- Event Overview
About
Des Moines, IA
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawls
Des Moines’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl brings Iowa’s capital city bar culture and Midwestern holiday spirit to the holiday sweater tradition. The East Village and Court Avenue bar districts are the heart of Des Moines nightlife and on ugly sweater night the combination of Iowa capital energy, the growing Des Moines creative community, and the excellent bar scene creates a holiday celebration that reflects the genuine warmth and quality of life that makes Iowa’s capital one of the most livable cities in America.
Our Des Moines route moves through East Village and Court Avenue, stopping at venues that represent the full quality of what Des Moines’s bar scene has become. The ugly sweater competition in Des Moines draws on the creative energy of a Midwest capital city that has been named one of the best places to live in America and the entries reflect the genuine warmth, community spirit, and quiet creativity of Iowa.
December in Des Moines is cold, typically ranging from 18 to 28 degrees at night, with the Iowa winter fully established. The East Village and Court Avenue holiday decorations are beautiful and the walk between venues in this charming mid-sized capital city has the community warmth that is genuinely unique to Iowa.
Our hosts manage the Des Moines route with local knowledge. Specials are confirmed, wristbands handle entry at every stop, and the ugly sweater contest brings Iowa capital creativity to the holiday season.
Event Detalis
Everything you need to know about the Des Moines Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.
VIP Wristband
Largest Pub Crawl Event
Top Des Moines Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
40,000+ Attendees
Thousands join the annual Des Moines Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
100+ Participating Bars
Organized Event
- What's Included
What You Get With a Pub Crawl Ticket
Pub crawls for the biggest party holidays. Choose your event and join the party in 100+ cities across the USA.
Ugly Sweater Contest
The most outrageous sweater wins a prize. Wear your best worst holiday creation.
Welcome Drink at Check-In
Included with your ticket.
Drink Specials at Every Stop
Exclusive holiday pricing throughout the route.
Official 2025 Wristband
One wristband for every venue on the crawl.
On-Site Hosts
Our team manages the route and the sweater competition.
VIP Entry at Select Venues
Priority access at participating bars.
Holiday Party Gear
Festive accessories at check-in.
Pub Crawl Route
The crawl covers the best bars in the city’s top bar neighborhood.
Participating Venues on the Pub Crawl Route
The 2026 Des Moines Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl route runs through State Street / Capitol Square. All stops within walking distance. Full lineup sent to ticket holders before the event.
How the Pub Crawl Works
Four simple steps to join the Des Moines Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and start bar hopping.
Purchase at pubcrawls.com.
7:00 PM. Address with ticket confirmation.
Welcome drink, wristband, holiday gear. Route starts at 7:30 PM.
Hosts guide the group through venues all evening.
Event Agendas
Your complete Des Moines Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl timeline from check-in to after-party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Des Moines Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.
Where does the crawl start?
Des Moines IA. Exact address with ticket purchase.
What is the weather like?
Des Moines IA in December averages 18 to 28 degrees at night. Cold Iowa winter. Full winter gear.
Is there a dress code?
Ugly sweaters are the theme. The more outrageous the better.
What is included?
Welcome drink, wristband, drink specials, holiday gear, ugly sweater contest.
Group bookings?
Ten or more get priority entry. Contact pubcrawls.com.
Age requirement?
21 and over with valid ID.
Can I buy at the door?
Subject to availability. Buy in advance.
Is the event walkable?
Yes. All venues are within walking distance on the route.
