CDM 2024 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participation Now Open!
August 13th marks the opening of our Silent Auction Christmas Tree Participation Application. We invite Iowa non-profit organizations to fill out our application form to secure one of twelve trees available to decorate and auction at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024. Applications will remain open through September or until all 12 trees have been claimed.
As part of CDM’s community outreach, we encourage local non-profit organizations to decorate a tree that will be displayed through the duration of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024. As patron’s visit the market and marvel over the creativity of each tree, they are able to bid via a Silent Auction and take home the tree with all the trimmings when the event ends Sunday, December 8th. All proceeds will go directly back to the participating non-profits.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please follow the link below:
Christkindlmarket Non-Profit Silent Auction Participation Form
Please send any questions to Missy Mootz, CDM Silent Auction Site Leader at [email protected].
* Cut trees are not perfect and will have a tendency to lean. We will present the trees in the most positive way given our circumstances. Please manage your expectations accordingly.
Threshold Learning Center | #CDM2024 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Threshold Learning Center as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Threshold Learning Center 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.
Threshold Learning Center (TLC) is a non-profit organization offering nature, science, and Iowa History programs to schools in Central Iowa.
Their primary focus is our Residential Field Schools For Youth. Classes come for 3 days/2 nights, participate in “school” for 9 hours during the day, and sleep in the Barn Dormitory at night.
During the summer, they offer a wide variety of Day Camps, conduct several overnight Family Camps, and provide trips around the country for Junior High and High School students.
Free family events for the public are held seasonally at the site.
They offer After-School Programs for local students in 3rd to 6th grade. They have fun playing outdoors, making healthy snacks, getting homework help, and doing several community service projects.
Lamberti, Murphy & Strong, P.C. | 2024 Gold Sponsor
Many thanks to the Lamberti, Murphy & Strong, P.C. law firm in Ankeny for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024.
LMS values being a part of their community and welcomes the opportunity to support their office family in their interests. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an event that their employee Erin Baldwin is actively involved in and passionate about and they are happy to be a part of the event.
Their firm has been serving the law needs of businesses and individuals in Ankeny and throughout Iowa for over 20 years. Whether you are starting a business, changing custody agreements or getting your affairs in order, an attorney at LGL Ankeny Law will be at your service.
Ankeny Choral Music Parent Organization | #CDM2024 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Ankeny Choral Music Parent Organization as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Ankeny Choral Music Parent Organization 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 ACMPO (Ankeny Choral Music Parent Organization) promotes the growth of Arts education by supporting the Directors and enriching the opportunities of students participating in Ankeny High School, Southview Middle School, and Parkview Middle School’s Choral Music programs.
This is done through high levels of fundraising, volunteering, organizing, and facilitating events and donations. Our program not only expands the knowledge of the arts but builds long-lasting relationships with our students. Due to our expanding program, we are in search of volunteers, as well as donations. Our program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations will be tax deductible, with the opportunity for employer-matching. Through these, we can strive for the growth of our choral music program.
Hessen Haus | 2024 Bronze and Annual Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to include Hessen Haus among our family of 2024 sponsors!
The Hessen Haus perfectly recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall. The imported German biers on tap, authentic German fare on the menu, and traditional bier hall interior create a lively yet cozy atmosphere where large crowds gather to pass the boot and small groups find themselves making new friends.
A combination of a state in west-central Germany and the German word for house, the name Hessen Haus was chosen for its authentic origins and welcoming feel. The state of Hessen which the bier hall is named for plays home to more than six million inhabitants – which are referred to as Hesses if male or Hessins if female. In English, occupants are known as Hessians – a term affectionately applied to our more frequent visitors to the restaurant.
Soroptimist International of Des Moines | #CDM2024 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Soroptimist International of Des Moines as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Soroptimist International of Des Moines 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.
Helping women and girls live their dreams!
Soroptimist was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women were not permitted to join service organizations. Our name, loosely translated from the Latin, means best for women. Today, we have over 25,000 members and supporters in countries across North America, Latin America and the Pacific Rim. We are one of five federations that make up Soroptimist International, which has clubs in more than 120 countries throughout the world. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
2024 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Christkind Application
Welcome! We appreciate your interest in applying to be the 2024 Christkind at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) taking place Dec 5 – 8, 2024 at Principal Park. Please complete this application PRIOR to your interview. You will receive a confirmation email with additional details upon successful application submission. We are pleased to offer a $300 scholarship to this year’s Christkind. Learn more about the Christkind and its history.
IMPORTANT DATES:
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2024
• Interviews Held: Week of October 7, 2024
• Christkind Announcement: October 15, 2024
Click here to complete this official online application
Note: CDM will provide the costume, wig and accessories; Christkind can wear their own shoes.
To be eligible, all of the following criteria must be met:
• Must be at least 16 years of age by December 31, 2024, and no more than 22 years of age before January 5, 2025
• A resident of Iowa (or attending an Iowa-based school/university) able to provide verification of residence and/or enrollment
• A student in high school or enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 units) in any accredited school or college in Iowa
• Possess at least a 2.0 grade point average in both the current and previous years’ course work and able to provide verification
• Available to participate in-person or via video during scheduled interview
• Must be able to memorize and recite opening ceremony proclamation in front of 200 people without visual or auditory aid
• Must enjoy working with others and talking with the public, including children of all ages
• Must be able to provide own transportation to and from appearances
• Available to attend the following functions/appearances as the 2024 Christkind
5:30pm – 7:30pm, Dec 5, 2024 | Opening Ceremony
2pm – 4pm, Dec 6, 2024 | CDM appearance
2pm – 4pm, Dec 3, 2024 | CDM appearance
GreenState Credit Union | 2024 Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to have GreenState Credit Union as a Hut Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024.
Organized in 1938, GreenState has grown to be Iowa’s largest credit union and one of the top financial institutions in the United States for returning profits to members in the form of better rates and lower fees. GreenState Credit Union serves over 450,000 members with 34 office locations.
Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampi) at #CDM2024
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 later with a Krampus parade at Christkindlmarket Des Moines on Saturday, December 7 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!
For those wanting front row seats, the Krampus parade will begin at the festival entrance and parade south along the west side of the venue towards the Christmas tree. It will then continue north along the east side of the venue towards the demonstration vendors, around the north side of the Weihnachtswald. Finally, the parade will make one more pass along the west side of the venue, ending at the Christmas tree for photo opportunities with brave patrons. Click here to view the festival map.
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
Community Choice | 2024 Platinum Sponsor
We’re pleased to have Community Choice as a member of our team as a Platinum Sponsor.
At Community Choice, we UNbank. What the heck does that mean? Many things! UNbanking is a personality, an energy, a whatever-it-takes mentality to exceed our members’ expectations. We’re a credit union owned by more than 50,000 Iowans just like you. Headquartered in Johnston and supporting Central Iowa for more than 70 years, we live by the motto #UNbankForGood. This includes boots on the ground volunteering, supporting local charities, and partnering with organizations that DO good. Community isn’t just in our name, it’s who we are.