Des Moines residents got a welcome dose of holiday spirit this weekend as a “Christmas in July” celebration brought festive cheer to the city’s beloved Water Works Park, according to KCCI. The summertime event offered a playful twist on the season, giving families and community members a chance to enjoy the warmth of the holidays — without waiting until December.

Water Works Park, one of Des Moines’ most popular green spaces, served as the perfect backdrop for the cheerful gathering. The event drew locals looking for a fun, lighthearted way to spend a summer weekend, proving that the holiday spirit doesn’t have to be confined to the cold months of the year.

The celebration is a reminder of how Des Moines continues to find creative ways to bring its community together. Whether it’s a neighborhood festival, a park event, or a seasonal twist on a beloved tradition, the city’s residents have a knack for making the most of their shared public spaces.

Also adding to the community’s upbeat mood this week: Des Moines welcomed a brand-new Filipino coffee shop, Grounded by the Collective, which recently opened its doors and is already turning heads. The shop brings ube lattes and halo-halo — traditional Filipino treats — to the local café scene, offering something fresh and culturally rich for coffee lovers across the metro. The Des Moines Register highlighted the new spot as a colorful addition to the city’s growing and diverse dining landscape.

Together, these two stories paint a picture of a Des Moines community that’s vibrant, welcoming, and always finding new reasons to celebrate — whether it’s a festive park event under the July sun or a first sip of something deliciously new.

Sources: KCCI, The Des Moines Register