Optimize Your Time at the Holiday Promenade

We all have busy schedules, so fitting in ALL the fun of the Holiday Promenade can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — this guide will help you make the most of the next three Fridays, Dec. 6 through Dec. 20, 2024.

Start with Libations

Holiday Promenade Fridays kick off at 5 p.m., but why not get a head start? Arrive by 4:30 p.m. and enjoy a pre-event happy hour at one of the Historic East Village’s cozy bars. Sip on festive drinks at ‘85 Bar, savor cocktails at The Continental or explore the Cuba-inspired Holiday Cocktail Menu at Ceviche. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for a fun-filled evening!

End with a Feast

What could make a better ending to a great night of holiday shopping than a delicious meal. Book a reservation at one of the many incredible restaurants in the East Village. Enjoy elevated comfort food at Clyde’s Fine Diner, a farm to table feast at HoQ and Iowa-inspired dishes and brews at The Iowa Taproom. Or keep it casual and head over to Truman's KC Pizza Kitchen!

The Family Plan

There are so many fun things to do for families during Holiday Promenade!

• Dec. 6 is Scavenger Hunt night for all ages. The Botanical Artisan Guild from the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is providing ornaments for the Hide & Seek!
• Dec. 13 is Santa-rific! Enjoy crafts and a model train display at Santa’s Workshop in the Heritage Center, musical story time with Mrs. Claus at Raygun with Storyhouse Bookpub and meet Santa himself at Vibrant Coffee + Kitchen from 6 - 8 p.m.
• Dec. 20 is the Promenade Finale, with free admission to Brenton Skating Plaza, Grinch story time at Raygun with Storyhouse Bookpub, and at 8 p.m. look down Locust toward the Capitol to watch a Holiday Drone Show!

Strategic Shopping

One Night Only?

Maximize your time by visiting the Historic East Village website for store specials and a map of sponsors. Pair it with the trolley route to make your shopping spree seamless and productive.

Making It a Multi-Night Affair?

We love your enthusiasm! Here’s a plan:

• Night 1: Explore shops along Locust Street and south, pairing them with a nearby restaurant or bar. Some favorites include AllSpice Culinarium, Kitchen Collage, Owen Jewelry, Aimee, Janes DSM, Leona Ruby, Fleet Feet, MARNe, Molly’s Cupcakes, The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar, and Sticks Gallery.

• Night 2: Focus on the shops, bars, and restaurants around Grand Avenue. Don’t miss Marv’s (you can pick up a Promenade map there!), Amour, Fontenelle Supply Co., Cinnaholic, INDIE HOUSE, KIN DSM, and the one-of-a-kind Raccoon Forks Trading Co.
• Night 3: Tackle last-minute shopping and check off the final names on your gift list! There’s no wrong way to experience the Holiday Promenade. However you choose to celebrate, we can’t wait to see you in the Historic East Village this holiday season!

Download the Holiday Promenade map here.

Visit the Historic East Village Events webpage here.

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop local in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Support local businesses, creators and makers across the region. You can find ideas on where to shop using the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s #DSMlocal Guides and other regional business directories listed here. Don’t miss the Holiday Promenade each year, when you can skate at Brenton Skating Plaza, shop local businesses, see Santa and attend a downtown tree lighting!