Dec. 16-22, 2025

Johnston’s Holidays at the Yard Dec. 6 featured a variety of activities for the whole family, including photo opportunities and visits with Santa. Emerson, Hudsyn and Briar Wolfswinkel enjoy their meeting with Santa.

Local boutique named in national survey

A new survey by Advance America, based on responses from 3,002 shoppers, reveals the independent clothing stores most beloved for affordable winter fashion. In Iowa, the top vote getter was Purple Poppy Boutique, Johnston and Ankeny. Purple Poppy Boutique offers a wide range of women’s clothing that balances comfort, style and trendiness. From cozy knitwear to tailored outerwear and carefully chosen accessories, their collection is designed for everyday life and special occasions alike. The boutique is praised for its attentive staff and welcoming environment, creating a shopping experience where customers feel inspired to experiment with their personal style.

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.

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.

Community Greetings

Johnston Community Greetings welcomes 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.

Saint James Lutheran Church events

5665 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

• Advent Holden Evening Prayer: Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Soup Supper, 5:45 p.m., worship 6:30 p.m.
• 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.

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.

Johnston Public Library happenings

Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

Winter break begins on Monday, Dec. 22. Teens in grades 6 and up can hang out during the library’s Extended Teen Space Hours from 1-6 p.m. that day. The fun will begin with the movie “Elf” and Shrinky Dinks ornaments followed by Jingle Bingo and Random Reasons to Party Kahoot! Trivia.

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. If you are interested in submitting a request for an ornament to represent your loved one, forms will be available at the museum.

Polk County Conservation events

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

• Nature Center After Dark: Winter’s Sleep: Friday, Dec. 19, 6-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Here’s your chance to visit the Jester Park Nature Center after dark. The hour will include storytelling, crafts, open Nature Center exhibits and a short program on the theme of the night. This December, feel free to come in your favorite pajamas. You can bring along a treasured stuffy and/or blanket, too.
• Winter Solstice Hike: Sunday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Celebrate winter’s official arrival on the shortest day of the year on a hike with a naturalist. Dress for the weather.
• 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.

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

Holiday Horse-Drawn Rides
Dec. 20-23, 26-31, every half hour, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jester Park Equestrian Center, 11171 N.W. 103rd Court, Granger
Staff will hitch up their draft horse team to take your group for a 30-minute horse-drawn ride through Jester Park. If there's no snow, plan for a wagon on wheels instead of a sleigh. Sleigh Rides require a minimum of 6 inches of packed snow as a proper base for the sleigh. A wagon will be used when there is no snow or not enough snow to pull a sleigh. Registration is required. Private holiday rides, which cost $200, can hold a maximum of 12 guests. Small children who can sit on an adult's lap for the duration of the ride do not need to be included in the count. https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events/holiday-horse-drawn-rides-10-am-330-pm/

The Iowa Files: A History Series
Various dates, 3 p.m.
Community Room of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway
The Iowa Files, an educational history lecture series, returns for its seventh year. This joint West Des Moines Historical Society and West Des Moines Public Library program is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of West Des Moines Historical Society members, Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Friends Foundation of the West Des Moines Library. All programs are streamed on the WDMHS Facebook page and YouTube channel.
• Jan. 11: Iowans in Andersonville Prison. Andersonville Prison (also known as Camp Sumter) was a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the final 14 months of the American Civil War. The prison was overcrowded to four times its capacity and had an inadequate water supply, inadequate food and unsanitary conditions. Historian, teacher and all around fascinating storyteller Kent Halstad will share the stories of the Iowans who experienced Andersonville.

Tinseltown in the Park
Through Dec. 20
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Enjoy Tinseltown in the Park, featuring live Christmas tree sales, biergarten specials, food trucks, entertainers, unique visits from holiday A-listers, photo opportunities and more to celebrate the holiday season in the park.

Square Dance Lessons
Sunday nights starting Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church, 4601 Douglas Ave., Des Moines
Ankeny Square Dance Club is sponsoring Square Dance Lessons. Cost is $20 per person for the entire session accepted at the third lesson. Attend with or without a dance partner. You'll learn the calls, one at a time, taught by a caller (instructor) and volunteers. For more information, call Sandy Townsend, 515-294-2624, or visit www.ankenysquares.com.

Iowa Bike Banquet to feature Olympic champion
Saturday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition will be hosting its second annual Bike Banquet following the Iowa Bike Expo. The Iowa Bike Expo and Banquet serve as the annual celebration for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, bringing together cyclists and trail lovers, advocates, vendors, donors, supporters and partner organizations to advance the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s mission to promote safe, accessible and enjoyable cycling for everyone in Iowa. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is excited to announce both Ayesha McGowan and Connor Fields as the dynamic dual keynote speakers for the event. Tickets can be purchased at the QR code link. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iowa-bike-expo-and-banquet-tickets-1925662862459

(Family Features) In a holiday season crowded with everything from mouthwatering cakes, cookies and pies to “fa-la-la-la” forgettable fruitcakes, the dessert table can bring you comfort and joy or sweet-tooth dismay.

To bring the journey to your home this holiday season, visit BusyBeeHoney.com to find more inspiration, information and availability.

Gingerbread cupcakes with honey cream cheese frosting
Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Honey cream cheese frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-6 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 F.
• Line 12 regular-size muffin cups with paper baking cups.
  In medium bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
• In large bowl, using hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter and honey until smooth and slightly fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Beat in egg then mix in buttermilk and vanilla until combined.
• Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until no streaks of flour remain; don’t overmix.
• Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
• Bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean.
• Let cupcakes cool in pan about 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
• To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add honey and vanilla then gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy, spreadable and reaching desired sweetness. Chill for firmer consistency before piping or spreading, if desired.

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