Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 9, Salvation Army said a gold coin valued at $4,000 was found in a red kettle outside Hy-Vee in Urbandale, adding a boost to its seasonal fundraising campaign that supports local social services. Red kettles will remain outside metro stores through Dec. 24. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ UnityPoint Health Des Moines is contesting its nurses’ union vote after last week’s ballots showed 871 in favor and 666 opposed, claiming the union abused the ballot challenge process (251 ballots are under dispute) and leaving uncertainty while the NLRB reviews the disputed votes. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new feature takes a look at decades of Christmas shopping in Des Moines, showing vintage photos and firsthand scenes from early winter to busy mall days. The retrospective spans from the 1940s through the late 1990s and reflects evolving holiday traditions. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Iowa officials announced a statewide celebration + America’s Harvest will be the centerpiece for the 250th birthday festivities with a festival on Oct. 24 and a full year of webinars, historical displays and voter registration events led by a new task force, including Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Maccabees Deli lit the Grand Menorah on the sixth day of Hanukkah on Dec. 19 in Des Moines, and Rabbi Rossi Jacobson led the event (with festive latkes) as community members observed the celebration. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools will pilot a new faith-based extracurricular program in January at Garton Elementary, with weekly sessions held off school grounds at Grace Church. Parents must opt in for the voluntary 40-minute session, and district leaders hope the program expands to other schools. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Families with food allergies are urged to ask party hosts about ingredients because hidden allergens may pose risks during holiday gatherings; Dr. Knox (pediatric allergist) advises bringing safe snacks if details are uncertain. Radio Iowa
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
Drake Bulldogs Women's Basketball vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
1-3:30 p.m. — Knapp Center — $10-$40 — Witness an exciting basketball showdown between the Drake Bulldogs and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
-
Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with a new hands-on art activity every week for all ages and skill levels.
-
Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy
7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Cost info not provided — Laugh along as Snow White and her friends redefine their story in a must-see musical comedy.
-
Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in a delightful mix of rhymes, songs, and stories designed for caregivers and babies up to 18 months.
-
Dome for the Holidays
5-9 p.m. — Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden — Adults $17, Children (2-12) $11 — Experience a dazzling display of lights and joyful festivities in a tropical oasis.
-
NAMI Family Support Group
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free of cost — Connect with others in a supportive environment for loved ones of individuals with mental health conditions.
-
Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy
7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets required — A hilarious reimagining of classic princess tales with Snow White and her disenchanted friends setting the record straight.
-
Jeff Dunham Live
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Casey's Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his puppet pals in a comedic performance infused with innovative material and AI humor.
-
K-pop Monthly Meet-up
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate K-pop culture with trading, activities, and snacks alongside fellow fans.
-
New Year's Eve Pops
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Des Moines Civic Center — $40 - $90 — Experience a dazzling performance by Cirque artists paired with beloved orchestral masterpieces for an unforgettable New Year's celebration.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
~ Maya Angelou
About Daily Des Moines
Welcome to the Daily Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Des Moines.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Des Moines and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Des Moines
A free Des Moines community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailydesmoines.com/sitemap