Hy-Vee is making grocery shopping even more fun for families with the launch of the free Hy-Vee Kids Club! Kids can enjoy special surprises in each department every time you shop, a personalized name tag, and even a birthday coupon for bakery-fresh cupcakes. Families can also join in on free monthly scavenger hunts and fun in-store events.
Don’t miss the Veterans Day card-decorating event on November 8 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., where kids can create heartfelt cards for local heroes. Sign up at your local Hy-Vee today — and stay tuned for many more exciting Kids Club events to come!
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Learn more about Hy-Vee Kid’s Club at your local Hy-Vee
Things to Do in Des Moines November 2025
November 1 | Wizards in the Wild, Jester Park Nature Center
6:30 p.m.
Transport yourself into the wizarding world of nature! Make nature wands, mix potions, and sort yourself into your wizard house. Wizard attire is welcome!
November 2 | Dia de los Muertos, Des Moines Art Center
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Enjoy live music and dance performances, food and art vendors, hands-on activities, a Catrina costume showcase, and a short documentary film tribute. Free Mexican hot cocoa and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) will be available while supplies last. Visitors may take advantage of a free shuttle from Merrill Middle School, which will run continuously during the event.
November 2 | Celebración del Día de Muertos, Central Library
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Bring your whole family to our Day of the Dead Celebration! Learn about this cultural tradition from Mexico. Try some tamales, pan de muerto, and Mexican hot chocolate. See the ofrenda and catrina created by Latinx Immigrants of Iowa in partnership with DMPL.
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
November 7-25 | The Boxcar Children, Tallgrass Theater in West Des Moines
This classic story of four precocious orphans finding their way in a small New England town is sure to tug on every audience member’s heartstrings.
November 7-23 | The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Des Moines Community Playhouse
The Herdman children appear to be the worst kids ever. They lie, they steal, and they curse. When the Herdmans hear the neighborhood church serves treats, they show up and volunteer for the lead roles in this year’s pageant. Ultimately everyone is reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
5:30 p.m.
Create a beautiful, grapevine wreath to celebrate the fall season. Crafted with all-natural materials, this workshop will provide you with the skills and knowledge to create a stunning wreath for your home. Registration required. Ages 16+
November 7–9 | Des Moines Holiday Boutique, EMC Expo Center
This multi-day event features an extensive list of vendors. You can also experience special events like Girls’ Night Out and Mother-Daughter Night.
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Kids can create heartfelt cards for local heroes.
November 12-16 | Les Misérables, Civic Center
Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.
// RELATED CONTENT: Check out more Holiday activities and events happening in Des Moines //
November 14 | Champagne & Mistletoe, Ankeny Uptown
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Explore Uptown businesses as they kick off the holiday season. You’ll find a toast, a treat, and special deals at participating businesses. Shops will be open late, carriage rides through the Winter Wonderlights displays from 5pm to 7:30pm, and holiday sips and treats.
November 14 | MIXOLOGY: Game Night @ SCI, Science Center of Iowa
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Explore a vast selection of classic and modern games curated by The Dealt Hand, from quick and casual favorites to deep strategy games that will challenge your mind. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone.
November 14 – 15 | Beaverdale Holiday Boutique, Holy Trinity
Find unique, handcrafted items in a variety of mediums from wood to glass, clothing for all occasions, home, and door decor.
November 14-16 | Just Between Friends, Elwell Center at Iowa State Fairgrounds
Their winter sale will feature clothing and shoes that are appropriate for cooler weather, toys, books, puzzles, games, and SO MUCH MORE!
November 16 | A Motown Christmas, Hoyt Sherman Place
7 p.m.
A Motown Christmas is a festive celebration that brings the joy and spirit of the holiday season, featuring iconic Motown music. The performance showcases classic holiday tunes reimagined in the Motown style, promising an unforgettable blend of festive cheer and genre-defining music.
November 20 | Jingle in the Junction, Historic Valley Junction
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The holiday season starts in Valley Junction as many businesses extend their hours on Thursday nights to give you more time to find the perfect holiday gift, enjoy dinner, and enjoy three blocks of free entertainment on 5th Street under the glow of over 100,000 holiday lights.
November 21 & 28 | Holiday Promenade, Historic East Village
Holiday Promenade is an exciting celebration full of holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly fun. Historic East Village retailers, restaurants, and attractions are encouraged to remain open until 9 p.m. each Friday.
