9 things to do this Thanksgiving weekend in Dallas County, from 5K runs to a lighted parade

Night Before Thanksgiving Soup Dinner

5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 at St. Patrick's Gym, 1302 5th St., Perry.

A Night Before Thanksgiving Soup Dinner will be served starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at the St. Pat's Gym. The menu will include soups, rolls, dessert and a drink. A free-will offering will be taken with proceeds going to St. Pat's Giving Tree.

Waukee Turkey Trot 5K

9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23 at at Triumph Park, Waukee.

The Waukee Turkey Trot is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. The race will raise funds for the American Heart Association. Runners and walkers can select their choice of a long-sleeved T-shirt or fleece hoodie. Donutland donuts will also be available at the finish line and Hank, a Thanksgiving mascot, will be around to take photos with. More information and registration is available at IowaRuns.com/WaukeeTurkeyTrot.

Adel Community Thanksgiving Dinner

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23 at Meadow View Elementary, 1300 S 15th St., Adel.

A free community Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Meadow View Elementary. For meal deliveries or donations, call Lincoln Savings Bank at (515) 993-5663.

First Baptist Church Thanksgiving Meal

12 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23 at First Baptist Church, 1220 4th St., Perry.

All ages are welcome this Thanksgiving as we come together and celebrate at First Baptist Church. Bring only yourself and enjoy spectacular food, people and praise. No RSVP is required, but feel free to reach out if you need any special accommodations or have any questions at 515-465-4669 or fbperryia@gmail.com.

Light the Town Challenge

Sign up through Thursday, Nov. 23, Van Meter.

Van Meter Community Development Corporation is sponsoring the 4th Annual Light the Town Challenge. Show off your holiday spirit by decorating your home, business or city approved area of town. VMCDC will view and judge all entries starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. First, second and third places will be awarded, along with a fan favorite. Sign up to participate by Thursday, Nov. 23 at www.vanmeter.life.com.

Festival of Trees – Perry

6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at Carnegie Library Museum, Perry.

Welcome in the holidays with the 9th Annual Festival of Trees! This November and December, the Carnegie Library Museum will transform into a magical, winter wonderland. Beautifully decorated, themed trees and festive displays installed by individuals, businesses and organizations, will adorn the Carnegie. Prepare to be dazzled by colorful lights and festive décor, then cast votes for your favorites. Enjoy the magical atmosphere all season long at this free event during open Carnegie Museum hours through Dec. 30. The Winter Carnegie Library hours are as follows: Sunday and Monday – Closed. Tuesday and Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 9th Annual Festival of Trees kicks off during special hours on Friday, Nov. 24, for the Perry Lighted Parade from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, call the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713.

Perry's Lighted Holiday Parade

7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 in downtown Perry.

The Perry Chamber of Commerce invites the Perry community to participate in this celebration as an official kick-off to the holiday season! Businesses, community organizations, and jolly community members are encouraged to create lighted floats to join the parade... or gather downtown to enjoy the parade. Then head over to Hotel Pattee to meet Santa afterwards. A number of stores will be open late that night, but all downtown lights will go dark at 7 p.m. in anticipation of the Lighted Parade. Line-up begins at 6 p.m. at 2nd & Otley, and there are prizes for the best, biggest, and brightest lighted parade floats in the amount of $350, $250 and $150 in Perry Bucks! Thanks to generous support of the Matt & Shanda Carstens Family Foundation, participants in this year's Lighted Parade have a chance to WIN big! All parade registrants are eligible to win one night at a Wells Fargo Suite for an Iowa Wild Hockey Game, so be sure to pre-register your entry today: forms.gle/95eptBqhr5BgorYUA. Starting at the corner of 2nd and Otley (by Oasis Market), the parade will first head east on Otley to 3rd Street (by Fareway) and then will head north on 3rd to Pattee, turning left and left again to then head south on 2nd Street through downtown. Special thanks to the PHS Select Choir for caroling prior to the Lighted Parade and to the Hotel Pattee for hosting Santa and activities following the parade.

Santa at Hotel Pattee

7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at Hotel Pattee, Perry.

Santa will be making his way to the Hotel Pattee after the Lighted Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 24. Stay cozy inside the hotel and take a photo with Santa. If you ask nicely, he might even share some of his milk and cookies!

Tinsel Trot

10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at Raccoon Valley Bank, Perry.

The Perry Booster Club will host the annual Tinsel Trot on Saturday, Nov. 25. Registration for the 5k walk/run will start at 10 a.m. with the race starting at 10:30 a.m. The event will also include a photo op with Santa and the Bluejay mascot along with Jays Nest apparel sales. The cost is $35 for adults and $25 for students. Online registration is open through perry-booster-club.square.site. Walk-up registration will also be available the morning of the event.

