Yearly Archive 2024

BySuzanne Hull

Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Co | 2024 Bronze Sponsor

Ever wonder how those cute wooden vendor huts arrive at Principal Park? Special thanks to the team at Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company‘s Waukee location for transporting our huts to the venue and returning them to storage year after year.

Founded in 1856, Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company is dedicated to providing its customers with quality, consistency, value, innovation and style.

For over 150 years, their MISSION has been to succeed through unwavering focus on the success of their customers in central and eastern Iowa. They accomplish their mission by supplying customers with top-quality, high-value building products and unparalleled service. They strive to apply the highest standards of integrity to their daily business and to provide a positive, ethical working environment for their employees. Succeeding in this quest for excellence requires every employee to help create a safe, enjoyable and productive work environment.

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2024 Yuletide Hall Performers Announced

Thursday, December 5, 2024

5:30pm – 9pm: The Jolly Germans Band, a German band playing a variety of old time dance favorites!

Friday, December 6, 2024

11:30am – 2:30pm: Jager and the Polkameisters is a fun Oktoberfest themed polka band. There’s fun music along with lots of toasts and laughs. It’s a touch of Munich right here in Des Moines!

4pm – 5:30pm: Betruken Messing is a local Des Moines low brass ensemble specializing in polkas and polka-ized versions of favorite.

7pm – 10pm: Malek’s Fishermen Band is an old time dance band that has been playing since 1932; started playing barn dances and moved on to the main ballrooms and dance halls. Now they play festivals and parties around the midwest. They love playing at the Christkindlemarket, what a fun Crowd!

Saturday, December 7, 2024

11am – 11:30am: Greater Des Moines Flute Choir brings together talented adult flutists that enjoy playing together. Now in their fourth year of performing, the choir features C, alto, bass flutes and piccolo. We provide a variety of music from popular favorites, classical, and holiday.

12pm – 12:30pm: Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums of Iowa is an all-volunteer, non-profit, bagpipe and drum band located in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area.

1pm – 1:30pm: Foy School of Irish Dance Celebrate Irish culture with the Foy School of Irish Dance. The revelry includes delightful traditional dances and contemporary choreographed numbers that both enchant and entertain!

2pm – 2:30pm: Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt was organized in 1977 to preserve Pomeranian folk culture by performing songs and dances from the Baltic regions of northern Germany. Our mission is to share the unique heritage brought by the forefathers that came to Wisconsin from Pomerania in 1839, and settled Freistadt, the oldest German community in the state of Wisconsin.

3pm – 3:30pm: Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group a pop vocal youth group.

4pm – 4:30pm: Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt was organized in 1977 to preserve Pomeranian folk culture by performing songs and dances from the Baltic regions of northern Germany. Our mission is to share the unique heritage brought by the forefathers that came to Wisconsin from Pomerania in 1839, and settled Freistadt, the oldest German community in the state of Wisconsin.

5pm – 5:30pm: Heartland Youth Choir provides a performance-based program for youth that emphasizes musical literacy and character development. Heartland Youth Choir provides a unique opportunity for children of diverse backgrounds with a particular aptitude in vocal music to explore that interest beyond their school setting. Quality literature from all styles and periods form the foundation for this exploration.

6pm – 6:30pm: Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt was organized in 1977 to preserve Pomeranian folk culture by performing songs and dances from the Baltic regions of northern Germany. Our mission is to share the unique heritage brought by the forefathers that came to Wisconsin from Pomerania in 1839, and settled Freistadt, the oldest German community in the state of Wisconsin.

7pm – 10pm: Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen Barefoot Becky, from Mt Vernon, IA, has had the Ivanhoe Dutchmen for over 35 years. They have traveled across the US and abroad playing polkas, waltzes, old country, two steps, and party favorites! Kick off your shoes and get get those toes a tappin’!

Sunday, December 8, 2024

11:am – 11:30am & 11:50am – 12:15pm: Metro Brass Quintet has performed for more than 10 years in the Des Moines metro from conferences to weddings. The group plays a variety of folk, jazz, classical and original works and performs high quality brass music.

12:30pm – 1pm: Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt was organized in 1977 to preserve Pomeranian folk culture by performing songs and dances from the Baltic regions of northern Germany. Our mission is to share the unique heritage brought by the forefathers that came to Wisconsin from Pomerania in 1839, and settled Freistadt, the oldest German community in the state of Wisconsin.

1:15pm – 1:45pm: Metro Brass Quintet has performed for more than 10 years in the Des Moines metro from conferences to weddings. The group plays a variety of folk, jazz, classical and original works and performs high quality brass music.

2pm – 2:30pm: Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt was organized in 1977 to preserve Pomeranian folk culture by performing songs and dances from the Baltic regions of northern Germany. Our mission is to share the unique heritage brought by the forefathers that came to Wisconsin from Pomerania in 1839, and settled Freistadt, the oldest German community in the state of Wisconsin.

