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.