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Holiday Promenade

The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Historic East Village Neighborhood Association will spread holiday cheer throughout Downtown Des Moines (DSM) during the Holiday Promenade which will return to the Historic East Village for five Fridays in 2023. The 22nd annual Holiday Promenade will begin on Friday, Nov. 17 and continue each Friday through Dec. 15.

The Holiday Promenade is an exciting, free celebration full of holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. A number of activities will be scheduled throughout the five Fridays, including the inaugural tree lighting. During the Holiday Promenade dates, Historic East Village retailers, restaurants and attractions are encouraged to remain open until 9 p.m.

View Weekly Deals Holiday Promenade Map

Programming

**Trolley will run from 5 – 9 p.m. each Friday of Holiday Promenade. See map for stops.

Friday, Nov. 17
Music from the Roosevelt Marching Band
6 p.m.: Tree Lighting at Brenton Skating Plaza
6 – 8 p.m.: Visit Santa and Play Winter Games at Brenton Skating Plaza
6, 6:30 and 7 p.m.: Storytime with Mrs. Claus at Storyhouse Bookpub

Friday, Nov. 24
Window Judging Contest
5 – 8 p.m.: Play Winter Games at 148 E. Locust St.

Friday, Dec. 1
5 – 8 p.m.: Model Train Display and Crafts at The Des Moines Heritage Center
6 – 8 p.m.: Des Moines Low Brass Quintet "Betruken Messing” Near Salon Spa W
6 – 10 p.m.: Dome after Dark at the Botanical Garden

Friday, Dec. 8
5 – 8 p.m.: Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt throughout the Historic East Village
*Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at RAYGUN, complete the hunt and then return your finished sheet to RAYGUN to claim your prize!
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Music from the Roosevelt Marching Band
6 and 7 p.m.: Storytime with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who at Storyhouse Bookpub
6 – 8 p.m.: Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Caroling around the East Village
6 – 10 p.m.: Dome after Dark at the Botanical Garden

Friday, Dec. 15
5 – 7 p.m. Free Admission at Brenton Skating Plaza *Skate Rental not included.
6 and 7 p.m.: Storytime and music with Janet Casson at Gravitate
6 – 8 p.m.: JouJou play space at Gravitate
6: 15 – 8 p.m.: Visit Santa Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen
6 – 10 p.m.: Dome after Dark at the Botanical Garden

Stay tuned for more announcements about surprise and delight moments you don’t want to miss by following @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Parking Information

Free Parking in Walnut Creek Church Parking Lots (323 East Locust Street and 301 East Locust Street) on Nov. 17, 24. Dec. 1 and 15. Please note that lots will be closed Dec. 8 for a private event.