It’s the most wonderful time of the year: holiday party time! Whether it’s a coursed dinner at an elegant steakhouse with close friends and family or vibrant and unique experiences for when invitations read “the more, the merrier,” we’ve got you covered. Let’s get ready to deck the halls at these five holiday party venues in Des Moines.
801 Steakhouse
For a holly jolly holiday party venue in Des Moines with big steaks, bold wines and exceptional service, look no further than 801 Steakhouse. Choose from four semi- to fully-private dining rooms that can host intimate gatherings, as well as larger parties of up to 48 guests. The customizable menu includes the finest, aged USDA prime steaks, Maine lobster and innovative side dishes paired with small-batch bourbons and scotches and an award-winning wine selection. If you need WiFi and video capabilities to host your holiday party, 801 Steakhouse’s got that too.
To book your holiday party: 801chophouse.com.
Art Terrarium
Four words this holiday season: get your hands dirty. And no, it’s not the egg nog talking. With a full menu of plant activities, Art Terrarium–an art and plant shop in Downtown Des Moines–offers a unique and unforgettable event for up to 20 guests. Group activities, from $28 to $55 per person (plus rental fee, starting at $50), include moss art, terrarium building and Plant Parenthood. Party planners can bring beverages and food or opt for catering. Art Terrarium can also work with you to plan a custom event and bring your vision for an event to life. Mistletoe, anyone?
To book your holiday party: artterrarium.com.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Be the hostess with the mostest this season. Best of all, you don’t even have to plan anything at this holiday party venue in Des Moines. Champagne & Chocolate on Nov. 17 is a magical holiday gala in support of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Sponsor the party for company or name recognition as a generous host and underwriter and cheers your guests in a captivating winter wonderland. Champagne & Chocolate features lush tropical displays and live music by BYOBrass and The Feel Right Trio. Should Nov. 17 not work for your datebook, never fret; the garden offers a variety of event spaces and has a team of professionals to cater to your every need to ensure your holiday party is an indelible experience.
To book your holiday party: dmbotanicalgarden.com.
The Big Yellow Bike
No, you can’t reenact Tim Allen’s role in The Santa Clause and drive a sleigh this year in real life, but you can pedal The Big Yellow Bike. And that’s kind of the same thing, if not even better. Besides, who needs milk, when you can have beer? The Big Yellow Bike, perfect for parties of 16, is $350 for a two-and-a-half-hour pub crawl tour. Have less, get to know some new friends. Have more, book two. The Big Yellow Bike has been pedaling the Des Moines area since 2012. All tours begin in East Village in Des Moines, and stops can include Coa Cantina, Truman’s Pizza Tavern, Hessen Haus, Beechwood Lounge and Rita’s Cantina.
To book your holiday party: www.thebigyellowbike.com.
Pole Position
If there was ever a moment sparking the internal, irresistible need to shout “Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen,” it’s flying around the racetrack during a fun-filled fete at Pole Position Raceway, a high-octane holiday party venue in Des Moines. Pole Position has three racing packages, starting at $50 per racer, designed for eight to 24 guests. Group races can be reserved at a designated time and date, minimizing wait time and are kept private so the only racers on the track are your fleet. Pole Position also offers a facility buyout of its 40,000-sq.-ft. facility for groups of 24 or more with options including open racing and team building.
To book your holiday party: www.polepositionraceway.com.