Greater Des Moines Neighborhoods Packed with Holiday Shopping

Be efficient and shop local at the same time — stop by these neighborhoods and towns in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and hit up several shops at once and pick up gifts for everyone on your list. These areas all have numerous shopping options, all within walking distance or a straightforward, quick drive of each other. From teachers to in-laws, Secret Santas to your best friends, your gift-giving just got easier.

Shopping Districts and Neighborhoods in Greater Des Moines

Uptown Ankeny -

“The vibrant neighborhood where Ankeny was born” is brimming with holiday spirit. Shops like Real Deals, Fuzed Jewelry, XOXO Gift and Home and Funky Zebras offer a variety of gifts. Pick up a gift card for your foodies at spots like Sweet Swirls, Gladdies Bake Shop, West Forty Market, Firetrucker Brewery or Porch Light Coffee House. Make it a point to stop by Uptown Ankeny at nighttime for Winter Wonderlights, which features more than 50 animated lighting displays. Take it in by foot, bike or vehicle, now through Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.

Highland Park

Park your car along Euclid or 6th Avenue and walk the blocks of the charming historic Highland Park where you’ll find shops packed with vintage wares, thoughtful gifts, sustainable good, books and more. The best time to go? On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 during the Highland Park Holiday Shop Hop. Fill up your Shop Hop passport and do some good too – businesses will be accepting donations for Des Moines Mutual Aid and supporting houseless neighbors.

 

Historic Valley Junction

Start at one end of Valley Junction and traverse to the other end and see how many items on your shopping list you can check off. Find thoughtful gifts at Momere and Happy DSM, chic plus sized clothing at Harlow + James, uniquely DSM and Iowa finds at BOZZ Prints and culinary delights at The Spice and Tea Exchange. Give an experience with a gift card to Five Monkeys Inc., a ceramic painting shop, or the Candle Bar, a candle making studio. Make your stop during Jingle in the Junction on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 and Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 and shop and celebrate under more than 100,000 holiday lights.

Indianola Downtown Main Street

Want to feel like you’re in a holiday movie? Head to Indianola and shop in the Main Street district. Pick up hair care products at Copper + Fringe. Shop Lula Belle and The Little Shed on Salem for boutique clothing. Stop by Roots, Adorn and Feed & Foster for curated gifts. Pageturners Bookstore is a must-shop spot for any bibliophiles on your list.

Downtown Pella District

Another spot that feels like it’s straight out of a holiday movie, but with a European twist? You’ll find it in Downtown Pella, which is rooted in Dutch culture, which is reflected in the architecture and design of the Downtown District. Places like The Curiosity Shop, Simple Treasures and thistles offer one-of-a-kind gifts. Shop for the fashionista on your list at Adorn Clothing Co., emBellish or Franklin St. Clothing.

Cumming

While this destination takes just a bit of driving, navigating is easy and traffic is light. Start at Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch for dried florals, seasonal decor and more. Take a short drive to Wilson’s Orchard & Farm for food- and Iowa-centric gifts and then keep heading east to Middlebrook Mercantile for a curated selection of wines, cheeses and other foods. Complete your jaunt at the Ted Lare Garden and pick up something for the green thumb in your life.

Celebrate Throughout Greater Des Moines

Now is the time to shop, celebrate and support local. Check out all things DSM Local for your gift giving and holiday festivities.