Welcome the holiday season to downtown as we Flip the Switch on the holidays, bringing together the sights and sounds of the season at Holiday Lights Des Moines from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at Brenton Skating Plaza (520 Robert D. Ray Drive). Admission to Holiday Lights Des Moines is FREE!

Holiday Lights Des Moines features a tree lighting, fireworks, live performances from musicians and choirs, face painting, carriage rides, seasonal food vendors, and appearances by Santa Claus and the Conductor from The Polar Express on the evening after Thanksgiving! At 6:25 p.m., Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie flips the switch on a beautiful lighted city tree! A fireworks finale closes the evening at 6:30 p.m.


The evening opens with a performance from The Nutcracker by The Iowa Dance Theater. The Des Moines Playhouse will have guests laughing with a scene from the holiday classic The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Local choirs create the sounds of the season, while local food vendors bring the tastes of the holidays with hot apple cider, roasted nuts, hot chocolate and many more seasonal favorites.

Brenton Skating Plaza is open for public skating from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Nov. 28. Adult admission to skate is $3.00, admission for children 12 and under is $2.00, and skate rental is $2.50.


Following the lighting, join us for another special community event under the stars at Festival of Trees and Lights at the Polk County Convention Complex. Admission to Festival of Trees and Lights is free from 6:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 28, but goodwill donations will be accepted.


Free parking is available in the city parking lot north of the Armory Building (602 Robert D. Ray Drive); access the lot from Des Moines St. Free parking is also available in the city parking lot east of City Hall (400 Robert D. Ray Drive). Street parking is free at all city meters after 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28.

Holiday Lights Des Moines is sponsored by MidAmerican Energy, Operation Downtown, City of Des Moines, Brenton Skating Plaza, Iowa Cubs, Lite 104.1, KIOA 93.3, and produced by Downtown Events Group.

For complete schedules and more information on Holiday Lights Des Moines, visit www.holidaylightsdsm.org or call (515) 286-4950.


Investors of the Downtown Events Group are City of Des Moines, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Polk County, Prairie Meadows and Principal Financial Group®.