The Thanksgiving holiday break is nearly here and with it comes a LONG holiday weekend! Whether you’re entertaining out-of-towners, or enjoying a family staycation, we’ve got you covered. From sports events to fun holiday happenings and a sprinkling of family-friendly shows, we’ve rounded up a few fun ways to spend some quality time with your family over the long Thanksgiving weekend in Des Moines.
Remember, you can find additional listings on our Event 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!
From all of us at dsm4kids, have a happy Thanksgiving!
Here’s a few ideas to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with your family in Des Moines:
Seasonal Events & Activities Happening Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Des Moines Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Start off Thanksgiving Day on a trot…a Turkey Trot! Runners will start their trek with the Des Moines Courthouse as their backdrop in Downtown Des Moines. Choose a 5K or 5-mile run, or the kids can participate in a Tot Trot. Also, be sure to wear a Thanksgiving inspired costume. Prices vary.
Waukee Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Start a new family tradition by participating in Waukee’s Turkey Trot. 5K runners and walkers will make their way through Triumph Park. This chip-timed event offers not only a fun run for all ages but also special kids’ categories, making it a perfect family activity. Prices vary.
Disney on Ice
Thursday, November 23 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars where every story begins with a wish! This all-new production brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Several times available to attend at Wells Fargo Arena.
Des Moines Buccaneers Hockey
Friday, November 24, 2023
Check your enthusiasm and cheer on the Des Moines Buccaneers as they take on the Dubuque Fighting Saintes at Buccaneer Arena in Urbandale.
Entirely Kids Day
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Designed for art lovers of any age, Entirely Kids Day: Playing House at the Des Moines Art Center is inspired by the warmth of home, the joy of play, and the must-see exhibition Transform Any Room. Come and play “house” at the Art Center for Entirely Kids Day from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This FREE, fun day for friends and family is the perfect opportunity to spend time together creating lasting memories.
Holiday Events Happening Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Miracle on 86th Street
Thursday, November 23 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
Bundle up and stroll through the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The park features a large custom-built train and larger-than-life ornamental displays. The park is lit with more than 50,000 holiday lights throughout the holiday season!
Winter Wonder Lights
Thursday, November 23 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
Walk, ride or drive through Uptown Ankeny after sundown to enjoy over 30 animated holiday displays sponsored by local businesses. In addition, you’ll find decked out store fronts, several photo ops, and their 25 foot tall show tree which will perform every 30 minutes.
Holiday Hullabaloo
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
Holiday Hullabaloo is an indoor, all immersive, family-friendly holidays experience that will surprise and delight guests of all ages this holiday season. The event is held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Holiday Hullabaloo is an InnovativEvents production benefitting Dorothy’s House— a local nonprofit organization that helps survivors of human trafficking in Iowa at the former Woodsmith Shop.
Blank Children’s Festival of Trees & Light
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
Meander along a guided, one-way path to view the beautifully decorated trees and read impactful stories of children cared for at Blank Children’s. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and is a central Iowa tradition to kick off the holiday season at the Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center.
Holiday Promenade
Friday, November 24, 2023
The annual Holiday Promenade will return to the Historic East Village on Fridays for the 2023 holiday season. It’s an exciting celebration full of holiday themed activities, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. Along with the great shops, bars, and restaurants of East Village, there will be something special each night!
Jolly Holiday Lights
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
Make-A-Wish Iowa’s Jolly Holiday Lights is transforming for 2023! They invite you to join them at their new location at the Outlets of Des Moines. This year’s event will feature incredible lights-to-music displays that guests can immerse themselves in as they walk through a winter wonderland while shopping for friends and family.
Santa’s Rock N Lights Drive Thru Light Show
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
Santa’s Rock n Lights is a drive thru Christmas light show experience located at Living History Farms. 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.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Small Business Saturday is a great way to get your shopping done early AND support your community! In addition to shopping, many communities host fun events including: Ankeny and Valley Junction.
Christmas in Olde Town Altoona
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Once a year, downtown Altoona transforms into a bustling winter wonderland for Christmas in Olde Town—a celebration of community and the holiday season. Load up your sleigh with family and friends and come join them for live music, walking tours, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a light show, and a special appearance from the Big Guy himself!
Local Attractions Open Thanksgiving Weekend in Des Moines
Brenton Skating Plaza
Thursday, November 23 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
Burn off a few of your extra turkey calories by ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza. Families can ice skate throughout the holiday weekend, including on Thanksgiving Day. Online registration for skating sessions is recommended. Walk-up admission will be allowed if space allows. Visit their website for hours and admission prices.
Blank Park Zoo
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
The zoo will be open during their normal business hours throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. (They are CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.)
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
The Botanical Center will be open their normal hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving. They will host Dome After Dark starting at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 24, 2023.
Science Center of Iowa
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, November 26, 2023
The Science Center of Iowa will be open during their normal hours during the Thanksgiving weekend. (They are CLOSED on Thanksgiving.) It’s recommended to purchase tickets online, as they can reach building capacity on busy holidays.
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 2023? Let us know in the comments!
