Monday, December 1, 2025 - Wednesday, December 24, 2025
The Festival of Giving Trees is BACK! Upper Des Moines has teamed up with the Great Lakes Mall to collect non-perishable items this year. What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a little giving?The Festival of Giving Trees will be held in the Great Lakes Mall,
December 1st - December 24th.
Local businesses "sponsor" trees by decorating them with items Upper Des Moines needs. Each tree has a theme and can be decorated to match that theme, such as a Canned Fruit Tree or an Instant Potato Tree.
We will pick two winners. One winner for having the most creative tree. One winner for receiving the most donations under their tree. Both winners will receive $200 for their choice of Charity.
Below is the list of themes.
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Soup
- Canned Vegetables
- Microwaveable Meals
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Pasta Noodles & Sauce
- Cereal
- Instant Potatoes
- Pancake Mix & Syrup
- Granola Bars
- Rice Meals
- Snacks: crackers, granola bars, popcorn
- Shelf-stable Drinks: Juice, Powdered Milk, Teas
- Canned Meats: Spam, Tuna, Chicken, Roast Beef
- Condiments
If you would like to sponsor a tree this year, please email Kimberly at spiritlakesilverandgold@hotmail.com or call
(712) 336-5405 to reserve your spot!
Please have trees decorated before November 30th, as voting starts on December 1st. Reminder, we supply the lights and the trees.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Annual 'Gingerbread' House Making Event! Join us at the library Thursday, December 4th, for one of our favorite holiday traditions — 'Gingerbread' House Making!
Drop in anytime between 3:30 and 5:30 PM to create your own sweet masterpiece.
We’ll provide graham crackers, frosting, and a variety of fun edible building supplies. Bring your imagination and if able a building supply to share! 
Donations of unopened edible building supplies are always appreciated and help make the event even more magical for everyone.
Bring your family, get creative, and enjoy some festive fun at the library!
Call or stop by the library with any questions.Many thanks to the Friends of the Library who make these fun events happen!
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Please join us at the auction! Shop for Christmas while enjoying food and fellowship. All proceeds go to help ATLAS support clients in the area with a hand UP not OUT! Saturday, December 13, 2025
Join us in Downtown Spirit Lake for a day of Holiday Magic! Our amazing members will have many fun holiday activities. Santa will be at Allure & Co for photos. More details coming soon! The full list will be published in November.