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Holiday Promenade

The 23rd Annual Holiday Promenade will take place each Friday from Nov. 22 – Dec. 20 in the Historic East Village. The Holiday Promenade is a festive, free celebration featuring holiday-themed activities, live entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. The schedule will feature special events such as the tree lighting ceremony. During the Holiday Promenade, East Village retailers, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to stay open until 9 p.m.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Historic East Village Neighborhood Association are excited to bring holiday cheer to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) for the 23rd year.

Download the Holiday Promenade map here.

Programming

The trolley will run from 5 - 9 p.m. each Friday of Holiday Promenade.

Friday, Nov. 22

5 - 8 p.m.: Promenade Kickoff

The holiday season begins with a bang at the first night of the Holiday Promenade in Historic East Village! Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Brenton Skating Plaza at 6 p.m. followed by a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6 to 8 p.m. The Roosevelt Marching Band will set the tone at the tree lighting and continue providing festive music through the village. Stores will be open for holiday shopping.

5:30 – 8 p.m.: Roosevelt Marching Band at Brenton Skating Plaza and through Historic East Village
6 p.m.: Tree Lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza
6 – 8 p.m.: Santa & Mrs. Claus at Brenton Skating Plaza

Friday, Nov. 29

5 - 8 p.m.: Artist Window Decorating

Immerse yourself in holiday creativity during the second night of the Holiday Promenade! Local artists will transform storefronts into stunning holiday displays, making your shopping experience even more magical. Wander through the East Village to see these beautiful windows come to life.

Friday, Dec. 6

5 - 8 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt Starting at Leona Ruby

Get ready for an evening of adventure with a fun-filled Scavenger Hunt on the third night of the Holiday Promenade! Search for elves on shelves (or other interesting spaces) throughout East Village shops and win festive prizes. While on the hunt, watch for Hide and Seek Ornaments by local artists hidden outside – finders keepers!

Friday, Dec. 13

5 - 8 p.m.: Santa's Workshop

Bring the family for a night of wonder at Santa’s Workshop! Enjoy crafts and a model train display at The Heritage Center from 5 – 8 p.m., while Mrs. Claus reads stories at Daisy Chain and Santa greets children at Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen from 6 – 8 p.m. Music from Betrunken Messing will add to the festive atmosphere.

5 - 8 p.m.: Crafts and Model Train at the Heritage Center
5 - 8 p.m.: Music - Betrunken Messing (Alcove near Salon Spa W)
6 and 6:30 p.m.: Musical story time with Mrs. Claus at Raygun with Storyhouse Bookpub
6 - 8 p.m.: Santa at Vibrant Coffee + Kitchen

Friday, Dec. 20

5 - 8 p.m.: Promenade Finale

Celebrate the grand finale of the Holiday Promenade with an unforgettable night of free admission to Brenton Skating Plaza from 6 – 8 p.m. Gather at Raygun for story time at 6 and 6:30 p.m., then explore East Village’s best bars and restaurants as you savor the final evening of the holiday celebration. Take in all the last-minute holiday cheer!

5 - 8 p.m.: Free Admission to Skate at Brenton Skating Plaza
6 and 6:30 p.m.: Musical Grinch story time at Raygun with Storyhouse Bookpub
8 p.m.: Holiday Drone Show (viewed by Capitol)

Please note, all activities are weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change.

2024 Presenting Sponsors

Retail Sponsors

Contact Information

Event and Entertainment Inquiries

Amelia Klatt | Director of Events
Greater Des Moines Partnership
(515) 286-4917
aklatt@downtownDSMUSA.com

Sponsorship Inquiries

Kathryn Smith | Director of Community Engagement
Greater Des Moines Partnership
(515) 286-4914
ksmith@DSMpartnership.com

Media Inquiries

Kyle Oppenhuizen | Vice President of Communications
Greater Des Moines Partnership
(515) 286-4972
koppenhuizen@DSMpartnership.com