Merchant Movies

11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at Perry Grand 3 Theatres.

The merchants of Perry are again sponsoring free Christmas movies at 11 a.m. every Saturday until Christmas. No tickets are necessary, just first come first served. Find a list of upcoming movies on the Perry Grand 3 Theatres Facebook page.

Waukee Holiday Lights Contest

Sign up through Sunday, Nov. 26.

Waukee residents can enter their holiday light displays in the annual contest, sponsored by Mi-Fiber, for a chance to win a $75 gift card to a local restaurant. Entries will be accepted through Sunday, Nov. 26 at 11:59 p.m. The Waukee Park Board will narrow entries down to 10 finalists. Then Waukee residents can tour the top 10 and vote for the best display in town. To enter the Holiday Lights Contest, visit Waukee.org/WinterFest.

100+ People for Perry Meeting

7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27 at Hotel Pattee.

The 2023 4th Quarter 100+ People for Perry Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27 at the Hotel Pattee. One Hundred+ People for Perry’s mission is to invest in Perry’s future through supporting current charities/nonprofits/worthy projects which advance the quality of life and the betterment of the Perry community. Anyone interested in joining 100+ People for Perry should contact Mark Powell (mpowell@fdplawfirm.com), Tom Lipovac (tom.lipovac@gmail.com), or Linda Kaufman (kaufmanlinda1948@gmail.com).

Annual Toy Drive

Toys to be collected through end of November.

Boxes have been set out to collect toys for the annual toy drive. Boxes are located at Ben's Five and Dime, Dollar General, Family Credit Union, Fareway, Hy-Vee, Percival Scientific, Perry Perk, Perry Public Library, Tractor Supply and Van Wall Equipment. Toys can be dropped off through the end of November before being distributed to Perry youth.

Hometown Holiday Celebration

Friday, Dec. 1 around Adel.

Help kick off the holiday season with a weekend full of festive activities, hosted by the Adel Partners Chamber. The annual Sip & Sample will return on Friday, Dec. 1. The Adel Public Library will host Mrs. Claus and Crafts with drinks and cookies provided by the City of Adel from 1-3 p.m. The lighting of the tree and wreaths will be held at 4:45 p.m. on the northeast corner of the square with music provided by the boy and girl scouts. Enjoy festive dishes and drinks available at Adel businesses and shop locally for your holiday gifts from 5-7:30 p.m. Find the poster in their windows to enjoy samples.

Festival of Trees – Adel

5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at Adel First Christian Church, corner of Highway 169 and Rapids Street.

Welcome in the Christmas season by attending the Hometown Holiday Celebration in Adel from 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. On your tour around town for Sip & Sample, don't miss the magical Festival of Trees at Adel First Christian Church. Enter the west doors and walk through the beautiful sanctuary or enter from the east parking lot. Festivities will continue on Sunday, Dec. 3 (also at Adel First Christian Church), so bring your friends and enjoy hearty soup, from 11 to 1:30 and a fancy dessert, from 11 to 3:30, amid the twinkling lights and sparkling decorations of the Festival of Trees. Enter from the east parking lot and take the elevator or stairs down to the Festival of Trees.

The Holidays are Sweeter in Van Meter

Dec. 1-2 around Van Meter.

Each year, Van Meter Community Development hosts a community holiday celebration the first weekend in December. The Holiday are Sweeter in Van Meter is where our community and businesses rally together and have fun for all ages. Activities include the 9th annual Sips & Snacks from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, with tours starting at the Legion. A silent auction will be held along with a raffle drawing from 8-10 p.m. The Community Market will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 1 and will continue from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Saturday activities include an Ugly Sweater 5k and Kids Fun Run at 2 p.m. at the Downtown Memorial Park, followed by an adult/kid beverage garden from 2-7 p.m. The Van Meter Public Library will host crafts, stories, letters to Santa and caroling from 12-5 p.m. Residents can dress their dogs in holiday attire for the Holiday Dog Parade, which starts at 4:30 p.m. at the library. The festivities continue from 5-7 p.m. at Memorial Park with visits from Santa and the Grinch, a free-will donation hot dog meal, photos, live DJ and more. The tree will be lit at 6:50 p.m. and the Light the Town winners will be announced.

Waukee WinterFest

6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 in Downtown Triangle Area, Waukee.

Be a part of the fun at the annual WinterFest celebration on Friday, Dec. 1 at Waukee's Downtown Triangle! Join Santa and Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke as they light the tree in Triangle Park at 6 p.m. SHARP. After the tree lighting, visit with Santa in person at the Community Center over hot chocolate and cookies and participate in open houses and activities with the Waukee Downtown Businesses. Find a detailed schedule of events and more information at Waukee.org/WinterFest.

