A Des Moines Mom’s Guide to the Month of November 2016

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november-guide

Fall is in full swing and the holiday season is almost here! As always, there’s lots to do and see around Des Moines this month as well as activities and events to get out during the holidays. Check out our guide, grab your calendar, and start planning!

Send us an email if we missed anything and we will add it to the list!

November 2016 events and activities

November 2, 3 | Fill the Truck Winter Warmth Event, Chick-Fil-As in Ankeny and West Des Moines on Mills Civic Parkway and University Ave.
Details: Winter Warmth Drive will collect new or gently used winter outerwear; coats, hats, gloves, blankets, snow boots and snow pants. Get a coupon for a free menu item from Chick-Fil-A with donation.

November 4 | Costco Mom Hour
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Kick off your holiday shopping with an exclusive shopping event.
Admission: Free, registration required

November 5 | Road Warriors 5K Run/Walk at Johnston Public Library
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Details: A run to honor SGT Brandon Ketchum and all veterans lost to suicide

November 4-20 | The Boxcar Children Des Moines Community Playhouse

November 5, 6, 12, 13 | Pumpkin patch wagon rides at Jester Park
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: No reservation necessary
Admission: $10/person; children under the age of 2 are free

November 5 | Children and Families of Iowa’s Princess Party at Jordan Creek Town Center food court
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Details: breakfast, games, live princesses, and crafts. All children are welcome and encouraged to dress up!
Price: ages 12 months – 16 yrs: $18; ages 17 & up: $15 (only individuals with a paid event ticket admitted)

November 5 | Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II at Des Moines Civic Center
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: starting at $35 through dmsymphony.org or Des Moines Performing Arts and at the Civic Center Ticket Office

November 6 | Friendsgiving in Prairie Trail Ankeny
Details: Help raise funds for Hope Ministries and set a Guinness World Record with at least 500 people seated together for a Thanksgiving meal. Activities include pumpkin crafts and a mobile game truck.
Tickets: $29 for adults (kids 12 and under are free); tables of 8 can be purchased at a discounted price. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items, gently used clothing and new, unwrapped toys.

November 10, 11 | Santa N’ Paws, Animal Rescue League, Des Moines
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Details: Bring your pets for a holiday photo
Reservations: $10, goes toward photo package

November 11 | Red Riding Hood, Des Moines Community Playhouse
9:30 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.; 1:30 a.m.
An interactive theater shows for children ages 4-6
Admission: $6

November 11 | Family Night at Science Center of Iowa           
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: $5

November 11 | Santa’s Arrival at Valley West Mall
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: free train rides, coloring, crafts, balloon animals, treats, and entertainment for the whole family

November 11, 12 | Beaverdale Holiday Boutique, Holy Trinity
Admission: $4

November 12 | Iowa’s Premier Beer, Wine and Food Expo, Iowa Events Center
Tickets: $35

November 12 | Santa N’ Paws Animal Rescue League, Des Moines
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: Bring your pets for a holiday photo
Reservations: $10, goes toward photo package

November 12, 13 | Santa Pictures–and Mrs. Claus at Homemakers
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free

November 13 | Santa N’ Paws Animal Rescue League, Des Moines
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Bring your pets for a holiday photo
Reservations: $10, goes toward photo package

November 17 | Jingle Bell Drop, Historic Valley Junction
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Santa will arrive in Valley Junction to drop 500 Jingle Bells on Maple Street at 6 p.m.

November 18 | Historic East Village Holiday Promenade
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

November 18, 19 | Inclusive Ministry Conference at Lutheran Church of Hope
For parents of children with special needs and the ministry professionals who serve them. Hosted by The Special Needs Ministry Network of Des Moines.

November 18 | Santa N’ Paws Animal Rescue League, Clive
5 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: Bring your pets for a holiday photo
Reservations: $10, goes toward photo package

November 18 | Storytime with Elephant and Piggie, Central Library
10:15 a.m.

November 19 | Winter Blooms, Des Moines Botanical Garden
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Admission: members – child/adult pair: $10.50, additional child: $7.50
nonmembers—child/adult pair: $18, additional child: $10

November 19 | Storytime with Elephant and Piggie, Forest Ave Library
2 p.m.

November 20 | Santa N’ Paws Animal Rescue League, Clive
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Bring your pets for a holiday photo
Reservations: $10, goes toward photo package

November 21 | Storytime with Elephant and Piggie, South Side Library
6:30 p.m.

November 22 | Storytime with Elephant and Piggie, Franklin Ave Library
4 p.m.

November 23-27 | Disney on Ice Passport to Adventure, Iowa Events Center
Tickets starting at $15

November 23-27 | Festival of Trees and Lights, HyVee Hall
Admission: $5

November 24 | Turkey Trot
5K and 5 mile run

November 25, 26, 27 | Santa Express, Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Admission: $18. Advanced tickets required.

November 27 | Elephant and Piggie Party, Central Library
2 p.m.


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