Monthly Archive November 2022

ByMelissa Mootz

Bright Beginnings Preschool, Ankeny

The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons.

“It’s a Marshmallow World” for Bright Beginnings Preschool as they enjoy a second year of CDM participation. Along with crafting items for their tree, the children will be gearing up for their annual tradition of singing for family members at a Christmas concert.
Bright Beginnings Preschool was opened in 1964 by a church member that saw a need for early childhood education in the Ankeny community. The preschool programs provide opportunities for a child to realize his or her own potential. Each program is specifically structured for the developmental age level of the child enrolled, which encompasses two– five-year-olds. Cooperative planning ensures that the programs complement each other.

Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1 st – 4 th . Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1 st at 5pm.

Bright Beginnings Preschool Upcoming Events:

  • November: Little Caesars Pizza Fundraiser
  • December: Community Drive to benefit a local organization

For more information on Bright Beginnings Preschool and upcoming events, please visit their website and Facebook Page.

ByMelissa Mootz

Iowa Genealogical Society

The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. We have a wonderful mix of returning cheer spreaders and new go-getters to bring all the charm market goers have come to expect from the CDM Silent Tree Auction in the Weihnachtswald.

Returning for a third year, the Iowa Genealogical Society will be “Dashing through the years of Iowa” with their tree. Expect a show-stopper representing everything Iowa including persons, places, and things from all eras of Iowa History.

The Iowa Genealogical Society was founded in 1965 with a mission to foster an interest in genealogy and aid others in researching their family history. Family and community is at the very heart of what the Genealogical Society promotes.

Creating a tree complete with theme, decorations, and creativity has become a fun tradition for all members of IGS. They have also celebrated the holidays as an organization by decorating wreaths and created holiday traditions within their specialized groups.

Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm.

For more information the Iowa Genealogical Society and upcoming events, please visit
their website.

Iowa Genealogical Society Upcoming Events:

  • November 5 th  at 10:30am. The Final Salute by Cris Nagla and Dennis Allen
  • November 10 th  6:30pm Mennonite Class by Renee Cue
  • December 3 rd    at 10:30 am   IGS Welcomes Linda McCann
ByNathan Wagner

New Vendors at Christkindlmarket Des Moines in 2022

Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ volunteer crew is getting excited about this year’s market coming the first weekend of December. This year’s market will have many of the gift and specialty item vendor favorites from prior years, but we’ll also be seeing several new offerings. And a ton of new food options! With all the delicious new food vendors we recommend coming hungry and often throughout the four-day cultural experience to enjoy these menus offered only at Christkindlmarket Des Moines!

New 2022 Food Vendors:

  • Big Mama’s Bistro – Big Mama’s will have traditional German food including Fasnacht, Kohl Und Hackfleisch over potatoes and Kartoffelsuppe!
  • Culinary Nomad DSM – Culinary Nomad DSM features traditional Northern Italian food including porchetta sandwiches, Bolognese arancini, gianduja hot chocolate and ricotta zeppole.
  • FIKA – FIKA, a Swedish word meaning to take a coffee and pastry break. FIKA will have authentic Swedish baked goods and will offer vegan and gluten friendly options. Don’t miss their delicious Swedish Christmas cakes.
  • German Taste – German Taste will offer a traditional German icon, the “Currywurst”.
  • Hot Off The Presses – Hot Off The Presses food truck will offer truffled raclette grilled cheese, Schweinebraten sandwich, Basic Grilled Cheese, Tomato Basil Bisque!
  • Hotsy Totsy – Hotsy Toasty has the fastest, freshest & funnest food truck transformed intoBavarian creations with tots!
  • Sticky Fingers – Sticky Fingers will have crepes of all kinds! Sweet, savory, Mediterranean!
  • Sweet Treats – Sweet Treats will have roasted nuts. Pecans, Almonds, and Cashews glazedwith either Cinnamon or Maple!

New 2022 Craft Vendors:

  • Erin Hill Art Studio – Erin Hill is a local artist that creates one-of-a-kind decorative and functional ceramics. The individually designed pieces are often detailed using the sgraffito process.
  • Good Moon Pottery – Good Moon Pottery has handmade functional ceramic pottery and gifts that are unique to make everyday rituals special.
  • Rebeline.co – Rebeline.co has custom leather goods including bags, purses, wallets, keychains, home goods, pillows and coasters.

For a full list of this year’s vendors check out the Christkindlmarket Des Moines web site. On the site you’ll
find a demonstration schedule for vendors that are showing how they make their goods at the market.
You’ll also find options to pre-order some custom-made gifts. And of course, you’ll find all the
information/events happening at the festival all weekend!