Dome for the Holidays
Igloo Experience
A Top Holiday Event In Des Moines
DOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS IGLOOS SOLD OUT FOR 2025 SEASON
Cozy up for an unforgettable evening with our new Igloo Experience.
If you like to sip hot cocoa, munch tasty cookies, then book one of our private Igloos to make new cherished memories. All in all, being nestled in the glistening glow of our starlit terrace is something not easily replicated. Because nothing’s better than a holiday display under the stars.
Expect something wonderful
During your reservation, you and up to 5 other guests of any age enjoy concession service from Flora and admission to Dome for the Holidays. Find Menu here. Moreover, this is a festive opportunity to celebrate with family and friends in a unique, new way. Since the holidays are a time to get closer with those you love.
Always good to know
- Please check ticketing link for the full list of available dates and times.
- Guests are not required to stay in their Igloos during their entire reservation.
- Both heater and blankets provided to add extra warmth to your evening.
- Since these are popular, book early.
- Also, individuals included under the reservation get access to enjoy Dome for the Holidays before or after their Igloo Experience.*5:15pm guests are encouraged to tour the event after their reservations and 7pm guests are encouraged to tour before.
Reservations NOT available on these days:
- Thanksgiving – Nov 27
- Christmas Eve – Dec 24
- Christmas – Dec 25
- New Year’s Day – Jan 1
Event Details
Please check for more info on Dome for the Holidays around Sept 2026.
Supported by:
Thank you to all the volunteers who help make this happen.
FAQs: Know Before You Glow
What you can expect
Igloo Experiences take place outdoors in one of our private, PVC-structured geodesic domes. Experiences last 90 minutes for up to six guests. Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies included from Flora for everyone in your party. Also, there is an option to order from a selection of beverages and seasonal items through concession service from Flora. *Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. Menu may vary.
Where are igloos located?
The igloos are situated on our outdoor terrace, a short walk from our conservatory doors. While the igloos are heated, they can be cold, so dress for the weather. Blankets provided, but feel free to bring extras. Please note the extent of our outdoors gardens will be closed during Dome for the Holidays, other than the area where the igloos are located. As such, you will be the only guests allowed outside during the event and must remain within the designated areas of the event. Lastly, restrooms can be accessed in the Evergreen Gallery or near the main lobby.
Enjoy Dome for the Holidays
Each person in your party gets access to enjoy Dome for the Holidays before or after your reservation. Guests with 5:15pm reservations are encouraged to tour the event after their reservation, and 7pm guests are encouraged to tour before. You have 90 minutes in the igloo from the start of your reservation. Your experience begins at your reservation time. Given that, if you arrive late, you are not allowed extra time in the igloo. Dome for the Holidays features an illuminated light display throughout the tropical conservatory and Gardeners Show House. Most guests spend approximately 45-70-minutes enjoying it.
How much do Igloo Experiences cost?
$150 for members and $165 for nonmembers.
Botanical Garden members receive a $15 discount on igloo reservations. Because of this, Members and Garden Giving Club donors must sign in online during check out to apply their discount.
How do I reserve an Igloo Experience?
Reservations must be purchased online or over the phone to confirm availability. Please call 515.323.6290. Finally, all reservations are purchased in advance; no reservations will be sold at the door.
How do I reserve an Igloo Experience?
Reservations should be purchased online or over the phone to confirm availability. Please call 515.323.6290. Finally, all reservations must be purchased in advance; no reservations will be sold at the door.
Can I come early to walk around the Gardens?
Doors open for Dome for the Holidays promptly at 5pm. Please do not arrive before then as we are preparing for the event during this time.
When do I come?
Timed tickets must be purchased in advance, by selecting a 30-minute window to help reduce crowding. The specified date and time on your ticket is your entry time for Dome for the Holidays. You may arrive anytime during this 30-minute window and can stay as long as you like until Dome for the Holidays closes at 9 pm.
You’re sold out online for the time I want to come – can I come anyway?
No; tickets must be purchased in advance, and you are unable to buy tickets onsite. Non-ticketholders are turned away.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
All tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets sold at the door. Please select a 30-minute entry window to help reduce crowding and increase your visitor experience. Visitors spend approximately 45-70 minutes at this event. The last entry time available is 8 pm. Dome for the Holidays closes at 9 pm.
What should I bring with me?
Have your pre-purchased timed-tickets printed or easily accessible on your mobile device OPEN and eady to scan! Be sure to dress for OUR weather – while it may be cold and snowy outside, once you step inside, be prepared to shed some layers and warm up in the tropical oasis. Coat racks are available onsite. The Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
May I bring my own food/drink to the Garden?
Outside food is not permitted. Concessions and light snacks are available to purchase from Flora and in the Garden Shop.
How about strollers and wagons?
Wagons not allowed at the event. They can be tough to maneuver through crowds and become an obstacle to other visitors. You are welcome to bring strollers, but please note some of our paths are narrow and during busy times can be difficult to navigate. Finally, please consider leaving double-wide strollers at home or in the car.
What if a night of Dome for the Holidays is cancelled?
We post on our website and our social media pages on the day of the event if we need to close because of weather. In addition, we may also be included on local news closure lists. And, if you purchased tickets for a night we close, we contact you at the email address used during checkout with news of the closure.
What sort of dining experience do you have at Dome for the Holidays?
We have two great options to choose from! Our Igloo Experience and Friday Evening Dinners from Flora.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Dinner reservations at Flora are non-refundable.
Can I come early to walk around the Gardens?
Doors open for Dome for the Holidays promptly at 5pm. Please do not arrive before 5pm as we are preparing for the event during this time.
How do I get to Flora at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden?
Access to the Botanical Garden directly from University Avenue is closed. To access the Botanical Garden from University Avenue, please take Pennsylvania Avenue south to Des Moines Street, turn right on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive. Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive and the Botanical Garden is on the right after you go under the I-235 bridge. Flora is accessible by entering through the doors to the left of the main conservatory entrance.
How do I get to Dome for the Holidays at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden?
Access to the Botanical Garden directly from University Avenue is closed. To access the Botanical Garden from University Avenue, please take Pennsylvania Avenue south to Des Moines Street, turn right on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive. Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive and the Botanical Garden is on the right after you go under the I-235 bridge.
Where should we park?
A limited number of parking spots are available onsite and are free. Parking fills up quickly, so attendees are encouraged to carpool or rideshare to this event to ease parking congestion. Finally, overflow parking is available along Robert D. Ray Drive.
Are you open on holidays?
We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Please see the purchase link for our full list of available dates.
Do I qualify for free access?
Either with Museums for All, Adventure Pass, Community or Reciprocal membership, or free/BOGO pass? Dome for the Holidays is a special event outside of the Botanical Garden’s regular admission hours and thus requires a pre-purchased timed ticket for entry. Therefore, the above regular admission-based programs do not apply for free access to Dome for the Holidays.
Can I use the free passes or reciprocal garden memberships for Dome for the Holidays?
No, Dome for the Holidays is a special event outside of the Garden’s regular operating hours. Free passes and reciprocal memberships may not be used for any special events outside of regular hours.
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