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 early, run 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 7, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Saturday, November 8, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Sunday, November 9, 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 50% off tickets

Continue 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. 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. NEW this year is a Holiday Man Cave with a curated section of goods such as beard care essentials, jerky, and handcrafted leather goods.

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 14, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Saturday, November 15, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Cost: $5 admission (12 and under free)

Beaverdale Holiday Boutique is back for its 47th 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 20, 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: Hall C, Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309

When:

Friday, November, 21, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Saturday, November, 22, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday, November 23, 8:00 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. Enjoy a bite to eat from food vendors. There will be a few holiday products too. 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 27, 9:00 AM

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

5K or 5 mile: $47
Family of 4, 5K or 5 mile: $174
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. At 10:30 AM there is a 400 meter Special Olympics Trot. Finish the morning off at the Post Race Party at Cowles Commons where athletes will get free food! will get free food!

Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto

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

When: November 27-30

Cost: Tickets start at $22 each

Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Frozen and Encanto. This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can sing-along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics, and more. You can also purchase a Preshow Character Experience ticket. This includes crafting, interactive time and a photo opportunity with Elsa and Mirabel.

Winterset Festival of Lights

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

When: Friday, November 28, 5:00 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.

Entirely Kids Day at the Des Moines Art Center

Address: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

When: Saturday, November 29, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

Cost: Free

Spend the day at the Des Moines Art Center for Entirely Kids Day. The focus is all on kids! There will be hands-on art activities, scavenger hunts, snacks, and kid-friendly entertainment. If you can’t make it but want to go on a different day, check out our guide to exploring the Des Moines Art Center with kids.

Running of the Reindeer

Address: 5th & Walnut in Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA 50265 (in front of St. Kilda’s)

When: Saturday, November 30th, 8:45 AM-10:00 AM

Cost: Free

Put on your most festive holiday costume and run or walk at the Running of the Reindeer in Valley Junction. This 3-block fun run is for the whole family! There will be a prize for the race winner, the best adult costume, and the best children’s costume. Afterward, shop and eat in Valley Junction for Small Business Saturday.

Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party

Address: Wells Fargo Arena

When: November 28 – December 1; Various showtimes

Cost: Purchase tickets here.

Enjoy a FUN-FILLED ADVENTURE! Join Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends on adventures filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts.