We are thrilled to partner with DSM Holiday Boutique to bring you this monthly event guide.
Friday, November 15: 10 am-9 pmSaturday, November 16: 9 am-7 pm
Sunday, November 17: 10 am-5 pm
For more local gift-buying ideas visit our Holiday Market guide for a list of more chances to shop local for the holidays.
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 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.
First and Third Fridays | New Moms Postpartum Support Group, Waukee Wellness & Chiropractic
A safe and welcoming space where you can connect with other new moms who are going through similar experiences.
Things to Do in Des Moines November 2024
Through Nov 10 | Anastasia The Musical, CAP Theatre in Altoona
Get tickets for this musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.
Nov. 8 – Nov. 24 | Last Stop on Market Street, Des Moines Community Playhouse
Guided by his veritable force-of-nature Nana, CJ travels closer to his roots and sees that things are not always what they seem. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book and with a spectacular, spirited score by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son Paris Ray Dozier, you’ll find yourself dancing in your seat as you enjoy this vibrant story about connecting to your community.
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Nov. 8 | 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 7pm, and holiday sips and treats.
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 14+
Nov. 10 | Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster, Civic Center
11 a.m.
Leonardo is a terrible monster. He tries so hard to be scary, but he just… isn’t. Then Leonardo finds Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the world. Will Leonardo finally get to scare the tuna salad out of someone? Or will it be the start of an unlikely friendship?
// RELATED CONTENT: Check out more Holiday activities and events happening in Des Moines //
Nov. 14 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Lost Christmas Eve Tour, Wells Fargo Arena
7 p.m.
Your rock holiday tradition returns with an all-new show.
November 15 – 17 | Des Moines Holiday Boutique, Iowa Events Center
Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $10 online, $12 at the door, kids 12 and under free
This multi-day event features an extensive list of vendors. You can also experience special events like Girls’ Night Out and Mother-Daughter Night.
Nov. 16 | Decorate a Pre-made Wreath Workshop, Ted Lare Design & Build Garden Center
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 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.
Nov. 21, 28 | 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.
Nov. 22, 29 | 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.
Nov. 22 | 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!
Nov. 22 – 24 | Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, Hy-Vee Hall Downtown Des Moines
Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 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!
Nov. 22-24 | 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!
Nov. 22 | 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.
Nov. 22 | Taylor Swift Skate, Skateland
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Skate to 3 hours of Taylor Swift’s top hits. Open skate starts at 5 p.m., come early if you’d like, Taylor’s best hits will start at 6 p.m.
Get ready to shop ’til you drop at Paws & Pints’ Paw-liday Market! Join us 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.
Nov. 24 | Ceramic Tree Event, Glazed Expressions – Clive
Remember those ceramic trees at Grandma’s house? Recreate your own with a variety of ceramic trees and specialty glazes. Grab your friends, throw on an ugly sweater, and make it a fun day out.
Nov. 24 | 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.
Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 | Disney on Ice, Wells Fargo Arena
We love this Thanksgiving weekend tradition in Des Moines. This year, the show is Mickey’s Search Party.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 | 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.
Nov. 29 – Jan. 4 | Jolly Holiday Lights, Iowa State Fairgrounds
Weekdays: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Weekends: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
This annual tradition moves 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.
Nov. 30 | 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 the vibrant exhibition, “Samantha Box: Caribbean Dreams,” the Des Moines Art Center has teamed up with CultureALL, the Des Moines Playhouse, the Des Moines Public Library, and local independent bookstores to bring you a day full of storytelling magic.
Nov. 30 | Breakfast with Santa at Holiday Hullabaloo, 10320 Hickman Rd, Clive
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Children are invited to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and Santa has a special gift for each child. Capture the moment in a photo of your child with Santa. Mrs. Claus will decorate a sugar cookie with each child and read a holiday story.
Nov. 30 | Christmas in Olde Town, Altoona
2 p.m. – 5 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. All of the family-friendly activities start at 2 p.m. when Santa arrives on a fire truck.
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.
