Valley Junction Adds Some Bells and Whistles to its 'Jingle in the Junction' Tradition

The Historic Valley Junction Foundation is putting a new spin on “Jingle in the Junction” holiday open house events this year with different themed events each of the three weeks — Dec. 1, 8 and 15. Open house hours are 5 to 9 p.m.

The West Des Moines shopping district will be dressed up for the holidays with more than 150,000 twinkling lights along the streets. Old favorites — free horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and caroling — will be offered, along with some surprises.

The themes are:

• Dec. 1 – Living Window displays: Visitors to Valley Junction will be able to vote on their favorite displays.
• Dec. 8 – Reindeer Games: Teams of four can participate in the games – “The Gift Wrap,” “Egg Nog Chug” and “Here Comes Santa Claus Relays.” Winners receive a gift basket of merchandise from Valley Junction merchants. Sign up your team at events@valleyjunction.com or call 222-3642.
• Dec. 15 – Cocoa, Carols and Caps: Compete in Valley Junction’s “Ugly Holiday Hat” contest while sipping hot cocoa provided by merchants and listening to carolers strolling through the streets singing holiday favorites.