Thanksgiving weekend doesn’t have to end when the leftovers go into the refrigerator.
Whether you’re hosting out-of-town family, planning a Friendsgiving gathering, or looking for something to do after dinner, Des Moines and the surrounding communities offer plenty of ways to enjoy the long weekend.
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with the holiday weekend running through Sunday, November 29.
From Thanksgiving morning turkey trots to holiday lights and decorated Christmas trees, here are some ideas for your calendar.
Event details were checked in October 2026. Visit the linked websites before attending for current schedules, registration, ticket availability, and weather updates.
Start Thanksgiving Morning at the Des Moines Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Where: Downtown Des Moines
Before gathering around the table, get outside for the Des Moines Turkey Trot.
The event offers a 5K, a five-mile race, and a Tot Trot, with options for runners and walkers. The downtown route gives visiting friends and family a chance to experience local landmarks while joining a Thanksgiving tradition.
You don’t have to make it a competitive outing. Gather a group, choose the distance that works for you, and enjoy an active start to the holiday.
Check the organizer’s website for registration, start times, packet pickup, and parking instructions.
View Des Moines Turkey Trot details
Join the FAM Turkey Trot in West Des Moines
When: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Where: Raccoon River Park, West Des Moines
For another Thanksgiving Day option, look into the FAM Turkey Trot in West Des Moines.
This annual event gives families and friends an opportunity to participate in a Thanksgiving morning outing at Raccoon River Park.
If you’re deciding between turkey trots, compare the locations, registration details, and schedules to see which fits best with your dinner plans. Register through the official event page and review the participant information before heading out.
View FAM Turkey Trot information
Explore Festival of Trees & Lights
When: November 27–29, 2026
Where: Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, 833 5th Avenue, Des Moines
Admission: $10 per person; children 2 and younger are free
Festival of Trees & Lights is an indoor option for the weekend after Thanksgiving, especially if you’re entertaining guests of different ages.
The event features decorated trees, local music and dance performances, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, and children’s activities. It supports Blank Children’s Hospital and also includes a gift shop.
2026 public hours:
Friday, November 27: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday, November 28: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday, November 29: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Children’s activities are included with admission, and the event is cashless.
View Festival of Trees & Lights details
See Uptown Wonderlights in Ankeny
When: November 13–December 31, 2026, after sunset
Where: Uptown Ankeny
Admission: Free
If you’re looking for a flexible Thanksgiving weekend activity, add Uptown Wonderlights to your list.
More than 50 animated displays light up portions of SW 3rd Street and the Ankeny Market & Pavilion area. You can enjoy them on foot, by bicycle, or from your vehicle.
It’s an easy outing to fit around family gatherings because you don’t need to commit to a ticketed time slot. Bundle up for a walk, or take a drive through the area with visiting relatives.
View Uptown Wonderlights information
Plan an Evening at Dome for the Holidays
Season: Select evenings from November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027
Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Dome for the Holidays brings seasonal lighting to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, offering another way to add a holiday outing to your plans.
The experience combines the garden setting with thousands of lights. If you’re looking for something to do with visiting family or planning a date night during the long weekend, check the ticket calendar for available evenings.
The seasonal date range does not mean the event operates every night. Confirm the specific Thanksgiving weekend schedule before purchasing tickets.
Check Dome for the Holidays dates and tickets
Make Time for Local Holiday Shopping
Thanksgiving weekend is also an opportunity to get started on your gift list.
Small Business Saturday falls on November 28, 2026. Consider setting aside time to explore independent shops in Uptown Ankeny, Historic Valley Junction, or the Historic East Village.
Make the outing manageable by choosing one area, browsing a few stores, and stopping for lunch or coffee.
Check individual businesses for holiday hours and any special promotions. Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and weekend schedules may differ from regular hours.
Get Outside for a Walk
If you’d rather keep your plans simple, make room for a walk between meals and gatherings.
Choose a neighborhood route, a nearby park, or a familiar trail that suits your group and the weather. Around Ankeny, a short outing close to home may be all you need to give everyone a change of scenery.
Keep the plan flexible. Late-November conditions can vary, and a shorter walk may work better for guests with different activity levels.
A little fresh air also leaves plenty of time for football, board games, and another piece of pie.
Build a Weekend That Leaves Room to Relax
You don’t need a packed itinerary to make Thanksgiving weekend memorable.
Choose one or two outings and leave time for the parts of the holiday you enjoy most. A morning turkey trot, an afternoon at Festival of Trees & Lights, or an evening looking at lights can give visiting guests something to look forward to without filling every hour.
If you’re hosting, share a few options ahead of time so everyone can choose what interests them.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Around Des Moines
One of the benefits of living in Ankeny and the Des Moines metro is having different ways to spend a long weekend, from downtown events to simple activities close to home.
Whether your plans involve a race, holiday lights, local shopping, or a quiet gathering, there’s room to create a Thanksgiving tradition that fits your household.
Thinking about making Ankeny or a surrounding Central Iowa community your home? Contact The Hokel Real Estate Team at Century 21 Signature Real Estate. We’ll help you explore homes and find a location that fits your everyday life.