Iowa State Bank | 2025 Annual Hut Sponsor
We’re excited to announce Iowa State Bank’s support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025 as an Annual Hut Sponsor for both weekends.
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.
New Hope United Methodist Church | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with New Hope United Methodist Church as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
New Hope United Methodist Church and their team of volunteers will be setting up wooden vendor huts on Saturday, November 30, 2025. In exchange for their participation, the Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will make a $500 donation to their organization.
New Hope United Methodist Church is celebrating 60 years of worship and living faith in the Beaverdale, Urbandale, and Johnston communities! Their Social Action and Diversity committees reach into the community in myriad ways, including worship opportunities, food ministries, community partnerships, women’s ministry, diversity programs, prison ministry, youth ministry, children’s ministry, music ministry, hosting partner groups such as AA and Stroke Support group, ecumenical ministry, and more. New Hope UMC is not a building; it is God’s love manifested in our community. All are welcome!
#CDM2025 Yuletide Hall Performers Announced
Thursday, December 4, 2025
6pm – 9pm: 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!
Friday, December 5, 2025
11am – 12pm: Des Moines Festival Brass is a local Des Moines brass ensemble playing holiday brass music.
12:30pm – 2:30pm: Polka Police, an awesome polka themed rockin’ band doing parodies, covers and originals.
3pm – 5:30pm: New Jolly Germans Band, playing various types of German music including Polkas, Waltzes, Schottisch and Landlers.
6pm – 9pm: 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 Christkindlmarket, what a fun Crowd!
Saturday, December 6, 2025
11am – 1pm: Metro Brass Quintet plays a wide variety of high-quality brass music from all different genres and has performed for corporate events, weddings, and prior Christkindlmarket Des Moines markets. The group has a great variety of contemporary and classic Christmas music that will put you into the Christmas spirit!
1pm – 1:30pm: Greater Des Moines Flute Choir features bass, alto, c flutes, and piccolo, and we play a variety of holiday music in addition to popular music people recognize.
2pm – 2:30pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.
3pm – 3:30pm: Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group a pop vocal youth group singing holiday standards and pop holiday.
4pm – 4:30pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.
5pm – 5:30pm: Heartland Youth Choir performs holiday and winter favorites from both popular and classical styles.
5:30pm – 6pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.
6pm – 7pm – Strolling: Top Hat Carolers is a local singing group that has performed holiday music for over 30 years. They sing traditional Christmas carols and contemporary holiday tunes dressed in Victorian garb.
6:30pm – 9pm: Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen Are you ready to get your polka on? Barefoot Becky & the band, from Mt Vernon, IA, will be playing your favorite polkas and a variety of music to get your toes tapping and the gemutlichkeit flowing! PROST!
Sunday, December 7, 2025
11am – 12pm: Betruken Messing specializes in polkas and bombastic brass arrangements of any tunes we think will be fun. During the Christmas season we put our enthusiastic spin on countless holiday standards. Our audiences are especially lively during the holiday season at Christkindlmarket.
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. The band supports first responders, fire departments, law enforcement, and active and reserve military units. We perform at events supporting these groups, and at other local events and parades.
12:30pm – 12:50pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.
1:30pm – 2pm: 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 – 2:20pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.
2:30pm – 5pm: Waxies Dargle plays all the favorite Irish songs from jigs to reels to heartbreaking ballads. You’ll want to sing along to the classics but you’ll also hear some newer tunes that you’re sure to want to learn. Our fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and accordion will transport you to the pubs of Ireland.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
6pm – 9pm: Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen Are you ready to get your polka on? Barefoot Becky & the band, from Mt Vernon, IA, will be playing your favorite polkas and a variety of music to get your toes tapping and the gemutlichkeit flowing! PROST!
Friday, December 12, 2025
11:30pm – 2:30pm: 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.
3pm – 6pm: New Jolly Germans Band, playing various types of German music including Polkas, Waltzes, Schottisch and Landlers.
6pm – 9pm: 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 Christkindlmarket, what a fun Crowd!
