Valley Junction Set For Holiday Shoppers

WEST DES MOINES, IA — The kickoff to the holiday shopping season in Valley Junction will take place Thursday night with the Jingle Bell Drop and lighting of 150,000 twinkling lights in the historic district. The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. along Fifth Street in West Des Moines.

Beginning Nov. 30 and each Thursday through Dec. 14, Valley Junction also will host Jingle in the Junction from 5 to 9 p.m. Free horse and trolley rides will be offered, Santa will be on hand and there will be caroling, ice sculpture carving by Bill Gordish and balloon creations with Professor Von Air.

Another holiday event planned in Valley Junction is Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25. Started in 2010 to encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses, the event will offer free goodie bags to the first 400 people who visit the Historic City Hall at 137 Fifth St., beginning at 10 a.m.

Many of the more than 150 specialty shops, restaurants and services will have specials and refreshments available during the holiday events. Watch for an updated list of entertainment and events online.

Patch file photo