Holiday Promenade
The 23rd Annual Holiday Promenade will take place each Friday from Nov. 22 – Dec. 20 in the Historic East Village. The Holiday Promenade is a festive, free celebration featuring holiday-themed activities, live entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. The schedule will feature special events such as the tree lighting ceremony. During the Holiday Promenade, East Village retailers, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to stay open until 9 p.m.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Historic East Village Neighborhood Association are excited to bring holiday cheer to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) for the 23rd year.
Register for volunteer opportunities here.
Programming
The trolley will run from 5 - 9 p.m. each Friday of Holiday Promenade.
Friday, Nov. 22
5 - 8 p.m.: Promenade Kickoff
The holiday season begins with a bang at the first night of the Holiday Promenade in Historic East Village! Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Brenton Skating Plaza at 6 p.m. followed by a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6 to 8 p.m. The Roosevelt Marching Band will set the tone at the tree lighting and continue providing festive music through the village. Stores will be open for holiday shopping.
- 5:30 – 8 p.m.: Roosevelt Marching Band at Brenton Skating Plaza and through Historic East Village
- 6 p.m.: Tree Lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza
- 6 – 8 p.m.: Santa & Mrs. Claus at Brenton Skating Plaza
Friday, Nov. 29
5 - 8 p.m.: Artist Window Decorating
Immerse yourself in holiday creativity during the second night of the Holiday Promenade! Local artists will transform storefronts into stunning holiday displays, making your shopping experience even more magical. Wander through the East Village to see these beautiful windows come to life.
Friday, Dec. 6
5 - 8 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt (Starting location TBD!)
Get ready for an evening of adventure with a fun-filled Scavenger Hunt on the third night of the Holiday Promenade! Search for elves on shelves (or other interesting spaces) throughout East Village shops and win festive prizes. While on the hunt, watch for Hide and Seek Ornaments by local artists hidden outside – finders keepers!
Friday, Dec. 13
5 - 8 p.m.: Santa's Workshop
Bring the family for a night of wonder at Santa’s Workshop! Enjoy crafts and a model train display at The Heritage Center from 5 – 8 p.m., while Mrs. Claus reads stories at Daisy Chain and Santa greets children at Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen from 6 – 8 p.m. Music from Betrunken Messing will add to the festive atmosphere.
- 5 - 8 p.m.: Crafts and Model Train at the Heritage Center
- 5 - 8 p.m.: Music - Betrunken Messing (Alcove near Salon Spa W)
- 6 - 8 p.m.: Story time with Mrs. Claus at Daisy Chain
- 6 - 8 p.m.: Santa at Vibrant Coffee + Kitchen
Friday, Dec. 20
5 - 8 p.m.: Promenade Finale
Celebrate the grand finale of the Holiday Promenade with an unforgettable night of free admission to Brenton Skating Plaza from 6 – 8 p.m. Gather at Gravitate for story time at 6 and 7 p.m., then explore East Village’s best bars and restaurants as you savor the final evening of the holiday celebration. Take in all the last-minute holiday cheer!
- 5 - 8 p.m.: Free Admission to Skate at Brenton Skating Plaza
- 6 and 7 p.m.: Story time at Gravitate
- Holiday Drone Show (Viewing location and time TBD!)
Please note, all activities are weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change.
2024 Sponsors
Contact Information
Event and Entertainment Inquiries
Amelia Klatt | Director of Events
Greater Des Moines Partnership
(515) 286-4917
aklatt@downtownDSMUSA.com
Sponsorship Inquiries
Kathryn Smith | Director of Community Engagement
Greater Des Moines Partnership
(515) 286-4914
ksmith@DSMpartnership.com
Media Inquiries
Kyle Oppenhuizen | Vice President of Communications
Greater Des Moines Partnership
(515) 286-4972
koppenhuizen@DSMpartnership.com