DES MOINES · HISTORIC EAST VILLAGE · 2026
Your East Village holiday night out, planned.
Browse local shops, leave room for dinner, and make Winter Wonderland at Nightingale Cocktail your festive stop. On Promenade Fridays, build the evening around the neighborhood’s holiday celebration.
Published and checked October 23, 2026. We also produce Winter Wonderland; it is our featured recommendation. Promenade and Wonderland are separate events, with separate admission arrangements.
Check Wonderland dates & tickets
Pick your Friday
Holiday Promenade is scheduled for November 20 and 27, and December 4, 11, and 18, 2026. The organizer gives general hours of 5–8 p.m.; some weekly event entries end at 9 p.m. Check the individual evening before making fixed plans.
| Friday | Organizer-announced highlight |
|---|---|
| November 20 | Tree lighting with Santa; Grinch story time |
| November 27 | Window display contest and caroling |
| December 4 | Winefest’s Very Merry Vino in the Village |
| December 11 | Cozy Night with an Elf screening at Wooly’s |
| December 18 | Light Up the Night, ice sculpting, and Santa |
Promenade is free and family-friendly. Individual activities, food, drinks, and purchases may have separate costs or requirements.
A flexible three-stop evening
Start with shops and neighborhood lights
Arrive with time to browse before your main event. Use the organizer’s parking and business map to choose a starting point and see the latest weekly details.
Choose dinner around your plans
Check the restaurant’s own hours, menu, and reservation policy. Leave a buffer for parking and walking; don’t schedule dinner and a ticketed experience for the same time.
Make Winter Wonderland your festive stop
Nightingale Cocktail is at 435 E Grand Avenue, at East 5th and Grand. Wonderland opens November 18, with announced hours Wednesday–Sunday, 5–9 p.m. Expect holiday décor, cocktails, lights, music, and snowfall. The closing date is not yet announced; confirm your chosen date and ticket availability before visiting.
This is a suggested itinerary, not a package or guaranteed timed schedule. You can visit Wonderland on an announced non-Promenade evening too; neighborhood shops may keep different hours.
Before you head out
- Check admission separately. Promenade being family-friendly does not establish Wonderland’s age policy. Confirm current ages, ticket inclusions, prices, and availability on the Wonderland website.
- Plan for outdoor time. Bring layers and comfortable footwear for neighborhood browsing. Ask each venue about accessibility needs before booking.
- Plan the trip home. Arrange a designated driver or rideshare if you’ll be drinking.