Dec. 23-29, 2025

Santa is Coming to Town was held at the Purple Poppy Boutique in Johnston on Dec. 14. It was sponsored by three Johnston businesses. Pictured are Melisa Wardlow, with JAG Financial; Paula Bierle, owner of Purple Poppy; Santa; and Casee Woodley, Realtor. 

Holiday winter collection

As the holiday season wraps up, you might be thinking about how to get rid of your live Christmas tree. While it looks nice during the holidays, it will soon dry out and take up space in your home. From Dec. 29 to Jan. 6, you can have your tree collected from the curb for a small fee with a Compost It! sticker. Just remember, the sticker is the only thing your tree can have on it. Make sure to take off all ornaments, lights and wires before placing it outside for pickup. Wreaths and garlands won’t be accepted.

Johnston Partnership needs winter clothing

The Johnston Partnership provides food and personal hygiene products to those in need, as well as children’s seasonal clothing. The organization is ramping up its collection of fall/ winter clothing items, especially winter coats that are new or in great used condition. It can also accept snow pants, boots and warm socks in new packages. Most needed sizes are toddler and youth, but the group will likely need about 2,000 coats to make it through the winter season, so all sizes are welcome. 

Donations can be dropped off at 5870 Merle Hay Road, Suite C, Johnston, during open hours. For more information, visit https://johnstonpartnership.org/donate-items.

'Through My Grandfather’s Eyes' exhibit

"Through My Grandfather’s Eyes" is an exhibit featured at the Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, through December that invites viewers to explore the beauty, resilience and humanity of a bygone era through the perspective of a soldier who found beauty wherever he went. It serves as both a tribute and a heartfelt thank you to all those who have served. This exhibit is a reminder that behind every uniform is a story worth remembering.

Upcoming Public Meetings

• Monday, Jan. 5: City Council Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 5: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 7: Senior Advisory Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 12: Planning & Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: City Council Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.

Sign up to receive the monthly Parks and Recreation newsletter

The Parks and Recreation Department sends monthly newsletters about upcoming programs and information related to park projects. Sign up today to stay informed. Sign up for the Parks and Recreation newletter at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/hdCa4ou?source_id=1813648c-0ff0-44cf-beee-7d0770b4069f&source_type=em&c=-YR7-KtGpkmOrylY42_OTDYOomZ1MimZfV-uLEHv7UqJyG8SeoEiyQ==

Sign up to receive snow emergency notifications this winter

Winter is just around the corner, and with it comes the four-letter word: snow. The Public Works Department wants to help you prepare for winter by keeping you informed when a snow emergency parking ban is put into place. You can receive alerts via email and/or text message to stay updated. Sign up to receive the snow emergency notifications at https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regioniD=1615.

Holiday Schedule at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church

4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines

• Wednesday, Dec. 24: Mass at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 25: Mass at 9 a.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 31: Mass at 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 1: Mass at 9 a.m.

Saint James Lutheran Church events

5665 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

• Christmas Eve Services: Monday, Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Zumba classes

Get moving and have fun with the Zumba class for ages 16 and older. This high-energy workout blends Latin-inspired dance with upbeat music to boost your cardio, coordination and mood. No dance experience needed, just bring your energy and your smile. Register at www.cityofjohnston.com/1572/16-Adult-Fitness.

Community Greetings

Johnston Community Greetings would like to welcome anyone new to Johnston with a welcome bag including discounts at local businesses and city information. Contact Missy Shepherd by phone, text or email at 515-991-5014 or mshepherdgreetings@gmail.com.

Johnston Public Library happenings

Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

For teens looking to party into the new year, the library will have two exciting events. On Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m., kids in sixth grade and above can attend The Last Party of the Year: Multiverse Villains Murder Mystery, where they’ll swap secrets, interrogate guests and use their wits to solve the crime of the year. Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, teens can celebrate the end of the year at the Disney New Year’s Eve Spectacular event, featuring the movie “Lilo and Stitch,” a Disney puzzle race, Disney Music Bingo and Disney Kahoot! Trivia.

Have kids who can't make it to midnight on New Year’s Eve? They will be dropping the ball at noon at JPL. At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, kids in preschool through fifth grade can join the Noon Year’s Eve fun to welcome in the new year at the library.

More information about all events and resources at Johnston Public Library can be found online at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling the library at 515-278-5233.

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston

• Free Docent-Led Museum Tours: Offered on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
• Gold Star Mothers - Christmas Trees: These beautiful trees will be featured at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum throughout the holiday season. The purpose of these trees is to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They also honor those who served and are no longer with us. 

