Your Downtown DSM Guide to Shopping + Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving week is the unofficial kickoff to holiday shopping and seasonal entertainment in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! Spend your weekend supporting local businesses and get into the holiday spirit with seasonal events. 

Black Friday in Downtown DSM

Spend your Black Friday evening enjoying the festivities of the Historic East Village Holiday Promenade! From 5 to 8 p.m., retailers are encouraged to stay open late to accommodate ho-ho-holiday shoppers. You’ll also experience the magic of the Historic East Village storefronts come alive during the annual Window Display Contest and live performances from the Sing DMC Carousels. Stroll through locally owned shops, enjoy festive treats and soak in the magic of the season in one of Des Moines' most historic neighborhoods. 

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

Your dollar goes much farther when you shop local! This Small Business Saturday, head Downtown and explore these local retailers — perfectly suited to check a few names off your holiday shopping list.   

Gifts for Her 

• Aimee – clothes, shoes and accessories for women 
• Amour – lingerie, pajamas, loungewear 
• Domestica – cards, stationary, jewelry, art and more 
• KIN – self-described as a “mystical boutique” 
• Leona Ruby – jewelry shop 
• MARNe – a Vegan and sustainably focused boutique 
• Velvet Coat – women’s clothing, jewelry and other accessories   

Gifts for Him 

• Fontenelle Supply Co. – clothing, leather goods, boots and more 
• Subsect Skateshop – skateboards, shoes, clothing, etc.   

Gifts for All 

• Eden – beauty and skin care products 
• Plain Talk Books & Coffee – used bookstore 
• RAYGUN – apparel and gifts 
• The Salvation Army – secondhand, thrifted items 
• Storyhouse Bookpub – books and audiobooks   

Home Decor 

• Funky Finds Vintage & Retro – curated Mid-Century furniture, housewares and more 
• Petals + Moss – plants and vintage/antique pieces 
• Porch Light – mix of vintage and new home furnishings and decor 
• She Home & Gift – candles, pillows and more home décor 
• West End Architectural Salvage – antique and salvaged finds   

Specialty Stores 

• AllSpice – herbs, spices, oils and vinegars 
• Fleet Feet Des Moines – running shoes and fitness gear 
• Gateway Market – specialty food items, beer, wine and floral items 
• Gong Fu Tea – specialty teas 
• Janes – Family Shop – clothing for babies, children and mamas, too 
• Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe – pet gear and healthy pet foods 
• Kitchen Collage – bakeware, barware, gadgets, tools and lots more for the kitchen   

And there’s even more to discover than the few shops listed here! Get creative: Have a coffee lover on your list? Think local for fresh coffee beans from Daisy Chain Coffee, Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen, Horizon Line Coffee or Scenic Route Bakery. Looking to give the gift of an experience? Try a gift card from the Science Center of Iowa or the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. You can even snag a few sweet treats to use as stocking stuffers with a stop at Doré Bakery.

Downtown DSM Thanksgiving Weekend Entertainment 

Entertaining guests for the holiday weekend? Or maybe you’re looking to beat cabin fever and enjoy the spirit of the season? Here’s a quick peek at a few events happening over the Thanksgiving weekend in Downtown DSM (including things to do on Thanksgiving Day!):   

Ice Skating in Downtown DSM

Open Daily, including Thanksgiving Day! Holiday hours are listed at the link below. 
Brenton Skating Plaza 
GET TICKETS   

Disney On Ice: Frozen and Encanto

Thursday, Nov. 27 – Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025  
Casey's Center  
GET TICKETS

Triple Espresso Comedy Show

Thursday, Nov. 28 – Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025  
Temple Theater
GET TICKETS

Jazz & Cabaret Shows

Friday, Nov. 28 – Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025  
Noce Jazz Club 
GET TICKETS 

Festival of Trees & Lights

Friday, Nov. 28 – Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025  
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center 
GET TICKETS   

Live Jazz Music 

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025
The Continental Lounge 
LEARN MORE 

For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.