Christmas at Terrace Hill

The return of the cherished, annual tradition of Christmas at Terrace Hill. Governor Kim Reynolds and First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds invite Iowans and their families to join them for Christmas at Terrace Hill on Sunday, December 13, 2026 from 1:30-4:30 pm. Terrace Hill, the Iowa Governor’s Residence and National Historic Landmark, will be the charming location for a whole host of holiday fun. Guests will enjoy: • Photos with Santa Claus, reindeer, and the first family • Complimentary Christmas cookies prepared by the Terrace Hill Chef • Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee • Christmas carolers and piano playing • Take-home craft bags • Shopping from local food vendor JeffEPop • Scavenger hunt through the decorated historic home • Governor Reynolds' reading of No Company for Christmas (a holiday story about Terrace Hill written for the event) • Opportunity to purchase a published copy of No Company for Christmas • Actors in period costume will appear throughout the residence, in partnership with The Des Moines Playhouse A special area will be set up for a letter-writing station to send correspondence to deployed Iowa National Guard service members. The letters will be sent along with care packages to the deployed troops. Guests wanting to contribute to the care packages will be able to make a monetary donation or bring items from the approved donation list (see below). Tickets are $30 for a family four pack, $5 per additional child, and $10 per individual adult + processing fees. Tickets must be purchased in advance. This year there will be two timeslots for entry at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. You will select your preferred entry time at the time of your ticket purchase. Questions: Call our office at 515-281-7205. Proceeds from the event benefit the Terrace Hill Partnership, the non-profit organization that supports necessary conservation and restoration projects at Terrace Hill.