WinterFest
On the first Friday of December, join Waukee Parks and Recreation in the Downtown Triangle for Waukee WinterFest. Cheer with Santa and Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke as they light the tree in Triangle Park at 6 p.m. sharp. After the tree lighting, visit with Santa in person at the Community Center over hot chocolate and cookies and participate in open houses and activities with the Waukee Downtown Businesses.
WinterFest 2026 will be on Friday, December 4. Look for more details on the event this fall.
2025 Schedule: Friday, December 5
Follow Parks & Recreation on Facebook to stay up to date.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 4-8 p.m. | Tasty Treats at Area Businesses | Charter Bank Waukee Hardware Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe Old Station Craft Meats Heartland Co-op American Legion Burn Bootcamp Integrity Financial The Kee Kissed Peach The Social Hair & Co. Littleleaf Luncheonette |
| 5-8 p.m. | Food Trucks CANCELLED for 2025 | Downtown |
| 6 p.m. | WinterFest Tree Lighting with Santa & Mayor Clarke | Triangle Park |
| 6 p.m. | Free Soup (while supplies last) | Old Station Craft Meats Waukee Hardware Store Waukee Veterans Hall The Social Hair & Co. Heartland Co-op |
| 6:15 p.m. | Ice Sculptor | Community Center |
| 6:15-8 p.m. | Visit Santa | Community Center |
| 6:15-8 p.m. | Drop Donations for WayPoint Resources (info below) | Community Center |
| 6:15-8 p.m. | Winter Games and Activities | Walnut Street & 6th Street |
| 6:15-8 p.m. | S'mores Station | 6th Street |
| 6:15-8 p.m. | Caricature Artist | Kissed Peach |
| 6:15-8 p.m. | Mini Golf | Burn Bootcamp |
| 6:15-8 p.m. | Arts & Crafts sponsored by the Waukee Arts Council | Heartland Co-op |
| 6:15-8 p.m. | Grandpa Joe's Goodies and SandHill Ranch selling pies, brownies, sauces, jams, eggs, apples and more | Heartland Co-op |
| 6:30 p.m. | Snowball Drop sponsored by Charter Bank | Outside Charter Bank |
| 7 p.m. | Premiere Dance Studio Performance | Walnut Street & 6th Street |
Bringing Holiday Spirit to Neighbors in Need
It wouldn’t be a Waukee festival without an element of giving back to the community. Attendees can bring non-perishable food items, monetary donations or new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to those in need by WayPoint Resources, formerly called Waukee Area Christian Services. Donations can be dropped off during WinterFest at the Community Center or during the week before WinterFest at the Waukee Public Works Building (805 University Ave).
Most needed food items include:
- Sugar
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Refried Beans
Questions? Email Waukee Parks & Recreation Supervisor Danae Edwards or call 515-978-0007.
Get a sense of what to expect
We can't wait to enjoy some winter fun with you in the historic Downtown Triangle. Here's a little video of Waukee WinterFest 2024 to get you excited.