The holiday season is in Valley Junction as many businesses extend their hours on Thursday nights to give you more time to find the perfect holiday gift, enjoy dinner, and enjoy three blocks of free entertainment on 5th Street under the glow of over 100,000 holiday lights.
- 5:00-???: Shops and restaurants are open with extended hours, sales, and mini events throughout the district
- 5:00-8:00pm: Free horse-drawn trolley rides around the district – load up in Railroad Park
- 5:00-8:00pm: Witness ice carvings by the talented Bill Gordish next to Memory Lane
- 6:00pm: Christmas Tree lighting ceremony – Join us for our tree lighting ceremony with our 26-ft tree located in front of the West Des Moines Fire Admin Headquarters at 318 5th
- 6:00-8:00pm: Enjoy weekly rotating entertainers at 5th & Maple. This week: Live reindeer and photos with Santa’s sleigh
- 6:00-8:00pm: Santa will be making an appearance each night at the Historic Valley Junction Foundation office next to the Theatrical Shop
- Rotating carolers and musicians around the district will keep you entertained
Help support the West Des Moines Human Services Food Pantry with the donation of non-perishable food items and learn more about the City of West Des Moines Community of Care initiative. Community of Care Yard Signs will be available for purchase at this event.
Donate Here: https://bit.ly/42TSfiE
Learn More About Community of Care at: wdm.iowa.gov/wdmcares
Most needed food items include:
Cereal
Peanut Butter
Canned Fruit
Canned Chicken & Tuna
Dry & Canned Soup
Canned Vegetables
Canned Meals
White or Brown Rice
Infant Formula
Dry Pasta & Pasta Sauce
Nuts & Seeds
Shelf-Stable Milk
Baking supplies
Spices
100% Juice
Beans
Can’t make it to see Santa in person? No worries! Write a letter to Santa instead. Print the letter template here or stop by the Historic Valley Junction Foundation office at 137 5th and pick up a physical copy. Drop your letters to Santa no later than December 16, and Santa’s elves will respond and mail you a letter back if you fill out the return address information.
Presented By
Additional sponsors