Explore live entertainment and all the excitement of the holidays at Your Favorite Place To Play. From holiday dining and relaxing hotel stays, to casino action and special promotions, Prairie Meadows has a full line-up of fun planned this month.
AJ’S STEAKHOUSE
Experience Fine Dining, Exceptional Service, And An Elegant Ambiance
Savor an unforgettable meal at AJ’s Steakhouse in Altoona, where the inviting atmosphere sets the evening for a truly special dining experience. Enjoy perfectly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, signature pasta creations, and an irresistible selection of house-made desserts. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion with AJ’s private dining, or simply enjoying a night out, AJ’s Steakhouse is a favorite tradition.
Reservations are recommended. AJ’s Steakhouse is open* Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays 4pm-9pm and Fridays & Saturdays 4pm-10pm. Call 515.957.3535 to make your reservations or book online. *Please note holiday hours on select days.
Celebrate Christmas With A Festive Dining Experience
Gather with friends and family and celebrate Christmas at AJ’s Steakhouse on Thursday, December 25. Enjoy a special fixed price menu featuring holiday favorites with delicious options to choose from including a starter, Chef’s feature, and a sweet grand finale from 11am – 8pm. Reserve your table today! Call 515.957.3535 to make your reservations or book online.
Countdown to 2026 And Enjoy A Memorable Meal
Start your New Year’s celebration with dinner at AJ’s Steakhouse. Begin your evening with a champaign toast and choose from our special menu of perfectly prepared options. Indulge in Mini Crab Cakes, Steak Au Poivre, Chilean Sea Bass, and Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, to name a few of our special features!
Reservations are strongly encouraged. AJ’s Steakhouse is open on Wednesday, December 31 from 4pm to 11pm. Call 515.957.3535 to make your reservations or book online.
CAFÉ AT THE MEADOWS
Enjoy the flavors of an Iowa favorite at Café at the Meadows, where tradition meets taste. Treat yourself to a classic burger or a perfectly prepared tenderloin, and complete your meal with one of our thick, hand-spun shakes or delicious malts. Café at the Meadows is located near the hotel.
Christmas Special Feature at Café at the Meadows
A delicious Christmas special will be served on Thursday, December 25 from 10:30am – 8pm. Don’t miss their traditional turkey dinner for $19. Enjoy slow-roasted turkey and glazed ham with house salad, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, broccoli, dinner roll, and served with pecan pie & vanilla ice cream. The Café at the Meadows is open on December 25 from 7am – 8pm.
Be sure to also try their weekly $13 lunch specials, available Monday through Friday.
The Café at the Meadows is open* Friday – Tuesday, 7am – 8pm, Wednesday and Thursday, 7am – 2pm. *Please note holiday hours on select days.
FINISH LINE SHOW LOUNGE ENTERTAINMENT AND TRIBUTE ACTS
Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, and Hotel have an exciting year-round schedule of live music and weekly performances. At the Finish Line Show Lounge, guests can enjoy live entertainment every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, showcasing talented local musicians and popular tribute bands from around the country. With a variety of genres including rock, country, pop favorites, and timeless classics, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy. Surrounded by the vibrant energy of the casino, each show delivers an unforgettable night of high-energy entertainment.
Whether you’re planning a night out or visiting the Des Moines area, Prairie Meadows is central Iowa’s go-to destination for live music and unforgettable entertainment. View the full entertainment schedule here.
SAVE THE DATE: POPULAR TRIBUTE SHOWS AT YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY!
- Young Elvis Tribute: Leo Days
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Tickets On Sale Now - Everly Brothers Tribute: Everly Brothers
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Tickets On Sale Friday, December 12
All shows are 21+ and held in the Finish Line Show Lounge. Tickets will be on sale through MIDWESTIX, and in the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop, while supplies last.
PRAIRIE MEADOWS GIFT SHOP
Discover a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at the Prairie Meadows Gift Shop, conveniently located near the main casino entrance. The shop features an assortment of distinctive gifts, fashionable accessories, and on-trend items. Explore a variety of high-quality products, including apparel, HOBO leather handbags, Oakley and Ray-Ban sunglasses, and designer fragrances. You’ll also find stylish stationery, seasonal home décor, statement jewelry, Black Clover hats, tasty snacks, and thoughtful gifts for any occasion. Prairie Meadows Gift Shop is open Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 8pm, and Friday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm.
PRAIRIE MEADOWS GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of fun with a Prairie Meadows gift card! Make your gift-giving easy for everyone on your list this holiday season. Simply purchase online and enjoy all the extra time you saved on shopping with friends and family!
PRAIRIE MEADOWS HOTEL
Enjoy a relaxing stay filled with entertainment this month at Prairie Meadows Hotel. Unwind in spacious, well-appointed guest rooms, enjoy attentive service, and take advantage of upscale amenities that make every visit memorable.
The casino offers nonstop excitement with a wide variety of slot machines, table games, and special promotions. Guests can also choose from several on-site dining options, each serving flavorful dishes to satisfy every craving. Experience live music and energetic performances in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, business trip, or spontaneous getaway, Prairie Meadows has something for every traveler. Book your stay and see why it’s a favorite destination in the Midwest.
TOYS FOR TOTS AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS – HELP TO MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT FOR LOCAL CHILDREN
Prairie Meadows is proud to support Toys for Tots by collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children newborn to 14. Donations will be accepted through Tuesday, December 16, with collection boxes located throughout Prairie Meadows, including the Main Casino Entrance, The Meadows Events Center Entrance, and the Hotel Entrance. Please note that stuffed animals and blankets cannot be accepted. Join Prairie Meadows in helping make the holiday season brighter for children in the community through Toys for Tots.
COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW YEAR AT YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY DECEMBER 26 – JANUARY 1, 2026
Join the countdown to the New Year at Prairie Meadows! You will find excitement and a wide variety of fun to explore each day December 26 – January 1, with a full line up of action to discover. Celebrate with live music, non-stop casino gaming, exciting promotions, delicious dining, and more, at central Iowa’s premier entertainment destination! To view the schedule of events, tap here for details!
