Thanksgiving Fun in Des Moines 2025
All of the fun Halloween festivities have ended, don’t worry, though, some fun Thanksgiving traditions and events are happening in Des Moines, Iowa, this year. Check out these fun events and activities before or after Thanksgiving Day. We will be adding more events and activities to this guide as they are released. Have something to add? Please email us. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
Looking to do some fun activities at home? Here are some fun ideas!
- 5 Fun Thanksgiving Turkey Crafts
- Thankful Turkey Thanksgiving Game
- Santa in Des Moines
- Christmas Light Displays in Des Moines
Family Turkey Time Bowling
November 16 from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Warrior Lanes
It’s almost time for our annual Turkey Time Family Glow Bowling Party with MOM-approved music and totally alcohol-free! Glow-In-The-Dark Bowling, Concert Lights, and Black Lights. Lanes must be reserved and paid for by 6 p.m. on Friday, November 14.
Sensory Day at Festival Trees of Lights
November 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community Choice Convention Center
Sensory Day is a special day designed for sensory-sensitive individuals of all ages. The event is open to the public for individuals and their immediate families who would benefit from this specially modified Festival day. Festival of Trees & Lights is a fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital, supporting programs and services for patients and families. For questions about the event, please email [email protected] or call 515-241-6838.
Modifications made specifically for Sensory Day include:
- Festival Express Train will operate; however, the train bell will be disabled to reduce noise.
- No entertainment will be performed on the large stage in the Ballroom to help reduce noise.
- Lights will be dimmed, and flashing lights (on trees) will be minimized as much as possible.
- Attendance will be greatly reduced.
- A calming room will be available if needed by attendees.
- The Sock Skating Rink will be limited to very small groups or individually if needed, to meet the unique needs of attendees.
- Santa will be available for children and families in a secluded area – out of sight for attendees.
- The music Therapist will provide a special area for musical activities based on attendees’ interests.
- Animal-assisted therapy dogs will be on both floors, greeting guests.
Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto
November 27 – 30
Check here for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
Disney On Ice invites families to step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, the #1 Animated feature of all time, and Disney Animation’s Encanto, the 2022 Academy Award®, BAFTA®, and Golden Globe® Award winner for Best Animated Feature, 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
All guests aged 2 & older are required to have a ticket.
Des Moines Turkey Trot
November 27 at 9 a.m.
Downtown Des Moines
Named as one of the best Turkey Trots in the country, and ‘Top Trot’ in Iowa by Runner’s World Magazine 5 years in a row, The Des Moines Turkey Trot is Iowa’s largest Thanksgiving Day tradition. Join in this holiday in downtown Des Moines, or ‘virtually anywhere,’ for our 5K, 5 Mile, and Tot Trot runs.
FAM Turkey Trot 5k
November 27 at 9 a.m.
Raccoon River Park
THE FAM TURKEY TROT is a family-friendly way to kick off your Thanksgiving. Whether you’re a competitive runner or you just want to walk with friends and family, the FAM Turkey Trot encourages participants of all abilities. The race takes place at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines, IA. Your attendance supports families that have lost children due to a fatal diagnosis during pregnancy or complications during pregnancy or birth.
Festival of Trees and Lights
November 28 – 30
Friday & Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Blank Children’s Hospital is proud to announce that the 42nd Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will be at the Iowa Events Center – Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in 2025. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season. The 42nd Annual Festival of Trees & Lights will feature beautifully decorated trees, special performances from local music and dance groups, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, fun crafts and activities, and the chance to be inspired by impactful stories of children cared for at Blank Children’s. In addition, visitors can shop the Holiday Gift Shop for gifts and more. Purchase tickets here.
If this is your first time at the Festival, here’s what you can expect:
- 90 beautifully decorated trees are displayed across the Ballroom.
- Children’s area with crafts and activities. Punch cards are available for purchase to participate in the activities.
- Festival Express Train for children 70 pounds and less.
- Sock Skating Rink for children to “skate” in their socks.
- Food area that offers snacks, chips, drinks (water and soda), popcorn, and freshly baked cookies.
- People’s Choice voting for your favorite tree.
- Scavenger Hunt among the trees, and participants earn a prize.
- Festival Gift Shop with a wide variety of holiday gifts, toys, and décor.
Jolly Holiday Lights
November 29 – January 4
5:30-9 pm on weekdays and 5:30-10 pm on weekends
Address: Iowa State Fairgrounds
The event will return to a drive-thru format at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, and a $1 donation will be made to Make-A-Wish Iowa for every vehicle. Admission is $20 per car, $50 per bus, and limo. You can purchase tickets here.
