Children Invited to Participate in Opening Ceremony Procession
Children are an integral component of any Christkindlmarket opening ceremony. Would your child (children) like to follow “Saint Nicholas” through Christkindlmarket Des Moines to participate in the opening ceremony?
Contact Dave Cox at [email protected] with questions and interest. We would like at most 25 children to participate.
Children and parents are invited to gather in the Entrance of the venue at 5:40pm on Friday, December 1, (please be on time) to receive a luminary and battery-operated candle. Please return the luminaries to a volunteer at the end of the opening ceremony if your child does not wish to take it home.
Des Moines Refugee Support | #CDM2023 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Des Moines Refugee Support as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Des Moines Refugee Support and their team of volunteers will be managing a point of sale at the Glühwein Tent on Saturday and Sunday. All cash tips placed in their tip jar at their point of sale will go directly to their organization. The Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will also make a $500 donation as part of our partnership.
The mission of Des Moines Refugee Support is to identify and bridge gaps for refugee families, in particular refugee children, as they establish their new lives in America.
There are currently 26.6 million refugees in the World. 6.6 million of them live in refugee camps, which are meant to be temporary, but many people end up staying for decades. Less than 3% of refugees will return to their home country, and just over 2% of refugees will be officially resettled in a different country. Being chosen for resettlement is kind of like winning the lottery! Des Moines Refugee Support works to fill in the gaps for refugees who are chosen to make their new homes in the Des Moines metro!
German Taste | #CDM2023 Vendor
Tell us about your business
We are 3 veterans, who love to cook.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023?
We were invited to CDM 2022 and had so much fun. Many of our customers are already familiar with our menu and were excited we came to CDM.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023 and why did you choose them?
Curry Brats are a tradition in Germany at every Christmas Market, and it is our best seller. You can enjoy our Curry Brats and Bratwurst with a bunor Käse Spätzle (German Mac & Cheese). We use an original German Bratwurst. You can get one with sauerkraut or as a tasty Brat Reuben sandwich.
Anything else you’d like to share?
As a German Chef, I know that the number one German street food is ” the Currywurst”. In Germany alone, 800,000,000 are served annually. Come try ours during the market!
Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampi) at #CDM2023
Krampi handlers and those participating in costume are asked to reserve a free ticket.
Help us celebrate Krampusnacht (Krampus Night, traditionally observed on December 5) a few days early with a Krampus parade at Christkindlmarket Des Moines on Saturday, December 2 starting at 6:30pm
A Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampuses) is a fun run or walk of celebrants dressed as the wicked beast. Dust off your Krampus costume and parade through the festival grounds. Led by Saint Nicholas and your handlers, take a turn through the Christkindlmarket Des Moines venue portraying traditional (and family-friendly) Krampi.
Where the parade takes you after Christkindlmarket Des Moines is up to you and your handlers. But do let the merriment continue!
Who is Krampus?
• Hear the proper pronunciation: Krampus is pronounced “krohm-poo-s” as in “con & puss,” NOT “kram-puh-s” as in “campus.
• Video: Top 5 Krampus Facts and Origin
• Video: Krampus parade in Hollabrunn, Austria
• Video: Who Is Krampus? | National Geographic
Don’t have a Krampus costume? Here are a few resources:
• https://www.krampusmasks.com/
• https://www.etsy.com/market/krampus_costume
• http://krampuslosangeles.com/austrian-suits-masks-for-sale/
• Amazon: http://ow.ly/G15B50u3HDn