Downtown DSM Businesses Transform Into A Winter Window Wonderland
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Dec. 5, 2024) – Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is embracing the magic of the holiday season with a Winter Window Wonderland, a community-wide celebration of art, cheer and local shopping. Organizations throughout the Central Business District are decorating their storefront windows creating a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.
From Thursday, Dec. 5 – Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, visitors can stroll through the streets of Downtown DSM and check out the enchanting holiday displays designed by talented local artists. The displays bring to life scenes inspired by the Nutcracker Ballet, offering the perfect backdrop for holiday photos and selfies.
Business locations:
- The Nutcracker – Flynn Wright
- 1408 Locust St.
- Artist: Michelle Lamb
- The Mouse King/Mice – Ballet Des Moines
- 655 Walnut St.
- Artist: Jamie Milne
- The Magical Christmas Tree – Pappajohn Center
- 1200 Grand Ave.
- Artist: Jill Wells
- Waltz of the Flowers –Davis Brown Tower
- 215 10th St.
- Artist: Wildflower
- Sugar Plum Fairy – Wellmark YMCA
- 501 Grand Ave.
- Artist: Hannah Harthoorn
- Snowflake King and Queen – Greater Des Moines Partnership
- 700 Locust St. (Windows on 7th St.)
- Artist: Jacob Kuperman
Special thank you to the local artists who brought the Winter Window Wonderland to life. Their creativity and dedication have transformed the Central Business District.
“This initiative is about bringing the community together to experience the beauty of the season while supporting local businesses,” said Chris Della Vedova, Operation Downtown Board Chair. “We hope this Winter Window Wonderland sparks joy and inspires people to shop local, dine Downtown and enjoy this time of year with family and friends.”
“We’re honored to be part of this partnership to share the magic of this timeless story with the community. We invite everyone to immerse themselves in this enchanting holiday experience,” said Blaire Massa, CEO of Ballet Des Moines.
Learn more about Ballet Des Moines and how to attend The Nutcracker here.
Additionally, Holiday Promenade takes place every Friday through Friday, Dec. 20 in the Historic East Village where attendees can enjoy free, family-friendly holiday-themed activities, live entertainment, shopping and more. The Holiday Promenade will also feature their own festive window displays, with businesses decking out their windows bringing the Holiday magic to the East Village.
The Winter Window Wonderland is made possible through collaboration between Operation Downtown, Downtown DSM, Inc., the City of Des Moines, Ballet Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and a collection of local artists.
“The Winter Window Wonderland is a shining example of how our community comes together to create a vibrant and welcoming Downtown DSM,” said Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at The Partnership. “Through collaboration with local businesses, artists and organizations, we’re able to spread holiday cheer, support local shopping and showcase all the incredible opportunities that make Downtown DSM a destination during this festive season.”
Be sure to share your favorite window displays and holiday moments on social media using the hashtags #DSMUSA, #downtownDSM and #DSMlocal. You can also tag @downtownDSMUSA and @DSMpartnership on Facebook and Instagram.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and heritage events and community placemaking. Learn more at Downtowndsmusa.com.
About Operation Downtown
Created to help make Downtown Des Moines (DSM) a safer, cleaner place to work, live and visit, Operation Downtown is classified as a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). The mission is keeping Downtown DSM safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant, in support of a positive experience. Programs include trash cleanup, flower planting and visitor assistance. Operation Downtown, a 501(c)6, was formed in 1998 by business leaders to provide enhanced services that are not provided by the City of Des Moines. Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership is a partner of Operation Downtown and helps keep DSM among the highest-rated, most vibrant regions in the country. Learn more at Operationdowntown.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.