Holiday shopping at Jingle in the Junction (2026)
Holiday shopping is a little more fun when it comes with glowing storefronts, an evening out, and a stroll through Valley Junction.
Jingle in the Junction returns to Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines for four Thursday evenings in 2026. Businesses extend their hours, giving you time to browse for gifts, grab dinner, and enjoy free entertainment along three blocks of 5th Street beneath more than 100,000 holiday lights.
More info: https://valleyjunction.com/upcoming-events/
Location: 5th Street in West Des Moines, Iowa
When is Jingle in the Junction in 2026?
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. |
| Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. |
| Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. |
| Thursday, December 17, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. |
Location: Historic Valley Junction, along 5th Street in West Des Moines, Iowa.
There is no Jingle in the Junction event listed for Thanksgiving night, November 26.
What can you expect?
The Historic Valley Junction Foundation lists extended business hours, dining, and free holiday entertainment throughout the district. More than 100,000 holiday lights add to the setting as you walk between shops.
You can make an evening of it. Browse for gifts, stop for dinner, and leave a little time to enjoy the lights and decorated storefronts.
Specific performers and additional activities may vary by evening. Check the official Valley Junction event calendar before heading out for the latest details.
A place to shop local
I’ve shopped in Valley Junction for years and frequently stop in for lunch, too. It’s the kind of place where you can wander into a shop without a particular gift in mind and find something you wouldn’t have thought to search for online.
Jingle in the Junction gives you another reason to slow down and explore. Bring your shopping list, but leave time for a few window displays and unplanned stops along the way.
Photos from past Jingle in the Junction events
The photos and videos below are from previous visits. They offer a look at the holiday lights, storefront displays, and entertainment from past years. Activities pictured are not necessarily part of the 2026 schedule.
Valley Junction has not only survived over time – it has thrived. In the ’70s, they took a hit when suburban malls came in. They also made a comeback after the historic floods in 1993.
