restaurant

The Republic On Grand:  A restaurant that also offers beautiful private-event spaces, including a room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace overlooking the skyline.
Why it works: Combines great food + event space in one, making planning simpler.
Tip: Useful for medium-sized groups (50-100) and for a more “dinner-and-celebrate” feel.

• A downtown brewery, wine bar, or cocktail lounge

Iowa Taproom:  A lively space focused on local craft beer and hearty American fare, offers private event setups.
Why it works: More relaxed, fun atmosphere—good for team parties, friend groups, casual offices.
Tip: If you go here, consider adding fun elements like beer-tasting or a flight bar station.

• A small private event space or community venue

Curate:  Located in the East Village of Des Moines, this space offers upscale, modern event rooms (6,000+ sq ft) and flexible layouts.
Why it works: Perfect for a big team gathering or a company holiday party with room to play (photo booth, DJ, etc).
Tip: You can bring in décor and entertainment to complement the space.

• Unique local favorites chosen for your group size & style

Buzzard Billys: Casual dining with a large menu and a private banquet room, great for bigger groups who maybe want something less formal.
Why it works: Simpler logistics, comfortable, doesn’t require ultra-formal décor.
Tip: Could be a good fallback if you want something more budget-friendly or informal.

Need more recommendations? We can help you find the perfect match!  We’re familiar with these locales and can help coordinate DJ/photo booth/entertainment for any of them.

Virtual Holiday Party Fun

Can’t bring everyone together in person? A virtual celebration can still spread plenty of cheer! Try hosting a themed video call with festive attire like “Ugly Sweater Night” or “Holiday Hat Contest.” Send attendees a coffee or lunch gift card beforehand to kick off the spirit.

Add some interactive virtual games to keep the fun rolling:

• Christmas Movie Trivia
• “Name That Holiday Tune” Bingo
• Virtual Mixology Class
• Cookie-Decorating Workshop (DIY Kits Encouraged!)

Games & Group Activities

If your group is meeting in person, plan a few simple activities to spark laughter and keep the energy up between dinner, drinks, and dessert. Try these crowd-pleasing ideas:

• Holiday Bingo (small prizes always win big!)
• Recycled White Elephant Gift Swap (bring something from home!)
• Festive Trivia Face-Off
• Photo Scavenger Hunt to get people mingling

Entertainment That Elevate the Party

The right entertainment can completely change the energy of your holiday event. From keeping guests engaged to creating memorable moments, music and interactive experiences help turn a simple gathering into a celebration people actually talk about afterward.

Professional DJ Services for Holiday Parties

Music sets the tone from the moment guests arrive until the last song of the night. A professional DJ keeps the event flowing smoothly, handles announcements, and adapts the music to match the crowd’s energy. This is especially helpful for company parties, multi-department events, or celebrations that need structure without feeling stiff.

Even if your event is based in Des Moines, many businesses also coordinate DJ services for multi-location teams or regional holiday celebrations, making professional DJ support a smart, flexible option.

Photo Booth Rentals Guests Love

A photo booth adds instant fun and interaction to any holiday party. Guests can jump in with coworkers or friends, use festive props, and walk away with printed keepsakes or digital photos to share. It naturally encourages mingling and gives everyone something to do between food, drinks, and dancing.

Because of its versatility, our photo booth rentals in Des Moines are a popular addition for office parties, private events, and larger holiday gatherings where you want built-in entertainment without extra planning.

Make Your Des Moines Holiday Party Come Alive!

Nothing elevates a celebration quite like music and entertainment. A professional DJ can keep the party upbeat all night long, while a photo booth adds interactive fun with props and instant keepsakes guests love.

Planning something small? You can still make it personal! Create a shared playlist in advance and invite guests to add their favorite holiday songs. It’s a simple way to make everyone feel included.

Des Moines Holiday Party Theme Ideas

A theme instantly sets the vibe and makes decorating easier. Go classic or playful with festive options like:

• Winter Wonderland with whites, metallics, and twinkle lights
• Tacky Sweater Party full of bold colors and ugly-cute fun
• Santa’s Workshop featuring a gift exchange or toy donation
• Masquerade Holiday Ball for a dressy, elegant celebration
• Cozy Cabin Celebration with flannel, pine décor & comfort food

Make It Festive With Complete Weddings + Events Des Moines

The best holiday parties bring people together—no matter where they gather. Whether you’re sipping cocktails downtown, celebrating at the office, or hosting a virtual happy hour, make this season unforgettable.

Complete Weddings + Events can help bring the fun to your Des Moines holiday party with our DJ and photo booth services.

Call 515-266-1355, or fill out our contact form today for holiday pricing and availability!