The City of Des Moines will host its annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with this year’s festivities moving to a new location at the Des Moines Marina.

The free, outdoor event, co-sponsored by Destination Des Moines, will feature holiday crafts, entertainment, food trucks, hot cocoa and more.

The celebration was previously held at Big Catch Plaza, but has been relocated to the marina for 2025.

New this year – Santa is scheduled to make a grand arrival by boat(!) – updating one of the community’s most popular seasonal traditions.

The Des Moines Yacht Club’s annual Lighted Boat Parade is also scheduled to cruise by between 6 – 9 p.m.

Families across Des Moines and neighboring South King County cities are invited to attend the free event as the city kicks off the holiday season.

For more info, click here.