New Festive Initiative Will Help Downtown DSM Businesses Shine

Are you a Downtown Des Moines (DSM) business owner looking for an excuse to go all out this holiday season?

If so, 2025 is your year! Mayor Connie Boesen and the City of Des Moines are encouraging local business owners to decorate storefronts and properties to help spread cheer throughout the community.

Why Participate?

Aside from the fun of it, there are so many reasons to participate in the 2025 Downtown Winter Holiday Spirit Initiative. This is your chance to be creative and help shoppers experience your business in a way they never have before! Here are four reasons not to miss out:

• Enhance the Holiday Experience: Beautiful decorations will create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere that encourages people to visit, shop and dine locally during the holiday season. 
• Attract More Foot Traffic: A visually festive downtown draws in both residents and visitors looking to experience the magic of the season, creating more opportunities for businesses to engage new customers. 
• Community Pride: A unified, decorated downtown is a source of pride and excitement for everyone in our area. It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the collective holiday spirit! 
• Trolley Tours Add to the Fun: Trolleys will circle through the Historic East Village and Downtown DSM, extending to the Western Gateway neighborhood for the first time ever! Experience the festive fun of a trolley tour from 5 – 9 p.m. each Friday of the Holiday Promenade, not to mention holiday offerings from restaurants, bars and attractions throughout the Downtown DSM area. 

How to Participate

It's not hard to take part in the 2025 Downtown Winter Holiday Spirit event. We've outlined everything you need to know to get the job done in time to celebrate the season:

• Decorate Your Property: Get creative and design your holiday decorations! Whether it’s lights, garlands or something entirely unique, let your holiday spirit shine.
  • Looking for an artist to decorate your window/storefront?
    • Iowa Artist Directory
    • Mainframe Artists
    • Fitch Building Artists
  • Looking for a place to buy lights or décor?
    • Your local hardware store, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.
    • Christmas Central
    • American Christmas Catalog
    • Reach out to Amelia Klatt, Director of Events at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, for more options. Email: aklatt@downtownDSMUSA.com
• Share Your Photos: We’d love to showcase your decorations! Feel free to share photos with us on social media using #downtownDSM or email them to info@DSMpartnership.com, and we’ll help spread the word.

If you plan to decorate your window, please submit your information to this JotForm by Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 to be included on The Partnership website.

Thank you for helping to make Downtown DSM a beautiful and vibrant place to celebrate this holiday season. Together, we can create an unforgettable atmosphere of joy and unity for our community.

Please reach out to info@DSMpartnership.com with any questions.

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. Don’t miss the Holiday Promenade each year, when you can skate at Brenton Skating Plaza, shop local businesses, see Santa and attend a downtown tree lighting!

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.