Vendor Application

Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at CDM taking place Dec 3 – 6 & 10 – 13, 2026 at Principal Park in Downtown Des Moines, IA.

Our vendor guide will give you an overview of the application process and requirements. As soon as you fill out the vendor application, it will be reviewed internally.

The Vendor Application typically opens on February 15 each year. Please email christkindlmarketdsm@gmail.com if you would like to be notified when the Vendor Application opens.

2026 Vendor Guide

2026 Gift & Specialty Item Vendor Application

Vendors (primarily selling non-food items AND/OR food that will NOT be consumed at the Festival) that wish to vend from a Wooden Vendor Hut OR Demonstration Tent

2026 Food Vendor Application

Food Vendors (primarily selling food that will be consumed at the Festival) that wish to vend from a Wooden Vendor Hut OR Food Truck/Trailer

Vendor Testimonials

As a nonprofit, Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an essential event for our business year after year. We enjoy working their seasoned team of administrators in putting on an authentic, enjoyable market that has continued to grow and grow beyond our expectations. We enjoy being a part of this wonderful festival and look forward to the next one every year.

Danish Windmill

We have been involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines since 2019 and it has exceeded our wildest expectations. Iowa has always been a strong market for us, but this was amazing. It was as the Dane’s say a Hygge time: (pronounced hoo·guh) (Hygge is about preserving happiness everyday. It is slowing down, being humble, expressing gratitude, feeling safe and connecting with loved ones.) Who wouldn’t want to spend a day with friends and Family at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. The organization of the event is well planned and the volunteers are helpful. The entertainment gets your toes tapping and the variety of vendors gives everyone an opportunity to find something unique.

The Kringle Man

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is by far my favorite market to vend at. It is a continuous celebration with live music, parades and Gluehwein. So it is a destination instead of just a market. The attendance and sales are phenomenal.

Pam Hyde Pottery

Our experience from start to finish was exceptional. As a first time vendor we were nervous but, all the information and mentoring provided by Christkindlmarket Des Moines prepared us for success. We highly recommend this event for vendors and attendees.

Rusty Stars Alpacas

Wild Cherry Spoon Co has vended across the Midwest. From popular indie craft markets in Chicago to small first time shows. Christkindlmarket Des Moines blew them all away in terms of revenue, participation, crowd size, after show sales, interesting things to see and do at the market, and volunteer support. We would love to be able to attend every subsequent market and word of advice to vendors; plan for your wildest sales expectations and then bring 4x the inventory…it sells out fast!

Tim McGuire, Wild Cherry Spoon

I was especially impressed with the advertising for Christkindlmarket Des Moines—I think the organizers did a great job of getting the word out through many different avenues. The parking for unloading was easy to get to and convenient to the booth location. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful. The booths made for a great ambience, and we loved the signs! My one reservation about the event was being outside because I am not at all a fan of cold weather, but the heaters in the booths made it comfortable enough, and the crowds were terrific all weekend.

Pickle Creek Herbs

We have participated as a vendor twice in the Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Each time we’ve experienced a well organized, affordable, and well attended market. We love the opportunity to bring a little piece of our farm experience to the city and our customers, new and returning, really turn out!

Rusty Stars Alpacas

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is such a fun event for everyone, vendors and visitors alike. After participating for the past 9 years, it’s nice to greet returning guests who stop by to catch up and purchase their favorite fresh made wreaths and ornaments from Quilted Gardens Nursery.

Quilted Gardens Nursery

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is my favorite four days of the year! I absolutely love being part of such a wonderful community of artists, craftspeople, musicians, and food vendors. I hope to continue to be a part of this special tradition for years to come.

Heidi, Good Moon Pottery

It’s our third CDM and we have to say it’s more attended every time and we’re building a community that really gets into the spirit of Christmas. We fully expect that next year will have even more guests and vendors.

Gerd and Chris from German Taste

We at The Kringle Man have been pleasantly rewarded with the growth of Christkindlmarket. Each year is bigger and better for sales and growth opportunities for our business. We are happy to say that we have been involved for 6 years and will continue to support and promote the growth of Christkindlmarket Des Moines. As the Dane’s would say, a Hygge time: (pronounced hoo·guh) (Hygge is about preserving happiness everyday. It is slowing down, being humble, expressing gratitude, feeling safe and connecting with loved ones.) Who wouldn’t want to spend a day with friends and Family at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?

The Kringle Man