Saturday, December 13, 2025
11:30am – 1:30pm: Metro Brass Quintet plays a wide variety of high-quality brass music from all different genres and has performed for corporate events, weddings, and prior Christkindlmarket Des Moines markets. The group has a great variety of contemporary and classic Christmas music that will put you into the Christmas spirit!.
2pm – 2:30pm: 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!
3pm – 4pm: Des Moines Festival Brass is a local Des Moines brass ensemble playing holiday brass music.
4pm – 4:30pm: Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group a pop vocal youth group singing holiday standards and pop holiday.
5pm – 5:30pm: Greater Des Moines Flute Choir features bass, alto, c flutes, and piccolo, and we play a variety of holiday music in addition to popular music people recognize.
5:30pm – 6:30pm – Strolling: Top Hat Carolers is a local singing group that has performed holiday music for over 30 years. They sing traditional Christmas carols and contemporary holiday tunes dressed in Victorian garb.
6pm – 9pm: 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!
Sunday, December 14, 2025
11am – 1pm: Betruken Messing specializes in polkas and bombastic brass arrangements of any tunes we think will be fun. During the Christmas season we put our enthusiastic spin on countless holiday standards. Our audiences are especially lively during the holiday season at Christkindlmarket.
1pm – 1:30pm: Heartland Youth Choir performs holiday and winter favorites from both popular and classical styles.
2pm – 5pm: Waxies Dargle plays all the favorite Irish songs from jigs to reels to heartbreaking ballads. You’ll want to sing along to the classics but you’ll also hear some newer tunes that you’re sure to want to learn. Our fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and accordion will transport you to the pubs of Ireland.
Duke Rentals | 2025 Platinum Sponsor
We’re pleased to have Duke Rentals as a member of our team as a Platinum Sponsor.
Headquartered in Southwest Iowa, Duke Rentals is locally owned and operated, supplying the Midwest with an extensive fleet of over 11,000 machines. Since modest beginnings in 2000, we’ve continually strived to offer the best equipment, at the lowest cost, with the best customer service. Exceeding customer expectations is our goal by constantly improving quality and communications.
We provide industry-leading customer satisfaction through rentals and sales of scissor lifts, boom lifts, telehandlers, industrial forklifts, light and general dirt equipment, and more. By offering a wide range of equipment through 19 convenient locations, we’re able to provide our services to customers in multiple industries, including construction, industrial, and entertainment to name a few. Whether you’re a contractor, a homeowner, or anything in between, we’ve got the equipment you need to get the job done quickly and safely.
Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampi) at #CDM2025
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) the following evening with a Krampus parade at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
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 join the procession led by led by Saint Nicholas and your handlers, as you portray 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.etsy.com/market/krampus_costume
• http://krampuslosangeles.com/austrian-suits-masks-for-sale/
• Amazon: http://ow.ly/G15B50u3HDn
Siegwerk USA | 2025 Weihnachtswald Sponsor
We’re pleased to announce Siegwerk USA as the Weihnachtswald Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025.
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.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines Expands to Two Weekends
The European cultural experience the community has come to know and love is expanding to two weekends for twice the fun
DES MOINES, March 31, 2025 – The dates for Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) 2025 have been announced by the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) for Dec 4 – 7 and Dec 11 – 14, 2025 at Principal Park. With the community’s support, CDM has grown to become the second largest Christkindlmarket in the U.S. based on average daily attendance. Due to its continued success, CDM2025 will expand to include the first two weekends of December with more amazing activities, vendors and performers.
“We’re thrilled to announce the impact of the momentum we’ve been building over the past nine years we’ve been producing the Festival”, Suzanne Hull the Director of Christkindlmarket Des Moines explains. “2025 will be our 10th Festival and we couldn’t think of a better way to thank our community for their support than by listening to their wishes and expanding the Festival’s duration. Special thanks to the CDM leadership team, sponsors, donors, nonprofit partners, vendors and volunteers for helping us get to where we are today. You truly make the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of the holiday season come to life for the masses!”
Visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines to enjoy the holiday season as you participate in a 750-year-old tradition. Shop regional vendors selling old-world, hand-crafted products from wooden vendor stalls; enjoy lively performances of polka music, traditional dance and choirs in Yuletide Hall; participate in children’s activities; sip Glühwein (warm, mulled wine) and savor European beer.
The festival is open to the public free of charge:
| Thu, Dec 4, 5pm – 9pm Fri, Dec 5: 11am – 9pm Sat, Dec 6: 11am – 9pm Sun, Dec 7: 11am – 5pm | Thu, Dec 11, 5pm – 9pm Fri, Dec 12: 11am – 9pm Sat, Dec 13: 11am – 9pm Sun, Dec 14: 11am – 5pm |
IECC is always looking for enthusiastic nonprofits, volunteers, sponsors and vendors to be involved and help CDM fully encompass the European holiday spirit. Visit our website https://christkindlmarketdsm.com for more information on our nonprofit partnership program, volunteering, vendor applications and sponsor opportunities. All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025 Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP)
Are you looking for a fundraiser for your nonprofit? Join the Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP) at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Anyone handling alcohol will need to complete online I-PACT (Iowa – Program for Alcohol Compliance) Training. https://abd.iowa.gov/education/i-pact
Please direct questions and interest in our NPP program to Suzanne Hull, [email protected] or 515-250-6366
APPLICATION PROCESS. Nonprofits interested in participating in this year’s Festival must submit this online NPP Program Application along with required application materials within the following timeline:
- March 1, 2025: IECC will publish the CDM NPP Program Application on the CDM website.
- DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 30!!!!! May 1, 2025 at midnight: Deadline for Nonprofits to submit this NPP Program Application including Certificate of Insurance OR Waiver of Liability and Logo.
- May 15, 2025: IECC notifies Nonprofits on status of NPP Program Application (i.e., accepted, wait listed, or denied) and sends Nonprofits who have been accepted to participate in the Festival the CDM NPP Program Agreement (“NPP Program Agreement”).
- June15, 2025: Deadline for Nonprofits accepted to participate in CDM to sign and return the NPP Program Agreement. After this date, IECC may terminate the NPP Program Agreement for Nonprofits who fail to sign the NPP Program Agreement or provide the required information.
Nonprofit Partners will be provided with:
- A hyperlinked website listing as a NPP partner with the dates, times and location of your volunteering
- Social media promotion of our partnership
- Individual blog post announcing/publicizing our partnership
Testimonial
I look forward to Des Moines Children’s Museum participating in Christkindlmarket every year because it is so much fun and a great activity to bring our board closer. Working with another nonprofit and talking to others partnering has been enjoyable even as we stomp our feet staying warm.
| Pre- and Post-Festival NPP Opportunities | NPP Point of Sale Opportunities |
| Operations Set up (Mon, Dec 1; Tue, Dec 2; Wed, Dec 3) Hut Set up (Sat, Nov 29; Sun, Nov 30; Mon, Dec 1) Hut Tear down (Mon, Dec 15) | Bratwurst Imbiß am Markt (Wooden hut/tent) (Thu, Dec 4; Fri, Dec 5; Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7) An der Weihnachtsecke (CDM Store, heated tent) (Thu, Dec 4; Fri, Dec 5; Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7, Thu, Dec 11; Fri, Dec 12; Sat, Dec 13; Sun, Dec 14) Glühwein (unheated tent) (Thu, Dec 4; Fri, Dec 5; Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7, Thu, Dec 11; Fri, Dec 12; Sat, Dec 13; Sun, Dec 14) Glühwein Yuletide Hall (heated tent) (Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7, Sat, Dec 13; Sun, Dec 14) Beer/Glühwein in Biergarten (heated tent) (Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7, Sat, Dec 13; Sun, Dec 14) |
| Times 8am – 5pm, with 1-hr lunch break | Times Thu: 4:30pm – 9:30pm, Fri: 10:30am – 9:30pm, Sat: 10:30am – 9:30pm, Sun: 10:30am – 5:30pm |
