Holiday Promenade- Ugly Sweater 2025
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
What to Expect At the Ugly Sweater Contest.
It’s time to break out your tackiest, wackiest holiday gear for the Ugly Sweater Contest! Stop by Owen Jewelry Design to snap a photo at the festive selfie station and enter the contest for a chance to win a special prize package from the East Village. First prize will win a set of diamond earrings from Owen’s Jewelry! Plus Owen Jwelery Design will have 15% off any premade custom jewelry in the studio.
Post your photo on Instagram by 9 pm on Dec 12, 2025 and tag @eastvillagedsm. Make sure your profile is public so we can see your entry! Winners will be contacted via Instagram by the Historic East Village. Each sweater will be judged* on:
- Creativity– How imaginative and unique the design is. Family friendly is a must.
- Effort-Time, thought or craft involved.
- Festive Spirit– Captures the fun and joy of the holiday spirit.
- Audience Reaction– How much laughter and applause it gets.
Make a night of it by wearing your ugly sweater to participating bars and restaurants, where you’ll enjoy Holiday Promenade drinks. Whether it’s sequins, lights, or outrageous patterns, the bolder the better. This is your night to shine! Plus, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is in the East Village to add to the holiday cheer. The Tito’s Girls will be at the participating locations below throughout the evening for goodies and fun:
Spend Your Holidays in the East Village
The Holiday Promenade is one of Des Moines’ most beloved holiday traditions! For five festive Fridays, the Historic East Village comes alive with twinkling lights, music, shopping, dining, and seasonal activities for the whole family.
Promenade Parking and Business Map
List of all Holiday Promenade Events
| Date | Featured Event | Time |
| Nov 21 | Tree Lighting + Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Stole Christmas – The Musical | 5–8 PM (Tree Lighting at 6:30) |
| Nov 28 | Store Window Display Contest + Sing DCM Carousels | 5–8 PM |
| Dec 5 | Winefest’s Vino at the Promenade | 5–8 PM |
| Dec 12 | Ugly Sweater Contest | 5–8 PM |
| Dec 19 | Drone Show with Santa Claus | 5–8 PM (Drone Show at 8:00) |
Many thanks to all our SPONSORS!
Presenting Sponsor
Leading Sponsors
Weekly Promenade Store Specials
Owen Jewelry Design: 15% off any premade custom jewelry in the studio
Storyhouse Bookpub: Bobby Hart | Music in Storyhouse, Hello Neighbor Art | Prints, Cards, Earrings Pop-Up in Storyhouse, Little G’s Treats | Chocolate + Treats Pop-Up in Daisy Chain
KIN: As Seen on Me vintage pop up @asseenon.me & Aura photos with @kindredauras 5-8pm
New Northwestern: Promenade Happy Hour 2 p.m.-6 p.m. & 8 p.m.-10 p.m. | Other Weekly Specials: Wed-$6 Wine by the glass and Old Fashioneds, Thur- $8.00 Martini List Night
Full Court Press: Gift Card Special: Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 gift card free | Buy a $100 gift card, and get a $20 gift card free. | Happy Hour – Monday – Friday from 3 – 5 pm. 1/2 off select appetizers, $5 beers on over 99+ beers (excludes beers originally $9 and over), $4 wine, $4 wells. Hoppy the Elf moving locations every day in December.
Truman’s Tavern: Truman’s Market Mule – Tito’s vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, orange bitters, and ginger beer garnished with cranberries, a lime wedge, and an orange slice. $1 per drink will be going back to the Historic East Village (Up to $2,500) | December 6 – Despicable Me Brunch | December 13 – Disney Princess Brunch | December 20 – Santa and The Grinch Brunch
Fong’s Pizza: Half off tikis during the five Fridays of Promenade from 5 – 9 pm. Excludes the Uber Painkiller and Ultra Zombie | Cranberry Orange Mule – $1 per drink will be going back to the Historic East Village (Up to $2,500).
Indie House: This is the final day to participate in the Indie House Giveaway! We will also host Lempp & Yin and Kind Kulture THC drinks pop-ups.
Leona Ruby: Get in on the latest trend: Charm Necklaces and Bracelets!! Choose your chain and pick from an array of charms to make your one-of-a-kind piece designed by YOU. We assemble on site so you can leave with your custom look right away! Book your appointment in advance at LeonaRuby.com
Botanical Garden: Reserve your spot now for an elegant, 3-course dinner at Flora along with admission to Dome for the Holidays. Each week will feature different offerings, sure to delight and enchant. Don’t miss out on this festive opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. Tickets Here.
Fleet Feet: $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards purchased and $10 off your Santa Run registration fee. Free hot cocoa bar and our traditional homemade sugared cranberries and hot cranberry pomegranate tea.