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

• Rocks at Jester Park: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 10-11 a.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Learn the basics of geology. What are rocks made of and how do they form? We’ll discuss minerals and the three basic rock groups: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. We’ll also explore the fascinating process of fossilization. If you have a rockhound in your family, then this program is for them.
• Tracks and Scat: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10-11 a.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Discover the variety of mammals making tracks in the snow. Learn how to identify the most common mammal tracks in Iowa. Create an animal track of your own to take home. 
• Winter Hike at Fort Des Moines: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1-2 p.m. Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter 3, 7200 S.E. Fifth St., Des Moines. Bundle up and let’s head outdoors to hike the trail around the pond. We’ll learn how animals survive the long cold winter as we try to stay warm ourselves. Dress for being outdoors.
• Global Migrations - Green Sea Turtles: Saturday, Jan. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join us for a family-friendly program focused on the migrations of an amazing animal. We’ll travel around the world together as we learn animal facts and how climate change is affecting this species. The program will involve a presentation and hands-on fun. Stop by Critter Club afterward to meet one of the Nature Center’s amazing animals. Free, all ages welcome.
• Critter Club: Saturday, Jan. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come and visit with Jester Park Nature Center’s resident animals up close. We’ll have one or two ambassador animals out to learn what special role they play in education. You may even get to touch them. This is an open house style program, so come and go anytime from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attend the Global Migrations program beforehand to be an animal champion. Free, all ages welcome.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

CITYVIEW's Fire and Ice
Saturday, Jan. 24, 1-4 p.m.
Valley Junction
CITYVIEW brings back its legendary Valley Junction area pub crawl. Fire and Ice is a hockey-themed liquor sampling event that will be sure to warm up your winter blues. With your event ticket, you will receive 10 individual drink tickets to sample some of the best winter cocktails from establishments in the Valley Junction area. Bring your friends, try new drinks and shop local in Valley Junction. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Follow the QR code for tickets.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-cityview-fire-ice-a-winter-pub-crawl-tickets-1873604273819

Uptown Ankeny Wonderlights
Through Dec. 31
Ankeny Market and Pavilion park, 715 W. First St.
Uptown Ankeny, in partnership with the city of Ankeny, features more than 50 animated light displays in and around six blocks of S.W. Third Street and throughout the Ankeny Market and Pavilion park. This magical holiday light experience is free and open to the public and can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle and by car each evening. 

Live Music at Prairie Meadows
Various dates
Prairie Meadows, 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona

• Friday, Dec. 26, 8 p.m.: Jordan Beem featuring the John Griffiths Band
• Saturday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m.: Night Like This Band
• Saturday, Dec. 27, noon: 80 Grit Band
• Sunday, Dec. 28, 8 p.m.: Recoil Band
• Monday, Dec. 29, 8 p.m.: Get Off My Lawn Band\
• Tuesday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m.: Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s Band
• Tuesday, Dec. 30, 8 p.m.: Decoy Band
• Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.: Grand Marshall Band
• Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.: Tommy Browder and the Country River Band
• Saturday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.: Young Elvis Tribute Band

New Year’s Eve Pops: Cirque
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.
www.dmsymphony.org
Ring in the New Year among the stars. The Des Moines Symphony and world-renowned Cirque performers from Troupe Vertigo take you on a cosmic journey of music and motion, blending breathtaking aerial feats with space-inspired symphonic masterpieces for an unforgettable night of celebration. Space-themed music from “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “The Planets” and more comes to life with breathtaking choreography. Experience the thrill, the artistry and the unexpected — all in one unforgettable evening.

Des Moines Art Center Museum Highlights Tour
Saturdays, 1-2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections during the Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through the galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures and more. Join knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories, techniques and inspirations behind the art on view, and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages. Free to all, no registration required.

Made In The Midwest
Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines
Des Moines Performing Arts announces the return of Made in the Midwest at the Temple Theater for an exciting new season featuring five dynamic artists representing a diverse mix of genres, from classic country and folk to indie rock and blues. Each performance will also include an opener, giving audiences even more opportunities to discover rising stars from across the Midwest. 

• The Cactus Blossoms: Classic Country/Folk/Americana, Tuesday, Jan. 27. Opener: Angela Autumn 
• Weary Ramblers: Folk/Americana/Bluegrass/Country, Thursday, Feb. 19. Opener: Brian Johannesen 
• Carver Jones: Alternative/Indie Rock/Indie Pop, Saturday, Feb. 28. Opener: Dirty Blonde

To purchase tickets, visit DMPA.org, call 515-246-2300, or stop by the Civic Center Ticket Office at 221 Walnut St. Night-of tickets will also be available for purchase at the Temple Theater Ticket Office, 1011 Locust St. The Temple Theater Ticket Office opens two hours before each performance, with all Made in the Midwest shows beginning at 7 p.m.

(Family Features) Pumpkin spice may be all the rage this time of year, but don’t forget another fruit that’s sure to please: sweet, delicious apples. For an ooey-gooey breakfast, office snack or potluck dessert, turn to this Apple Spice Cake that looks and tastes like it’s made for the season. Visit Culinary.net to discover more recipe inspiration.

Apple spice cake:
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Cake:

• 2 apples
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional)
• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk

Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 F.
• Peel, core and chop apples into bite-sized pieces. In bowl, mix apples with brown sugar, cinnamon and flour, if desired, which helps keep apples from sinking to bottom. Set aside.
• In large mixing bowl, mix spice cake mix, butter, eggs and milk. Mix in apples and pour into 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Let cool.
• To make glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk; pour over cooled cake.
• Top with pecans.

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