The Peppermint Trail Returns with Holiday Specials and a Trolley

The holidays are right around the corner, and I can’t think of a better place to celebrate than right in your neighborhood! Shopping and dining locally are great ways to support local businesses while getting in the spirit of the season.

I invite you to embark on a peppermint-themed journey along The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and Roosevelt Cultural District for a full day of holiday cheer on Saturday, Dec. 9. With something for everyone, this event is the perfect way to have some festive fun.

 

What is The Peppermint Trail?

The Peppermint Trail was a new holiday event for The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand and Roosevelt Cultural District last year, and we are so excited to bring it back again this year in celebration of our local retail and dining destinations.

More than 50 businesses have signed up to be a stop on The Peppermint Trail, each with special offerings during their business hours so that customers can join in on the fun throughout the day and evening. Specials range from holiday cocktails to in-store discounts and peppermint-flavored desserts to free samples. Many stops along The Peppermint Trail are also offering complimentary treats and drinks for shoppers.

You can check out all of the participating businesses and special offerings on The Peppermint Trail website.

Holiday Activities + Entertainment

Aside from shopping and dining, there are a handful of other family-friendly activities happening along The Peppermint Trail during the daytime hours. Don’t miss:

• Visits from Santa Claus (10 a.m. – 2 p.m. along Ingersoll Avenue)
• Carolers from Roosevelt High School and Greenwood Elementary (10 a.m. – Noon in various locations around both districts)
• Gingerbread House Decorating Contest Voting (10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Crème, 543 28th St.)
• Toys for Tots Collection (10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 28th & Ingersoll)
• ‘Peppermint Tale’ Short Story Walk (all day near 2300 Ingersoll)
• Window Displays at local businesses (all day in both districts)

A highlight of The Peppermint Trail is the creativity and generosity we see from local businesses in the districts. Aside from merchandise and dining deals, some businesses are offering special hours and activities, including craft stations for kids, cookie decorating, donation locations, pop-up markets and photo opportunities!

However, my favorite part of The Peppermint Trail is seeing the incredible collaborations that are fostered between local businesses and community organizations. One example is the Kari Taylor State Farm: The insurance office is partnering with the Community Access Program staff at the Des Moines Art Center to host craft station and necessities drive for Families Forward, a nonprofit in our neighborhood that provides emergency shelter, life-changing services and assistance to families who are experiencing homelessness. Stop by 554 28th Street between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to do a holiday craft and give back to those in need. Now that’s what the season of giving is all about.

See a full list of holiday activities & entertainment: theavenuesdsm.com/peppermint-trail.

New This Year — a Trolley!

This year, a trolley will be transporting attendees between both districts! Nostalgia and the holidays go hand-in-hand, so we’re excited to have a passenger trolley traveling up and down Ingersoll Avenue for this special event.

The “Bee-Merry-Line,” sponsored by Beeline & Blue, will travel on a loop from Noon – 4 p.m. with multiple stops along The Peppermint Trail. Use the trolley to travel between shops or just take a ride to enjoy the scenery. The trolley is free and will be playing holiday tunes for passengers to enjoy during their ride.

Join Us on Saturday, Dec. 9!

Get ready for a day of sweet treats, heartwarming traditions and community spirit. Make sure to mark your calendar for this not-to-be-missed holiday event!

When you’re in the district, don’t forget to visit The Avenues booth (28th & Ingersoll) for more information or to get your hands on a printed map listing all of the stops on The Peppermint Trail. We can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with our local business community and neighbors!

Learn more: theavenuesdsm.com/peppermint-trail

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.