3pm – 5pm: Stu Ryan O’Brien plays fun Irish pub and traditional songs. There’s always a wee bit of clapping, sing along and lots of laughs too! It’s like sitting in your favorite Dublin pub.

BySuzanne Hull

Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 | 2024 Hut Sponsor

Many thanks to Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024. 

Scandinavians began immigrating to Iowa as early as the 1830s and 1840s where they settled mostly in central and northern Iowa. Eva Nansen Lodge 46 became the first Iowa lodge to bear the name Daughters of Norway on November 5, 2006 with forty-six charter members representing Norway, Denmark, and Sweden ancestries. Membership is available not only to Norwegians, but women with Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic connections.

“Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 is proud to continue the legacy of Nordic heritage throughout Iowa with cultural arts, history, and traditions that our ancestors brought to America to share among today’s children and women of all ages,” explained representative, Sandy Hansen. “The Lodge Sisters pride themselves in offering educational and festive events, cultural programs and activities, and social gatherings. Lifelong Nordic friendships have developed while sharing common interests.”

BySuzanne Hull

Chicago Teahouse | 2024 Annual Hut Sponsor

We’re pleased to have Chicago Teahouse as an Annual Hut Sponsor.

From our location in the heart of the Historic Gold Coast of Chicago we have been able to share our passion with even more people. Our Chicago location has continued to impress for the past fifteen years. Our woman-owned local business was named The Best Tea Shop in Chicago by Chicago Magazine. Customers can trust they are getting the best service from an incredibly knowledgeable staff as our store is managed by a Certified Tea Sommelier, Agnieszka Rapacz. We have been trusted by Top Chefs, Local Country Clubs, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, Drake Hotel, and the Chicago/Milwaukee/Carmel Christkindlmarkets to provide the perfect tea for any occasion.

Chicago Teahouse is an advocate to promote organic and fair trade tea production. Our tea producers actively encourage development of a caring and sustainable industry that generates income and improves the lives of millions of people. Our producers maintain the highest ethical standards with regard to health, education, nutrition and environmental sustainability with Fair Trade certifications. We cultivate personal relationships with our tea growers and share their commitment to improving the lives of the people who produce our tea products. Our commitment to providing you with exceptional tea is matched by our commitment to the planet and the people who grow our tea.

We are an organization with superior knowledge of, and experience in, the tea market, with a mission to bring truly superlative teas to a growing community of tea lovers around the world and in our own neighborhood. While our company continues to grow, some things do not change. At Chicago Teahouse, our Passion for Tea is at the core of everything we do.

We carry over 200 products including black, green, oolong, white, rooibush, herbal and fruit, and ranging in price from just a few cents per cup all the way up the rarest teas grown exclusively for us by some of the world’s finest estates.

BySuzanne Hull

Iowa State Bank | 2024 Annual Hut Sponsor

We’re excited to announce Iowa State Bank’s support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024 as an Annual Hut Sponsor.

Iowa State Bank is proud to have called Des Moines home for over 80 years. They have five metro banking locations, along with Investment and Trust Departments providing strong wealth management services. Iowa State Bank has been committed to this community since opening their doors in 1941. Helping to support local organizations and giving their customers the best possible banking experience will always be their priority.

BySuzanne Hull

Des Moines Children’s Museum | #CDM2024 Nonprofit Partner

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Des Moines Children’s Museum as a Nonprofit Partner this year.

Des Moines Children’s Museum and their team of volunteers will be managing a point of sale at the Glühwein Tent on Thursday and Friday. 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 Des Moines Children’s Museum’s mission is to build the foundation of lifelong learning by promoting the power of play.

We Value: Play, Connections, Creativity & Curiosity, Innovation, Research, Impressive Persistence, Inclusivity.

Our vision is a playful museum, always striving to be better, helping families connect with each other, community resources, and the world.

BySuzanne Hull

Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 | #CDM2024 Nonprofit Partner

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 as a Nonprofit Partner this year.

Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 and their team of volunteers will be managing a point of sale at the Glühwein Tent on Thursday and Saturday. 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 the Daughters of Penelope is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family and Individual Excellence.

The Daughters of Penelope uphold the traits of kindness, tolerance, truth, unselfishness, goodness, beauty, self-improvement, purity, loyalty, patience.

BySuzanne Hull

Edward Jones – Ryan Kent, CFP® | 2024 Hut Sponsor

Many thanks to Edward Jones – Ryan Kent, CFP®for his support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024. Learn more about Ryan:

I believe in treating our clients with honesty and empathy, which means being transparent about the costs and risks involved with investing. We are honored to partner with you, to explore your possibilities and to create financial strategies that can have a positive impact on your life. Working closely with your CPA, attorney and other professionals, I can help determine the most appropriate long-term financial strategy for you and your family. I am registered in over 30 states and can serve clients nationwide.

