Suzanne Hull, Author at

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.

BySuzanne Hull

CDM 2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Application

April 15 marks the opening of our Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Application. We invite Iowa nonprofits to fill out our application to secure one of twelve trees available to decorate and auction at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026. Applications will remain open through May 15.

As part of CDM’s community outreach, we encourage local nonprofits to decorate a tree that will be displayed during the first weekend of Christkindlmarket Des Moines. As patron’s visit the market and marvel over the creativity of each tree, they are able to bid via Silent Auction and take home the tree with all the trimmings on Sunday, December 6th. All proceeds will go directly back to the participating nonprofits.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Learn More and Apply

Please send any questions to christkindlmarketdsm.nonprofit@gmail.com.

* Cut trees are not perfect and will have a tendency to lean. We will present the trees in the most positive way given our circumstances. Please manage your expectations accordingly.

BySuzanne Hull

Iowa State Bank | 2026 Annual Hut Sponsor

We’re excited to announce Iowa State Bank’s support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026 as an Annual Hut Sponsor for both weekends.

Iowa State Bank is proud to have celebrated 85 years of business in Des Moines this year. 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.

BySuzanne Hull

Siegwerk USA | 2026 Weihnachtswald Sponsor

We’re pleased to announce Siegwerk USA as the Weihnachtswald Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026.

Siegwerk was founded in Siegburg, Germany in 1830 as a retailer of manufactured goods. The company capitalized on its expertise in printing obtained from the “Kattunfabrik”, a fabric print shop, and progressed to become one of the top international manufacturers of printing inks and coatings. Globally, Siegwerk employs over 5,000 people in 30 countries.

Siegwerk plays an important role in packaging, as we use color to bring products to life for our customers. Every day people come across Siegwerk inks no matter where they are, including walking down the grocery aisle where there are many offerings of examples including confectionery packaging, beverage bottles or food pouches.

Des Moines is the home of Siegwerk’s U.S. headquarters and is proud to sponsor this event, as having strong roots from Germany, and celebrating over 200 years in business. We love seeing the European culture come to life in our city.

BySuzanne Hull

Christkindlmarket Des Moines Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP)

Are you looking for a fundraiser for your nonprofit? Join the Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP) at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Anyone handling alcohol will need to complete online I-PACT (Iowa – Program for Alcohol Compliance) Training. https://abd.iowa.gov/education/i-pact

Please direct questions and interest in our NPP program to Suzanne Hull, christkindlmarketdsm@gmail.com or 515-250-6366

APPLICATION PROCESS. Nonprofits interested in participating in this year’s Festival must submit this online Application along with required materials within the following timeline:

March 1, 2026: IECC will publish the Application and NPP Guide on the CDM website at https://christkindlmarketdsm.com/community-engagement/christkindlmarket-des-moines-nonprofit-partnership-program-npp/
May 1, 2026, at midnight: Deadline for Nonprofits to submit the Application which includes Certificate of Insurance OR Waiver of Liability and logo.
Rolling: IECC notifies Nonprofits on the status of their Applications (i.e., accepted, waitlisted, or denied) and sends Nonprofits who have been accepted to participate in the Festival the Agreement and Credit Card Authorization Form.
Within 2 Weeks of the Agreement Effective Date Nonprofit must sign and return the Agreement and return a completed Credit Card Authorization Form. After this date, IECC may terminate the Agreement.

Testimonials

I look forward to Des Moines Children’s Museum participating in Christkindlmarket every year because it is so much fun and a great activity to bring our board closer. Working with another nonprofit and talking to others partnering has been enjoyable even as we stomp our feet staying warm.

Christkindlmarket is a fabulous way for nonprofits to connect with one another and the community while also promoting cultural awareness and local cottage industries! They are great to work with and full of caring for the community! Rev. Amy Johnson, New Hope United Methodist Church, Des Moines

Learn More and Apply

Read the NPP Guide

2025 NPP: Vendor Hut Set Up

2025 NPP: Operations Set Up

Monday, December 1st, 2025	Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
Vision Leads	Vision Leads
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Vision Leads

2025 NPP: An der Weihnachtsecke
(At the Christmas Corner, CDM Store)

Thursday, December 4th and Friday, December 5th, 2025	Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 2025
Vision Leads	Vision Leads
Thursday, December 11th and Friday, December 12th, 2025	Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, 2025
Vision Leads	Vision Leads

2025 NPP: Brat Hut

2025 NPP: Glühwein in Yuletide Hall

Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 2025
Vision Leads	Ankeny Choral Music Parent Organization	Des Moines Children’s Museum
Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, 2025
Vision Leads

