Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in November

November is somehow here again. The days are getting shorter but the night is lit up with sparkles from the soon-to-be holiday cheer. Start your holiday shopping at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique, run your heart out at the Des Moines Turkey Trot, or experience Disney On Ice. Plan your November in Des Moines today! 

Take a look at these other fun guides to help you plan for November and the holiday season:

Des Moines Holiday Boutique

Address: EMC Expo Center, 730 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

When: 

  • Friday, November 6, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
  • Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
  • Sunday, November 8, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Cost:Purchase tickets

  • $12 per ticket when purchased in advance (ages 13+ need a ticket)
  • $14 per ticket when purchased on day of event

Use DSMPARENT for an $8 ticket!

Begin your holiday shopping at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique. Shop the artisan vendor booths including the handmade in Iowa section. Take a break and enjoy the Shoppers Lounge for a drink or sample wines at the Iowa Wine Village. Local talent will be performing on the Holiday Entertainment stage. Have a hot meal at the Boutique cafe. Friday night is Girls Night Out from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM with music, drinks and shopping. Santa Claus will be available for pictures each day from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM. NEW this year is the Kids Market on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Des Moines Holiday Boutique is partnering with DMARC Food Pantry Network for their Fill a Cupboard for the Holidays initiative. Shoppers will have the option to donate $30 to help the great cause. Check out the Holiday Man Cave with a curated section of goods such as beard care essentials, jerky, and handcrafted leather goods. 

BONUS! The holiday market was kind enough to give our readers a promo code! 

Use DSMPARENT for an $8 ticket!

Beaverdale Holiday Boutique

Address: 

  • Holy Trinity Catholic School, 2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
  • Acanthus Lodge, 4133 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

When:

  • Friday, November 13, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
  • Saturday, November 14, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Cost:  $5 admission (12 and under free) 

Beaverdale Holiday Boutique is back for its 48th year. Holy Trinity Catholic School hosts this holiday boutique with over 80 local artisans and vendors selling unique, handcrafted items. Stop by the cafe to purchase baked goods from Mrs. Kringle’s bakery. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance Saturday morning.

Jingle in the Junction

Address: Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA 50265

When: Thursday, November 19, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM

Cost: Free 

Valley Junction is dressing itself in sparkly lights and holiday decor for Jingle in the Junction. Take a free horse-drawn trolley ride, watch an ice carving, visit with live reindeer and take pictures with Santa’s Sleigh. At 6:00 PM go to the West Des Moines Fire Admin Headquarters for the Christmas Tree Lighting. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in front of the Historic Valley Junction Foundation office next to the Theatrical Shop from 6:00-8:00 PM.  Local shops and restaurants will be open late.

Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market 

Address: Capital Square, 400 Locust St., Downtown Des Moines, IA

When: 

  • Friday, November  20,  10:00 AM – 2:00 PM  
  • Saturday, November 21, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
  • Sunday, November 22, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Cost: Free

Head to the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market where you will find local produce, meat, cheese, eggs, jam, jelly and salsa. There will be food and beverage vendors inside Capital Square and food trucks located outside on Cowles Commons. Check the FAQ page for information on parking.

Des Moines Turkey Trot

Address: The starting line is at Court Ave and 5th Street

When: Thursday, November 26, 9:00 AM

Cost: Registration (Prices will go up November 1st)

  • 5K or 5 mile: $50
  • Family of 4, 5K or 5 mile: $184
  • Tot Trot: $15

Start Thanksgiving Day off at the Des Moines Turkey Trot. The day begins with a pie & egg nog contest at 8:50 AM followed by the 5K or 5-mile race. For the littles, try the Turkey Tot Trot, which is a 200 meter dash at 10:15 AM. Finish the morning off at the Post Race Party at Cowles Commons where athletes will get free food!

Disney on Ice Presents Find Your Hero

Address: Casey’s Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309

When: November 26-29

Cost: Tickets start at $22 each

Disney On Ice invites families to see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to go on a journey through timeless tales. You can purchase a Preshow Character Experience ticket. This includes crafting, interactive time and a photo opportunity with some of the characters! 

Winterset Festival of Lights

Address: Madison County Courthouse Square, 112 S John Wayne Dr, Winterset, IA 50273

When: Friday, November 27, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM

Cost: Free 

Take a drive to Winterset and begin your holiday cheer with the Winterset Festival of Lights. All around the Madison County Courthouse you’ll enjoy live entertainment, food, live and lighted window displays, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and photos with Santa. At 7:15 PM, a lighted parade will make its way around the courthouse square. After, enjoy a showing of Elf at the Iowa Theater, free with a non-perishable food item. 

Hy-Vee Holiday Parade

Address: Starts at Principal Park 

When: Saturday, November 28, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Cost: Free

Continue your holiday celebrations with the Hy-Vee Holiday Parade! The parade begins at Principal Park and travels through the Court Avenue District. There will be festive floats, dance teams performing, giant inflatable balloons, marching bands, live reindeer and of course Santa! If you can’t make it in person, watch it on WHO13.