Find 2021 Thanksgiving events here.
Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to enjoy family time and show your gratitude. Events throughout Des Moines are helping families do all that and more. Below, find a list of socially-distant, events and activities happening over the long Thanksgiving break.
Remember, you can find additional listings on our Events Calendar and sign-up for our Weekend Fun Guide to find out our top picks for even more Thanksgiving weekend family fun in Des Moines!
Here’s a few ideas to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with your family in Des Moines:
Seasonal Events & Activities Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Disney on Ice
Thursday, November 26 – Sunday, December 6, 2020
Share every magical moment at Wells Fargo Arena filled with breathtaking ice skating and beloved Disney songs and stories that give everyone a reason to believe! Disney On Ice will limit arena capacity to preserve social distancing. All fans age 2 and older must have a ticket and wear a face covering.
Turkey Trot Challenge Box
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Grab your virtual 5K Turkey Trot Challenge Box, lace up your shoes, and get ready to earn your second helping. Families are encouraged to participate at a socially distant location of their choice.
Hungry Turkey Virtual Run
Thursday November 26 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
The Des Moines Thanksgiving tradition continues virtually in 2020 featuring The Thankful Turkey Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Run/Walk the distance any time between Thanksgiving Day and November 29th.
Black Friday Walk & Play
Friday, November 27, 2020
Skip the stores and opt for the outdoors with the Brenton Arboretum this Black Friday! You’ll enjoy an energetic and educational guided walk along the Arboretum’s liveliest trails as you #optoutside and discover what’s happening with the plants and animals as they prepare for winter. All ages welcome.
Mainframe Studios Small Business Saturday Shopping Event
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Join Mainframe Studios for a safe, socially distanced holiday shopping event. Tour over 75 open artist studios, check out their custom holiday gift boxes, and support local businesses.
Holiday Events Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Blank Children’s VIRTUAL Festival of Trees & Light
Wednesday, November 25 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
The Festival of Trees & Lights is a five-day event that is the main fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital. This year’s event will be hosted virtually, but will still feature beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, children’s activities, and more!
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Thursday, November 26 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
Join Bass Pro Shops for this beloved family tradition with magical enhancements to keep everyone safe this holiday season. This is a FREE event, but advanced online reservations are required.
Jolly Holiday Lights
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
Cruise through the 2.5 mile stretch of twinkling lights and animated displays at Adventureland Campgrounds during Jolly Holiday Lights. Tickets will be available beginning in November at Hy-Vee, Casey’s and the Make-A-Wish Iowa office. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate and electronic tickets may be purchased at any time online.
Santa Express
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
Depart the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s depot in Boone and arrive at the North Pole (and return). In route, you’ll hear the story of Santa’s Scenic Valley Ride, sing holiday songs, and take part in other fun, family activities. Masks or face shields are required in the depot, museum, and common areas aboard the train.
Santa’s Rock N Lights Drive Thru Light Show
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
Santa’s Rock n Lights is a drive thru Christmas light show experience. This is a totally new tradition coming to Living History Farms this year. Load up family and friends to watch the action of lights dancing to music all from the warmth of your car! Tickets can be purchased online.
Local Attractions Open Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Brenton Skating Plaza
Thursday, November 26 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
Burn off a few of your extra turkey calories by ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza. Families can ice skate on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the holiday weekend. To help maintain effective social distancing, they have introduced a lower capacity of skaters on the ice and encourage skaters to book ahead online. Visit their website for hours and admission prices.
Blank Park Zoo
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
The zoo will be open during their normal business hours throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. (They are CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.) The zoo only allows a certain number of people into the Zoo at a time. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended, but not required. Masks are required to enter the zoo.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
The Botanical Center will be open their normal hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving. Advanced online reservations are required. Face coverings are required at all times, excluding children under age 2.
Science Center of Iowa
Saturday, November 28 – Sunday, November 29, 2020
The Science Center of Iowa will be open during their normal hours during the Thanksgiving weekend. (They are CLOSED on Thanksgiving.) ALL visitors must purchase tickets in advance on SCI’s website. Face coverings are required for ages two years and older.
Des Moines Children’s Museum
Friday, November 28 – Saturday, November 29, 2020
The museum will be open their normal hours on Friday and Saturday but will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving. They require masks for visitors ages 5 and up, and recommend but do not require them for ages 2-4.
In addition Des Moines area Bowling Alleys, Skating Rinks, Movie Theaters and Indoor Play Centers will also be open throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.
What is your family planning for Thanksgiving weekend 2020? Let us know in the comments!
