A Hallmark-Style Holiday in Grinnell

Looking to experience that Hallmark-style celebration this holiday season? Head down the road to Grinnell on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 to experience Jingle Bell Holiday and celebrate both the beauty of holiday decorations and the community spirit of volunteers and small business owners banding together to celebrate the season.

Jingle Bell Holiday Events

As Grinnell’s kickoff to the holiday shopping season, Jingle Bell Holiday invites locals and visitors to celebrate all things Grinnell. A group of dedicated volunteers is in the process of transforming Grinnell’s Central Park to a lighted winter wonderland, featuring numerous photo opportunities, handcrafted nutcrackers, lighted arches and more. These decorations celebrate the joy of the holiday season and stay up through Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Festivities on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 kick off in Central Park at 5:15 p.m. with local dance schools, Michelle’s Dance Academy and Steppin’ Out Dance Studio, performing holiday favorites and the countdown lighting of all the decorations. DJ Cox will provide the official soundtrack to the event and will keep the holiday tunes spinning through the evening.

Following the lighting in Central Park, take a short walk to the heart of Grinnell’s business district and explore more than 30 different businesses and organizations celebrating the evening. Enjoy snacks and beverages while perusing this season's latest decorations and gifts at Beckman Gallery & Gifts, Loralei’s Giftshoppe, Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore and Suzi’s Boutique. Then head to the Grinnell Area Arts Council to shop the Local Artist Market and hear from Too Many String Band. Santa will be greeting children at Grinnell State Bank from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and photos from Cory Hall Photography will be available for purchase. Carolers and other musical performances will take place around various businesses downtown providing a soundtrack to the evening. When you’re ready to take a break, enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides around downtown. Visit the Grinnell Chamber’s website to see a full list of participating businesses and activities. This is a unique opportunity to support locally owned, small businesses AND kickoff your holiday celebrations.

In addition to all the retail shopping available, Grinnell’s Winter Farmers’ Market will be open at 914 Main Street from 5 – 8 p.m. with nearly 20 vendors selling Iowa-made products. They’ll have locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, handmade jewelry, dried florals, candles, personal care items, locally roasted coffee beans, beautifully handcrafted gifts and more available for purchase. If you don’t make it Friday night, the Winter Farmers’ Market will be open Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 from 10 a.m. – Noon. Extended retail shopping hours will take place the first week of December, with additional carriage rides happening Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 from 5 – 7 p.m. and the Winter Farmers’ Market will be held Dec 6 – 7, 2024. You can find more details about participating market vendors and market information here.

Make a night of it and enjoy dinner downtown at Pagliai’s Pizza or Prairie Canary and book a room at Hotel Grinnell so you can explore Grinnell at its peak this holiday season.

Jingle Bell Holiday is organized by the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce and is supported by UnityPoint Health – Grinnell, Mahaska Communication Group, Dari Barn, Grinnell College, Grinnell Mutual, Total Choice Shipping & Printing, Community 1st Credit Union, Grinnell Firestone, Luther Floor Covering 236 Inc, DJ Cox and Aircut Studio.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.

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!