Bouton Breakfast

7-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Bouton Community Center.

A breakfast will served on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Bouton Community Center. The menu includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, ham, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, toast, coffee, milk and orange juice. The price is $8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 and kids under five are free.

Breakfast with Santa

8-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Granger Community Center.

The annual Breakfast with Santa returns on Saturday, Dec. 2. Hot breakfast and donuts will be available through a free-will donation benefitting Granger Public Safety. Santa will be making an appearance, so this is one you won’t want to miss!

Santa at McCreary Community Building

9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at McCreary Community Building, Perry.

Santa's making a special visit to the McCreary Community Building on Saturday, Dec. 2. Makeplans to come by and let him know what you want for Christmas! This is a free event for all ages, which also includes a small Christmas activity and treats. Parents may take pictures, but need to provide their own cameras.

Assumption Holiday Market

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Assumption Catholic Church, Granger.

Assumption Catholic Church will host a Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 in the gym. Lunch will be available for purchase.

De Soto Community Holiday Party

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at De Soto Intermediate.

Come join the De Soto Public Library with a morning of holiday crafts for both kids and adults, cookie decorating, free face painting and visit with Santa brought on a firetruck by the De Soto Fire Department. The event is free and all ages are welcome. Be one of the first 40 families to attend to receive a free children's picture book.

Celebrating Christmas Cheer

Saturday, Dec. 2 in Minburn.

Minburn's Celebrating Christmas Cheer event will kick off with the Jingle Bell Store from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Minburn Public Library. The free shopping event allows kids of all ages to choose gifts for family members, wrapping included. The festivities will continue with the lighting of the Nativity Scene and carol singing at 5 p.m. at Meek Park. A free-will soup supper will follow from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Minburn Methodist Church, where you can visit with Santa and decorate a cookie. A silent basket auction will be held during the soup supper with the drawing on Dec. 17.

Beta Sigma Phi Holiday Home and Porch Tour

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 in Dallas Center.

Buy a ticket to tour 4 homes in the Dallas Center area fully decorated for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Come in to enjoy the lovely homes, decorations and leave with ideas about decorating your own homes. This is a fundraiser for the community of Dallas Center. Funds will be used to support the community of Dallas Center. There will also be multiple front porches you can view around town. Come up and view the porches and their decorations. Tickets can be purchased when available at the local library or from any member of Beta Sigma Phi. We will also have a Venmo option added to the event soon so you can pick up tickets the day of the event. Tickets will be $15. Any tickets purchased by Venmo prior to event can be picked up at The Suites at 1400 Walnut St. the day of the event.

Adel Holiday Home Tour

1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 around Adel.

The Adel Holiday Home Tour is back this year on Saturday, Dec. 2. Get your tickets now (only $5) to reserve your spot to tour 4 beautifully decorated homes in Adel. Tickets are available online at adelpartnersia.chambermaster.com/.../register/3526 or at Adel Health Mart, Azalea Lane and Harvey’s Greenhouse.

Hometown Christmas

4:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 in Dallas Center.

Join the Dallas Center Seasonal Fun Committee for the 2023 Hometown Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 2. The festivities include a tree lighting and carolers at 5:15 p.m. in Mound Park and a soup supper and live nativity scene from 5:15-7 p.m. at the Methodist Church. The evening will also include: Santa at Heritage Park, North Pole Info Station in the Suites, Basket Auction by Friends of the Library (final bidding ends at 6 p.m.), 25¢ Elf Shopping Station, Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa Station, Christmas Crafts, Cookie Walk and more. Look for more details on the Dallas Center Seasonal Fun Committee Facebook page.

Woodward Christmas Festival

5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Woodward Fire-Rescue.

Come support the Woodward Fire and Rescue free-will soup supper and hayrack rides. A vendor and craft show will be involved as well as kids games.

Woodward Social Center Luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 at Woodward Social Center.

The Woodward Social Center will serve a luncheon on Monday, Dec. 4. The menu includes chili and cornbread, chicken noodle soup, bread and crackers, relish tray and strawberry shortcake. A free-will offering will be taken to support the Woodward Social Center.

Human Needs Grants

Grants accepted through Dec. 4, Perry.

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church will award Human Needs Grants in December 2023. Qualified groups intending to apply should request a copy of grant criteria from St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 486, Perry, IA. 50220. Phone 515-465-3468 or e-mail: stmartinsepiscopalchurch@yahoo.com. Grant requests must be in the church on or before Dec. 4.

To submit events to be included in the Around the County or Happenings in and around Perry round-ups, email news@adelnews.com or news@theperrychief.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 9 things to do near me during Thanksgiving in Dallas County