🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🔥 Cocktails, roasted marshmallows, holiday lights, and firepits — this week’s restaurant spotlight has all the cozy vibes.
🎁 Last weekend’s snow reshuffled the calendar which means this Saturday is absolutely packed with festive fun. Perfect for getting out, warming up, and feeling connected. No excuses this time. 😉
✨ ’Tis the season to support small, including this little newsletter. If you find AroundDSM helpful, share it with a friend or neighbor. It makes a huge difference and helps keep this local resource growing.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Tinsel at Either/Or | 6222 Grand Avenue, Des Moines |
Tinsel decorations Photo: Emily Johnson
Polar Expresso Photo: Emily Johnson
12 Drinks of Tinsel specialty cocktails Photo: Emily Johnson
A Holiday Makeover That Sparkles – Either/Or goes all in for the season with Tinsel, transforming the entire restaurant into a twinkling, glittering, joy-filled holiday wonderland. Think walls of tinsel, festive décor at every turn, and the kind of cheerful atmosphere that makes you smile the minute you walk in. Their regular menu is still available — but the seasonal touches and holiday offerings make the experience feel extra special.
Sips & Sweets Worth Bundling Up For – Their “12 Drinks of Tinsel” cocktail menu is pure fun. I went with the Polar Expresso which came with a roasted marshmallow topper and it paired perfectly with their Buttermilk Panna Cotta made with mango jasmine jam. Whether you’re there for dessert, cocktails, or both, the flavors feel festive and thoughtfully crafted.
The Festivities Continue Outdoors – What really sets Tinsel apart is that the magic doesn’t stop inside. Step out onto the patio for firepits, lights, and outdoor holiday décor that make it feel like a cozy winter escape. Grab another drink, warm up by the fire, and enjoy one of the few spots in the city that brings the kitschy holiday fun all the way outside.
👉 Find out more about Tinsel here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: Firstleaf Wine
Firstleaf Wine Profile
Photo: Emily Johnson
Need Wine for the Holidays? I’ve Got You!
I’ve been getting my wine from Firstleaf for over five years, and I’ve loved every bottle. You choose what you want and when you want it. If a bottle ever misses the mark, they’ll credit you for it. It’s the easiest (and most fun) way I’ve found to explore new wines.
Try it now for the holidays with this special offer!
🍷 Get $60 off your first order #ad HERE.
🎭 Theater Night
Comedian Hannah Berner at Hoyt Sherman Place | Des Moines
🎤 Ready for a night of big laughs? Hannah Berner’s comedy is coming to Hoyt Sherman — and Des Moines is showing up for her. The 7 pm show is officially SOLD OUT, but good news: seats are still available for the 9:30 pm show if you want to grab a night of smart, quick-witted storytelling and the kind of laughter that leaves your face hurting.
Her shows sell out across the country, so don’t wait. If you’ve been craving a fun night out (and a break from your holiday to-do list), this is it.
👉 Get tickets for the 9:30 pm show here: https://geni.us/hannahberner
This spotlight is brought in partnership with Outback Presents and Hoyt Sherman Place, who helped make our recent ticket giveaway possible.
🧸 Family-Friendly Pick
Jingle Bell Stroll with Santa | Gray’s Lake Park, Des Moines | Santa is making a festive stop at Gray’s Lake and it’s the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon with the kids. Head to the SE Lawn for an easygoing stroll filled with games and crafts for kids 12 and under, a visit and photo with Santa, hot cocoa, and holiday music that sets the tone for the season. It’s free to attend, but registration is required. | Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2–4 pm | Register at dsm.city/jingle
Photo: Christkindlmarket DSM https://christkindlmarketdsm.com/
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
Grown-Up Book Fair | Central Library, Downtown Des Moines | If you loved book fairs as a kid, you’re going to adore the grown-up version. Browse local bookstores, small businesses, and literary-themed goodies while supporting the Des Moines Public Library — 10% of all proceeds benefit the library. It’s the perfect Saturday outing for readers, gift-givers, and anyone who still feels a thrill at the sight of a well-stocked table of books. Free parking in the library garage! | Saturday, Dec. 6th, 12 pm–4 pm | dmpl.org
Christkindlmarket DSM | Principal Park, Downtown Des Moines | Step into a little slice of Europe right in the heart of DSM. Christkindlmarket brings old-world holiday charm to downtown with its German-inspired market, artisan vendors, handcrafted ornaments, mulled wine, baked treats, and gifts — many of them sourced straight from the “motherland.” Wander the wooden stalls, enjoy live entertainment, sip something warm, and soak in the festive atmosphere that makes this two-week celebration one of the most magical traditions of the season. | Dec. 4th–7th & Dec. 11th–14th | christkindlmarketdsm.com
Beaverdale Holiday Lights Bike Ride | Beaverdale Bicycles, Des Moines | One of the sweetest neighborhood traditions of the season! Grab your illuminated bike, your warmest layers, and a friend or two, then cruise five miles through Beaverdale’s famously lit-up streets — including the festive stretches of Ashby and Wallace Avenues. With the weather looking favorable this weekend (a welcome change from last Saturday’s snowstorm!), it’s the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy the lights. | Saturday, Dec. 6th, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm | bikeiowa.com
Clive’s Holiday Craft, Vendor & Boutique Show | Horizon Events Center, Clive | If you love discovering unique gifts, this is your Saturday stop. Browse aisles of 160+ makers, boutiques, and specialty vendors — with swag bags and door prizes given out all day long. It’s a fun, low-stress way to knock out some holiday shopping while keeping your dollars close to home. | Saturday, Dec. 6th, 9 am–4 pm | $5 admission (ages 10+) | horizoneventscenter.com
Merry Kitschmas: Mid-Century Holiday Home Tour | Des Moines | Do you love Mid-Century Modern style as much as I do? Step back into the sparkle and style of the 1950s and ’60s with this one-of-a-kind holiday home tour. Four fabulous mid-century homes across Des Moines will be decked out in their best kitschy Christmas décor — retro colors, vintage flair, and cocktails to match. Tickets are limited, and proceeds support Iowa Safe Schools, making this a festive outing you can feel good about. | Sunday, Dec. 7th, 12 pm–5 pm | $50 | iowamcm.com
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Photo: Merry Kitschmas Mid-Century Home Tour https://www.iowamcm.com/
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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