Community Choice | 2025 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.
Des Moines Children’s Museum | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Des Moines Children’s Museum as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Des Moines Children’s Museum and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein in Yuletide Hall on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. In exchange for their participation, the Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1,500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
The mission of Des Moines Children’s Museum is to build the foundation of lifelong learning through the power of play. We are a place where kids and their adults get to create memories. Laughter, smiling faces, and connections happen daily.
Vision Leads | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Vision Leads as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Vision Leads and their team of volunteers will be volunteering in several areas during Christkindlmarket Des Moines. In exchange for their participation, the Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate $3500 for ops set up, hut set up, hut tear down and up to $12,000 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
At Vision Leads, we believe an informed and engaged community is a powerful one. That’s why we work every day to help Iowans understand how government works, get involved in local decision-making, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
What We Do We’re a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on three things:
Voter Engagement We help Iowans check their registration, understand what’s on the ballot, and get to the polls. From voter registration drives to community voting events like Souls to the Polls , we make civic participation accessible.
Civic Education We lead workshops that break down how local and state government works, and train people on how to join boards, attend public meetings, and take action in their communities.
Community Partnerships Through our Community Connect Project, we support churches, nonprofits, and local groups with the tools, training, and resources they need to engage their communities in civic life.
Join Us Whether you want to register to vote, host a workshop, or connect your organization to our work, Vision Leads is here to help. Visit visionleads.org to get involved.
Threshold Learning Center | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Threshold Learning Center as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Threshold Learning Center and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein on Saturday, December
6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025 AND Beer/Glühwein in the Biergarten on Saturday, December 13 and
Sunday, December 14, 2025. In exchange for their participation, the Iowa European Cultural Connection,
the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $3000 of electronic tips
received at their point of sale to their organization.
Threshold Learning Center (TLC) is a non-profit organization offering nature, science, and Iowa History programs to schools in Central Iowa.
Their primary focus is our Residential Field Schools For Youth. Classes come for 3 days/2 nights, participate in “school” for 9 hours during the day, and sleep in the Barn Dormitory at night.
During the summer, they offer a wide variety of Day Camps, conduct several overnight Family Camps, and provide trips around the country for Junior High and High School students.
Free family events for the public are held seasonally at the site.
They offer After-School Programs for local students in 3rd to 6th grade. They have fun playing outdoors, making healthy snacks, getting homework help, and doing several community service projects.
Raise the Bar Initiative | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Raise the Bar Initiative as a Nonprofit Partner
this year.
Raise the Bar Initiative and their team of volunteers will be serving Beer and Glühwein in the Biergarten
on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. 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.
At Raise the Bar Initiative, our mission is to help every woman discover her strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Through inclusive programming that ranges from youth outreach to nonprofit partnerships to engaging the everyday woman, we create spaces rooted in belonging, education, empowerment, and service. We believe that strength training offers more than just physical benefits—it builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of self. Whether it’s a teenage girl learning to lift for the first time or a woman reclaiming her confidence, we meet individuals where they are and support them in finding strength in a way that feels right for them. We firmly believe that strong women build strong communities.
Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 and their team of volunteers will be serving Beer and Glühwein in the
Biergarten on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. 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.
The Daughters of Penelope is a charitable organization of women who promotes education, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence, philanthropy and the ideals of Hellenism as a part of the Ahepa family globally.
Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 | 2025 Hut Sponsor
Many thanks to Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025.
Scandinavians began immigrating to Iowa as early as the 1830s and 1840s where they settled mostly in central and northern Iowa. Eva Nansen Lodge 46 became the first Iowa lodge to bear the name Daughters of Norway on November 5, 2006 with forty-six charter members representing Norway, Denmark, and Sweden ancestries. Membership is available not only to Norwegians, but women with Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic connections.
“Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 is proud to continue the legacy of Nordic heritage throughout Iowa with cultural arts, history, and traditions that our ancestors brought to America to share among today’s children and women of all ages,” explained representative, Sandy Hansen. “The Lodge Sisters pride themselves in offering educational and festive events, cultural programs and activities, and social gatherings. Lifelong Nordic friendships have developed while sharing common interests.”
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. They will also be serving bratwursts on Thursday December 4th and Friday December 5th. In exchange for their participation, the Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will make a donation between $1,000 – $1,500 (based on electronic tips) 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.
6:30pm – 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: Heartland Youth Choir performs holiday and winter favorites from both popular and classical styles.
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: 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: 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.