Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in November
The beginning of the holiday season has arrived and with it so many fun events! Get started on your holiday shopping, enjoy a performance or two, and run at the Turkey Trot. Take a look at our list and plan your November in Des Moines with these top 8 things to do in Des Moines in November.
Take a look at these other fun guides to help you plan for November and the holiday season:
Seussical the Musical at the Des Moines Playhouse
Address: 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
When:
- Friday, October 27th, 7:00 PM
- Saturday, October 28th, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM
- Sunday, October 29th, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM
- Friday, November 3rd, 7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 4th, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM
- Sunday, November 5th, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Cost: Tickets are $19 for adults and $14 for students (infants through college)
Experience Seussical the Musical at the Des Moines Playhouse this October and November. Cat-in-the-hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant that must protect the Whos and guard an abandoned egg. The powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are evident throughout the production. Playhouse performances are intended for children ages 5 and up.
Homemakers Free Picture with Santa Event
Address: Homemakers, 10215 Douglas Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12th, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Get a free picture with Santa at Homemakers! Bring the whole family for one digital photo. Adults must accompany children. The photo will be emailed no later than November 17th.
Des Moines Holiday Boutique
Address: Iowa Event Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Friday, November 10th, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
- Saturday, November 11th, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
- Sunday, November 12th, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: $10 per ticket (13+ needs a ticket) Buy online and save $2
PROMO CODE: DSMPB (50% off a regular adult ticket.)
Kick off your holiday shopping at the 6th annual 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. Local talent will be performing on the Holiday Entertainment stage. Enjoy the Boutique cafe with Stu’s BBQ. Friday night is Girls Night Out from 5:00 PM-10:00 PM with music, drinks and shopping. Saturday night is Mother Daughter Night from 4:00 PM-7:00 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.
*Our readers have a Promo Code: DSMPB will give them 50% off a regular adult ticket.
Family Fun Day at the Rec Plex
Address: Rec Plex, 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
When: Sunday, November 12th, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Run around at the Rec Plex for Family Fun Day. This event, sponsored by Green State Credit Union, gives families a chance to check out the indoor turf and walk around the Rec Plex. The RP Grill will be open to purchase beverages and food. Have you been to the RecPlex? If you haven’t check it out!
Disney On Ice Presents Magic in the Stars
Address: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center Street Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Thursday, November 23rd, 6:00 PM
- Friday, November 24th, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 25th, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM
- Sunday, November 26th, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Cost: Tickets start at $18 (Everyone 2 and older needs a ticket)
Bring the family to Disney On Ice Presents Magic in the Stars. This all-new production will feature figure skating, acrobatics, stunts, innovative lighting, special effects, new costume designs and of course your favorite disney characters! During select shows, you can purchase tickets to the “character experiences”. This includes a dance party, crafts and interactive time with select characters.
Des Moines Turkey Trot
Address: The starting line is at Court Ave and 5th Street
When: Thursday, November 23rd, 9:00 AM
Cost: Registration is $45 until October 31st, then it increases to $50
Start Thanksgiving Day off at the Des Moines Turkey Trot. The day starts 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!
Winterset Festival of Lights
Address: Madison County Courthouse Square, 112 S John Wayne Dr, Winterset, IA 50273
When: Friday, November 24th, 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 featuring holiday movies will make its way around the courthouse square.
Entirely Kids Day at the Des Moines Art Center
Address: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
When: Saturday, November 25th, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Spend the day at the Des Moines Art Center for Entirely Kids Day. The theme centers around “home”. Explore the museum, create hands-on art making and kid friendly entertainment. As a bonus, our Erin Huiatt will be there with a fun BINGO game, coloring sheets, signing and selling books! And if you want to go on a different day, check out our guide on exploring the Des Moines Art Center with kids.