I joined Edward Jones in 2011 and became a financial advisor in 2015. Fort Dodge is where I was born and raised. I am incredibly proud to build my business in my hometown. I partnered with my father for the first five years until his retirement. The knowledge and care he provided had a significant impact on my work ethic and client relationships.

Lifelong learning is very important to me. I received my MBA at Iowa State. I’m proud to have earned my CFP®, ChFC®, CAP®, ABFP™, CLU®, and AAMS™ certifications to broaden my education and better serve those who partner with me. I was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in Iowa* in 2023, as well as being named to the Forbes Next-Gen Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in both 2022 and 2023**. It has been an honor for my branch team to be recognized for our dedication to service.

My branch office administrators, Terri VanNostrand and Angela Barton, serve our clients with the utmost respect and integrity. I have been blessed with an excellent team. As a team, we strive to provide our clients with the highest level of service possible and help our clients to have every opportunity to achieve your financial goals.

My spouse, Sara, is a psychologist in private practice. She’s a fantastic chef, and we enjoy traveling and cooking together.

Please reach out to me if you would like to partner together. My team and I would be honored to serve you and your family.

*2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in Iowa, published April 2023, research by SHOOK Research LLC, data as of June 2022. Compensation provided for using, not obtaining, the rating.
**Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State for Iowa in 2022 and 2023, published in August each year, research by SHOOK Research LLC, data as of March of the same year. Compensation provided for using, not obtaining, the rating.

BySuzanne Hull

Siegwerk USA | 2024 Weihnachtswald Sponsor

We’re pleased to announce Siegwerk USA as the Weihnachtswald Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024.

Siegwerk was founded in Siegburg, Germany in 1830 as a retailer of manufactured goods. The company capitalized on its expertise in printing obtained from the “Kattunfabrik”, a fabric print shop, and progressed to become one of the top international manufacturers of printing inks and coatings. Globally, Siegwerk employs over 5,000 people in 30 countries.

Siegwerk plays an important role in packaging, as we use color to bring products to life for our customers. Every day people come across Siegwerk inks no matter where they are, including walking down the grocery aisle where there are many offerings of examples including confectionery packaging, beverage bottles or food pouches.

Des Moines is the home of Siegwerk’s U.S. headquarters and is proud to sponsor this event, as having strong roots from Germany, and currently celebrating 200 years in business. We love seeing the European culture come to life in our city.

BySuzanne Hull

2024 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP)

Are you looking for a fundraiser for your non-profit? Join us as one of our nonprofit partners at Christkindlmarket Des Moines this year!

Partnership Opportunities

Beverages (4 Points of Sale Available): Sell Glühwein and Kinderpunsch


PRE‐FESTIVAL

  1. Create all volunteer schedules and shifts including at least fifteen (15) minutes before the shift begins. Shifts can be as long or as short as you like.
  2. Fully staff all hours selected with 4 individuals.
  3. Provide overall main contact and all shift leaders cell numbers to CDM Leadership.

DURING FESTIVAL

  1. Sell product. Nonprofit may sell only products provided by the Festival.
  2. General clean-up of space, unboxing product, preparing product to be sold.
  3. Removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas.
  4. Cash management and the taking of electronic payments via POS system (provided).

CDM Management will:

  1. Set up tables and Point of Sale.
  2. Manage stock levels.
  3. Organize product for the next day.
  4. Manage cash and provide change.

 THE PARTNERSHIP

Nonprofit partners can choose the following partnership levels and receive the associated donation from the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC), the non-profit that produce CDM:

Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024 | $500 donation
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024 | $500 donation
Thursday, December 5 – Sunday, December 8, 2024 | $1000 donation

Nonprofit partners will be provided with:

  • A hyperlinked listing on our website as a nonprofit partner with the date, times and location of your volunteering
  • Social media promotion of our partnership
  • Individual blog post announcing/publicizing our partnership

While volunteering the nonprofit may place their tip jar next to the CDM tip jar for cash tips/donations. The nonprofit’s tip jar must be clearly labeled with the name of their nonprofit. 100% of the cash tips in the nonprofit’s tip jar revert back to the nonprofit. Talking about your nonprofit is acceptable; the solicitation of tips is not. The use of a digital/cashless tip jar is acceptable.

Anyone handling alcohol will need to complete online I-PACT (Iowa – Program for Alcohol Compliance) Training. After successfully passing the final test, you will receive a printable certificate of completion. The test takes 45 – 60 minutes to complete and can be completed online at https://abd.iowa.gov/education/i-pact.

Please direct questions and interest in our nonprofit partnership program to Suzanne Hull, [email protected] or 515-250-6366