November 21 | Brenton Skating Plaza Opening Night, Brenton Plaza
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
All ages are welcome, bring the whole crew and join as they greet the season and enjoy a visit from Santa Claus!
November 21 – Jan. 4 | Jolly Holiday Lights, Iowa State Fairgrounds
This annual tradition returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds this year. Admission is $20 per with $1 going to Make-A-Wish and $2 to fairground infrastructure and onsite services.
November 21 – 23 | Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, EMC Expo Center Downtown Des Moines
Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m
The Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market offers seasonal local produce, meat, cheese, eggs, jam, jelly, salsa, and many other varieties of value-added farm food, local art, entertainment, breakfast, prepared food options, and a variety of holiday products!
November 22 | Tinsel Town in Water Works Park
4 pm to 8 pm
Get your Christmas tree and enjoy a special visit from St. Nicholas and his reindeer and holiday entertainment from Top Hat Carolers.
November 22 | Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop, Ted Lare Design & Build Garden Center
1 p.m.
Get into the festive spirit and create a beautiful custom wreath that will last through the holiday season! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll start with a pre-made wreath featuring a 10″ ring and a finished diameter of approximately 22″. You’ll have the opportunity to personalize it with your choice of accents, including pinecones, a variety of decorations, and a bow. Check out their variety of workshops this holiday season.
Get ready to shop ’til you drop at Paws & Pints’ Paw-liday Market! Join for a festive and fun-filled evening of shopping, where you’ll find the paw-fect gifts for your loved ones—both humans and pups alike.
November 23 | Locally Grown, Raised, & Created Fall Makers Market, Jester Park Nature Center
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Support local small businesses in the community this season while shopping at the Fall Makers Market at the scenic Jester Park Nature Center.
November 27-30 | Disney on Ice, Casey’s Center
Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, as they come to life like never before. 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.
November 28 – 30 | Festival of Trees and Lights, Iowa Events Center
This annual event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season.
November 29 | Hy-Vee Holiday Parade, Downtown Des Moines
10 a.m.
WHO 13 is proud to announce the inaugural Hy-Vee Holiday Parade, coming to downtown Des Moines on Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. It’s the Hy-Vee Holiday Parade in downtown Des Moines — the first ever holiday parade of its kind. That means marching bands, dance teams from local high schools and colleges, walking balloons, floats, giveaways — plenty of family holiday fun.
November 29 | Entirely Kids Day: Stories Told, Des Moines Art Center
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This fun, free, family-friendly event celebrates the many ways stories can be shared—through books, performances, art, and more! Inspired by “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations,” an exhibition surrounding collaborative photography, and the vibrant portraits of “Aliza Nisenbaum: Día de los Muertos,” this free, family-friendly event invites kids and their families to explore how art brings people together.
November 29 | Christmas in Olde Town, Altoona
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Olde Town Altoona transforms into a bustling winter wonderland for Christmas in Olde Town—a celebration of our community and the holiday season. Load up your sleigh with family and friends and join in for live music, walking tours, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a light show, and a special appearance from the Big Guy himself.
November 30 | Skate with Bluey, Skateland
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Skate, play, and take pictures with Bluey at Skateland!
Ongoing Events in Des Moines
Tuesday & Thursdays | Toddler Time, Get Air
10 a.m.
Little jumpers get special access to the trampolines on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is $8.99 (free for a parent). It’s a great way to burn some winter energy!
Thursdays | Caterpillar Club, Reiman Gardens in Ames
Get outside and have some fun with a weekly storytime at Reiman Gardens. This program is designed for kids ages 2-5 with an adult. Program is included with general admission to Reiman Gardens.
Thursdays | Tot Town, Valley Community Center
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Bring the little ones out to play at the Valley Community Center. This event is free.
2nd Monday of the Month | Storytime with Ruby the Reading Red Panda, Blank Park Zoo
11 a.m.
Each month they read a story and you get to meet a special live ambassador animal from the Zoo’s education department.
1st Thursday of the Month | Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center
Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets, or a craft. This event is designed for ages 3 and up.
Once a Month on Wednesdays | Knee-High Naturalists, Jester Park Nature Center
Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun! As naturalists, you will hike, investigate, and navigate the trails and grounds of Jester Park as you learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Dress to be outside. Cost is free; registration is required.
Send us an email if we missed anything, and we’ll add your event to the list.
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
