Heartland Swing Inc. | #CDM2026 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Heartland Swing Inc. as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Heartland Swing Inc. and their team of volunteers will be serving Gluhwein, Kinderpunsch, & Hot Cocoa on Saturday, December 5, 2026 through Sunday, December 6, 2026. In exchange for their participation, the Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
Heartland Swing is a nonprofit dedicated to building community through the joy of swing dancing. We offer monthly social dances, classes, performances, and events for everyone that celebrate the rich history of Lindy Hop and other swing-era dances. Whether you are brand new or a seasoned dancer, our goal is to create a fun, welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and share in the music and movement that brings together.
See our upcoming classes and events at HeartlandSwing.com and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HeartlandSwing
#CDM2026 Yuletide Hall Performers Announced
Thursday, December 3, 2026
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 4, 2026
1pm – 2pm: Festival Brass Quintet is a brass quintet located in central Iowa.
2:30pm – 5:30pm: 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!
6:30pm – 9pm: The Schnitzel Brothers Bier Band 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!
Saturday, December 5, 2026
11am – 12pm: Festival Brass Quintet is a brass quintet located in central Iowa.
12:40pm – 1:10pm: 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!
1:40pm – 2pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is an award winning Bavarian Dance group, founded in 1961, S.G. Edelweiß is a community organization that serves to promote the traditional music, dance, heritage and culture of Bavaria and Austria.
2:30pm – 3pm: Heartland Youth Choir is a community ensemble, ages 6-18, that focuses on singing, musical skills, and character development. We are excited to share some holiday favorites with you!
3:30pm – 4pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is an award winning Bavarian Dance group, founded in 1961, S.G. Edelweiß is a community organization that serves to promote the traditional music, dance, heritage and culture of Bavaria and Austria.
4:30pm – 5pm: Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group: Holiday traditional and pop music performed by areas top teen vocalists.
5:30pm – 5:50pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is an award winning Bavarian Dance group, founded in 1961, S.G. Edelweiß is a community organization that serves to promote the traditional music, dance, heritage and culture of Bavaria and Austria.
6:30pm – 9pm: Malek’s Fishermen Band is an old time dance band that plays European folk music, polka, waltz, schottische, and American Dance hall favorites.
Sunday, December 6, 2026
11am – 11:30am: 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.
12pm – 12:30pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is an award winning Bavarian Dance group, founded in 1961, S.G. Edelweiß is a community organization that serves to promote the traditional music, dance, heritage and culture of Bavaria and Austria.
1pm – 1:30pm: Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group: Holiday traditional and pop music performed by areas top teen vocalists.
1:30pm – 2:30pm – 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.
2pm – 2:30pm: Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss is an award winning Bavarian Dance group, founded in 1961, S.G. Edelweiß is a community organization that serves to promote the traditional music, dance, heritage and culture of Bavaria and Austria.
3pm – 5pm: Metro Brass Quintet has been performing in the Des Moines metro area for more than 11 years for events of all shapes and sizes. We play high quality brass music and love to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season!
Thursday, December 10, 2026
6pm – 9pm: 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.
Friday, December 11, 2026
1pm – 5pm: Eddie Korosa Jr & The Boys & Girl from Illinois: German/American Oktoberfest Music & Variety. Old time Polkas/Waltzes, Chicken Dance (we give away free chicken hats), Line dances, YMCA etc.
5pm – 6pm – 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: Polka Police, an awesome polka themed rockin’ band doing parodies, covers and originals.
Saturday, December 12, 2026
11am – 11:30am: Heartland Youth Choir performs holiday and winter favorites from both popular and classical styles.
12:30pm – 1pm: 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 – 5pm: GRD-The Brueggen Family Band is an all family band from Western Wisconsin playing a variety of traditional Polka music, to Country, 50’s/60’s etc
6pm – 9pm: Mississippi Valley Dutchmen is a German Polka band.
Sunday, December 13, 2026
11am – 12pm: Betrunken Verstört specialize in polkas and bombastic brass arrangements of pop tunes and Christmas carols during the holidays.
12:40pm – 1:10pm: 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!
1:30pm – 2:30pm – 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.
1:40pm – 2:30pm: Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group: Holiday traditional and pop music performed by areas top teen vocalists.
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.
2026 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Christkind Application
Welcome! We appreciate your interest in applying to be the 2026 Christkind at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) taking place Dec 3 – 6 & Dec 10 – 13, 2026 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 financial scholarship to this year’s Christkind. Learn more about the Christkind and its history.
To Apply
1. 1st and 2nd Weekend Christkind Applicants: Complete the online application
2. 1st Weekend Christkind Applicant: Email video of applicant reading the opening ceremony proclamation to christkindlmarketdsm@gmail.com
IMPORTANT DATES:
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Interviews Held: Week of October 5, 2026
Christkind Announcement: October 15, 2026
Note: CDM will provide the costume, wig and accessories; Christkind can wear their own shoes.
To be eligible to be the 2026 Christkind, all of the following criteria must be met:
• Must be at least 16 years of age by December 31, 2026, and no more than 22 years of age before January 5, 2027
• 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
• 1st Weekend Christkind: 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 2026 Christkind
1st Weekend Christkind ($300 Scholarship):
5:30pm – 7:30pm, December 4, 2026 | Opening Ceremony
2pm – 4pm, December 5, 2026 | CDM appearance
2pm – 4pm, December 6, 2026 | CDM appearance
2nd Weekend Christkind ($200 Scholarship):
2pm – 4pm, December 12, 2026 | CDM appearance
2pm – 4pm, December 13, 2026 | CDM appearance
Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampi) presented by Hessen Haus at #CDM2026
Krampi handlers and those participating in costume are asked to reserve a free ticket.
Reserve for 1st weekend: December 3rd
Reserve for 2nd weekend: December 12th
Help us celebrate Krampusnacht (Krampus Night, traditionally observed on December 5) on December 3rd and 12th with a Krampus parade presented by Hessen Haus 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.
Hessen Haus is the official pre- and post-parade hangout where you may meet some of the famous Krampi
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
GreenState Credit Union | 2026 Annual Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to have GreenState Credit Union as an Annual Hut Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026.
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 400,000 members with 33 office locations.
Veridian Credit Union | 2026 Annual Hut Sponsor
We’re excited to announce Veridian Credit Union‘s support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026 as an Annual Hut Sponsor.
Veridian Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to helping everyone achieve financial success. Governed by a democratically elected board of directors, we exist to serve the best interests of our members and create long-term value throughout every stage of life.
As a credit union we are organized differently than other financials. We’re not-for-profit and owned by our members, not by stockholders. As a not-for-profit organization, Veridian’s main objective is to benefit our members and their families. This is accomplished many ways including providing a variety of no or low cost services, low loan rates, and higher savings rates.
Duke Rentals | 2026 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 12,000 machines and 22 locations. 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.
Lamberti, Murphy & Strong, P.C. | 2026 Gold Sponsor
Many thanks to the Lamberti, Murphy & Strong, P.C. law firm in Ankeny for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026.
LGL values being a part of the community and welcomes the opportunity to support our 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.
Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Co | 2026 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.
Community Choice | 2026 Platinum Sponsor and Photo Backdrop Sponsor
We’re pleased to have Community Choice as a member of our team as a Platinum Sponsor and Photo Backdrop 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.