Shopping shouldn't be a chore this holiday season but an explorative, enjoyable experience. Whether you're looking for a re-stylized antique gift or a bountiful boutique with all the latest fashions, these Iowa shopping centers, and districts will supply you with that perfect gift. Here are our 14 favorites this 2023 holiday season.
From chic t-shirt shops to Cupcake Factories, the Iowa City Downtown District has everything you need for an excellent shopping experience. No vehicle traffic is allowed on the red-bricked Ped Mall, which connects dining, drinking, and shops nearby. Whether you're looking for the newest fashion trends, a good piece of art for your walls, or just a quick Iowa City memento, chances are you'll find more than you're looking for in the Iowa City Downtown District.
The East Village adds a certain spark to the Des Moines Downtown scene. Thanks to shops like Sticks, Raccoon Forks Trading Company, and the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, you can find whatever furniture, antique, or two-wheeler you have an eye for. Alongside a long list of unparalleled shopping opportunities, the East Village also provides some of Des Moines' best culinary experiences, the best way to fuel your East Village Experience. The East Village adds a certain spark to the Des Moines Downtown scene. Thanks to shops like Sticks, Raccoon Forks Trading Company, and the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, you can find whatever furniture, antique, or two-wheeler you have an eye for.
Established in 1846, Valley Junction served as the first downtown district for West Des Moines. While much of the neighborhood has developed well past its historic beginnings, the reclaimed atmosphere still has an air of way back when. From crafts to antiques, furniture to bakeries, Valley Junction has a good bit of everything on the streets, and to get the good vibe from Valley Junction, it's worth checking out the weekly Farmer's Markets that extends past the summer months.
With a quaint charm attached to the storefronts, the Downtown Business District in Kalona displays an enthusiasm for woodworking shops, antique collections and a plethora of bountiful boutiques. Kalona supports a strong Amish community, and you can see it on the streets as a horse and buggy pass by, adding a certain level of charm to the different stores and shops you’ll find in the Downtown Business District.
As the second largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids has a vibrant Downtown area with many great shopping and dining choices, with the Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street at the top of the list. Labeled as an Arts and Culture District in the Heart of Cedar Rapids, this historic area of Cedar Rapids had a recent 2009 revamp, breathing life into shops like White Lion Treasures, Artistic Expressions, and Furry Friends Pet Boutique, all waiting to help you find that must-have gift.
The Jordan Creek Town Center is a shopping mall, but with a finely landscaped amphitheater, dozens of dining options and a whole directory of shops and stores, this mall stands above the rest in the state of Iowa. From the latest department store trends to collectible keepsakes for your home, chances are you’ll find just what you’re looking for at the Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines.
Apparel, books and home decor, whatever you’re looking for in a shopping experience, head over to the Cable Car Square on Dubuque’s Historic Main Street. Complete with the ambiance of this riverfront town, Cable Car Square offers pedestrian-friendly shopping access, full dining menus and plenty of it all to choose from. This holiday season, be sure to include the classy Cable Car Square in Dubuque.
From the Whistle Stop Consignment Shop to What Women Want Boutique, Pearl Street Park and the adjoining Downtown Sioux City shopping can give you that gift you’re looking for. Games shops, sports shops and wine shops, everyone can find something they like at Pearl Street Park and the Sioux City Downtown area.
Baskets of Daisies for the all fine home-furnishing, Bike Tech for the quickest repairs, and Brandenburg’s House of Violins for expert care, there is a bountiful selection of boutiques and shopping options in Cedar Falls. Complete with a renovated historical theme, you won’t want to miss this blissful shopping adventure this holiday season.
Home to the Iowa State Cyclones, your shopping trip in Ames might include a few displays of Cy the Cardinal, but you can also find chocolate shops, boutiques, and many other fine gift and collectibles stores. Small businesses abound, and many of the shops in the Main Street Cultural District of Ames reflect the community that it’s in, creating a vibrant sidewalk with many avenues to explore. Home to the Iowa State Cyclones, your shopping experience in Ames might include a few displays of Cy the Cardinal, but you can also find chocolate shops, boutiques, and many other fine gift and collectibles stores. Small businesses abound, and many of the shops in the Main Street Cultural District of Ames reflect the community that it’s in, creating a vibrant sidewalk with many avenues to explore.
Antiques or repurposed furnishings, books or clothes, consignment or thrift, whatever you’re searching the aisles for in Pella, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. With your visit to Pella, take note of the way that community seems to sing on any day of the week, and perhaps it’s the Dutch ancestry seen in the storefronts, or the tulips that blossom with zeal each spring, whatever it is, the community really adds to the whole feel in the Pella Shopping District.
Not far from the Coralville Mall, the Iowa River Landing offers an extensive shopping environment with a bit better view of the Iowa landscape and community. Filled with tons of options to eat, see, and shop, Iowa River Landing is growing fast to a high demand, and whether it’s to grab a meal on an outside patio or peruse the new businesses that seem to be coming in every day, take your time with your visit to the Iowa River Landing this holiday season.
All along Water Street and the surrounding town of Decorah, you can find astonishing boutiques and shops to shrink your gift shopping list. From soy-burning candles at Sparrows to a whole list of women’s fashion stops, Decorah is also blessed with a charming community and many fine eateries. See for yourself what makes Decorah so special, and while you’re at it, take the time to support some small businesses in the area.
If you’re looking for the best deals on some of your favorite department store brands, then the Outlets & Marketplace, located in Williamsburg, is your one-stop destination. The Outlets & Marketplace offers some of the best bargains of the biggest brands compared to the rest of the malls throughout the state, allowing your shopping budget to stretch a little bit farther.If you’re looking for the best deals on some of your favorite department store brands, then the Outlets & Marketplace is your one-stop destination. The Outlets & Marketplace offers some of the best bargains of the biggest brands compared to the rest of the malls throughout the state, allowing your shopping budget to stretch a little bit farther.