| NPP ONSITE RESPONSIBILITIES Operations Set up emptying storage pods, installing garland, lights and wreaths, installing heaters, installing signage, setting up tables & chairs, setting out garbage cans and setting up hand-washing stations. ***Lifting and ladder work involved*** Hut Set up and Hut Tear down setting up and tearing down prefabricated wooden vendor huts using power tools and heavy equipment. ***Heavy lifting and ladder work involved*** | NPP ONSITE RESPONSIBILITIES Bratwurst Imbiß am Markt grilling brats; food preparation/packaging; general clean-up of space, unboxing product, preparing product to be sold; selling product; removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas, cash management and the taking of electronic payment via POS (provided); manage condiment station. An der Weihnachtsecke (CDM Store, heated tent) selling pre-packaged imported food, nutcrackers, smokers, glassware, ornaments and merchandise; general clean-up of space, unboxing product, removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas, taking electronic payment via POS (provided). Glühwein (unheated tent) AND Glühwein Yuletide Hall (heated tent) selling Glühwein, Kinderpunsch, Hot Cocoa and Eggnog 1. Sell product. 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). 5. At busy times, NPP may be asked to operate 2 POS Beer/Glühwein in Biergarten (heated tent) selling Beer, Glühwein, Kinderpunsch, Hot Cocoa and Eggnog 1. Sell product. 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). |
| NPP PRE-FESTIVAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Create all volunteer schedules and shifts including at least fifteen (15) minutes before the shift begins. 2. Shifts can be as long or as short as you like. For Huts: Workflow onsite will be more productive with a 4-hr morning shift and a 4-hr afternoon shift. 3. Fully staff selected hours with 4 individuals. 4. Provide main contact and all shift leader cell numbers to CDM Leadership. | NPP PRE-FESTIVAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Create all volunteer schedules and shifts including at least fifteen (15) minutes before the shift begins. 2. Shifts can be as long or as short as you like. 3. Fully staff selected hours with 4 individuals. Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt requires 5 individuals. 4. Provide main contact and all shift leader cell numbers to CDM Leadership. |
| CDM MANAGEMENT WILL 1. Provide in-person guidance to NPP volunteers on tasks to complete 2. Provide all tools and equipment to complete the tasks | CDM MANAGEMENT WILL 1. Set up tables and Point of Sale. 2. Be available to troubleshoot issues with Point of Sale. 3. Manage stock levels. 4. Organize product for the next day. 5. Manage cash, remove excess cash and provide change. |
| DONATION TO NONPROFIT $500/8hr day | DONATION TO NONPROFIT Nonprofits can choose from the following partnership levels and receive the associated donation from IECC: 1 – Th/Fr, Th/Sa, Fr/Su OR Sa/Su Combination | All electronic tips from your POS: $500 min/$1500 max 2 – Th/Fr, Th/Sa, Fr/Su OR Sa/Su Combinations | All electronic tips from your POS: $1000 min/$3000 max 3 – Th/Fr, Th/Sa, Fr/Su OR Sa/Su Combinations | All electronic tips from your POS: $1500 min/$4500 max 4 – Th/Fr, Th/Sa, Fr/Su OR Sa/Su Combinations | All electronic tips from your POS: $2000 min/$6000 max While volunteering, the nonprofit may place their tip jar for cash donations next to the CDM tip jar. 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 to the nonprofit. Talking about your nonprofit is acceptable; the solicitation of tips is not. |
2025 NPP: Vendor Hut Set Up
| Saturday, November 29th, 2025 | Sunday, November 30th, 2025 |
 New Hope United Methodist Church | |
2024 NPP: An der Weihnachtsecke (At the Christmas Corner, CDM Store)
| Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024 | Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024 |
 Community Hand Up | |
2024 NPP: Glühwein & Kinderpunsch Tent
| Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024 | Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024 |
 Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 |  Soroptimist International of Des Moines |
 Prevent Child Abuse Iowa |  Ankeny Choral Music Parent Organization |
 Des Moines Children’s Museum |  Threshold Learning Center |
Community Hand Up |  LPGA Amateurs – Des Moines, Chapter, Inc. |
LPGA Amateurs – Des Moines, Chapter, Inc. |  Camp Hertko Hollow |