Monthly Archive March 2025

BySuzanne Hull

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 – 5pmThu, 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.