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Holiday Promenade

The Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village has been delighting Greater Des Moines (DSM) residents for 17 years. Held annually on the weekend before Thanksgiving, The Promenade serves as an unofficial kickoff to holiday shopping, festivities and merriment.

Programming | Promenade Playlist | Treats & Deals | Volunteer Opportunities

Dozens of small business retailers, restaurants, bakeries, breweries, nonprofit organizations and attractions, including Brenton Skating Plaza, come together to produce deals within their shops. The neighborhood is lit up with twinkle lights and is filled with carolers, dancers, musicians and horse-drawn trolley rides. Friday night features a special tree lighting and fireworks display while Saturday afternoon focuses on shopping and children's activities. Weekend-long activities include visits with Santa Claus, ice carving demonstrations, horse and trolley rides, carolers and special promotions in various shops.

Date & Hours

Friday, Nov. 22, 2019

5 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 22, 2019

5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides at the Historical Building on E. Locust St.
5:30 p.m. | Ballet Des Moines at LifeServe Blood Center
5:40 p.m. | Wagner Theatre Choir at Brenton Skating Plaza
6 p.m. | Tap Dancers on the Corner of E. 5th St. and E. Locust St.
6 – 7 p.m. | Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa at Brenton Skating Plaza
6 – 8 p.m. | Chocolate Milk Station (Complimentary) Provided by AE Dairy on E. Grand Ave. and E. 2nd St.
6:30 p.m. | Ice Carving Demonstration at Brenton Skating Plaza
6:30 p.m. | Ballet Des Moines at LifeServe Blood Center
6:45 p.m. | Des Moines Figure Skating Performance at Brenton Skating Plaza
7:15 – 8:15 p.m. | Santa at LifeServe Blood Center
9 p.m. | Fireworks Sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company (Launched from the Walnut Street Bridge)

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Santa in the East Village Businesses
Noon – 3 p.m. | Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides at the Historical Building on E. Locust St.
Noon – 3 p.m. | Girls Rock! Des Moines Caroling around the East Village Businesses
Noon | Tap Dancers on the corner of E. 5th St. and E. Locust St.
12:30 p.m. | East High School Bell Choir on E. Locust St. Adjacent from E. 3rd St.
1 – 3 p.m. | Chocolate Milk Station (Complimentary) Provided by AE Dairy on E. Grand Ave. and E. 2nd St.
3 – 5 p.m. | Top Hat Carolers Strolling Around the East Village

Spread Holiday Cheer!

The more, the merrier! Download the Holiday Promenade poster to invite your co-workers, customers, anyone and everyone — team breakrooms, calendars and bulletins and store front windows, let's get in the spirit!