2025 NPP: Biergarten

2025 NPP: Glühwein & Kinderpunsch Tent

2025 NPP: Vendor Hut Tear Down

Monday, December 15th, 2025
Vision Leads

BySuzanne Hull

Bravo Greater Des Moines Operating Support Grant Recipient – 2026

The organizers of Christkindlmarket Des Moines are pleased to announce the receipt of a Bravo Greater Des Moines Operating Support Grant. These funds will be used to support the operational expenses of the Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Bravo Greater Des Moines leverages community resources to maximize the impact of arts, culture and heritage to advance regional priorities. Since 2006, Bravo has awarded more than 1,200 grants to 100+ arts, culture and heritage organizations and programs, with total funding exceeding $55 million. Bravo is almost entirely funded through Hotel/Motel taxes.

BySuzanne Hull

CDM2025 Day 8 – 12/14 – Last day!

Here are a few highlights for this year’s festival. Check out the schedule below or head over to the full schedule (including all demonstration times).

Last Day to pick up all your favorite Christkindlmarket Des Moines goodies!

Make sure and stop by the festival to pick up all your favorite items before it’s too late!

Click Here for the
Full Schedule

Sunday, December 14th – Schedule
11 am – Festival Opens
11 am – 11:15 am – Demo: Dragonflies and Cards
11 am – 1 pm – Yuletide Hall: Betruken Messing
11:30 am – 11:45 am – Demo: Twisted Sunset Sisters Fiber Mill
1 pm – 1:30 pm – Yuletide Hall: Foy School of Irish Dance
1 pm – 1:30 pm – Demo: Nymph in the Woods
2 pm – 4 pm – St Nick & Christkind visit CDM
2 pm – 5 pm – Yuletide Hall: Waxies Dargle
2:15 pm – 2:30 pm – Demo: Indianola Glass Creations
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm – Demo: Quilted Gardens Nursery
4 pm – 4:15 pm – Demo: Dakota Tinworks
5 pm – Festival Closes

Get your photo taken with St. Nick and the Christkind

Saturday, December 13th: 2pm – 4pm
Sunday, December 14th: 2pm – 4pm

Volunteer at
Christkindlmarket Des Moines

There are so many different opportunities still available! Including festival and hut tear down!

Kinderkorner presented by MidAmerican Energy Foundation

11am – 5pm
Activity: Flag Voting with Stickers
Craft: Paper Chain
Activity: Passport
Activity: Photo backdrop
Craft: Coloring pages

Meet Our #CDM2025 Vendors!

Food & Beverage Vendors

Gift & Specialty Items Vendors

CDM2025 Yuletide Hall Performers

2nd weekend ONLY vendors

These vendors will only be at Christkindlmarket Des Moines during the second weekend:

Good Moon Pottery
Rosemaled Creations by Maren
Beans & Beignets

BySuzanne Hull

CDM2025 Day 7 – 12/13

Here are a few highlights for this year’s festival. Check out the schedule below or head over to the full schedule (including all demonstration times).

Breakfast with St Nick

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:30am – 11:30am

Stop by to get your picture taken with St. Nick and grab a make and take children’s activity.

Click Here for the
Full Schedule

Saturday, December 13th – Schedule
10:30 – 11:30 – Breakfast with St. Nick
11 am – Festival Opens
11 am – 11:15 am – Demo: Dragonflies and Cards
11:30 am – 1:30 pm – Yuletide Hall: Metro Brass Quintet
1 pm – 1:15 pm – Demo: Twisted Sunset Sisters Fiber Mill
2 pm – 2:30 pm – Yuletide Hall: Heartland Youth Choir
2 pm – 4 pm – St Nick & Christkind visit CDM
3 pm – 3:30 pm – Demo: Nymph in the Woods
3 pm – 4 pm – Yuletide Hall: Des Moines Festival Brass
3:45 pm – 4 pm – Demo: Indianola Glass Creations
4 pm – 4:30 pm – Yuletide Hall: Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group
5 pm – 5:30 pm – Yuletide Hall: Greater Des Moines Flute Choir
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Strolling: Top Hat Carolers
6 pm – 6:15 pm – Demo: Dakota Tinworks
6 pm – 9 pm – Yuletide Hall: The Schnitzel Brothers Bier Band
8 pm – 8:30 pm – Demo: Quilted Gardens Nursery
9 pm – Festival Closes

Get your photo taken with St. Nick and the Christkind

Saturday, December 13th: 2pm – 4pm
Sunday, December 14th: 2pm – 4pm

Volunteer at
Christkindlmarket Des Moines

There are so many different opportunities still available!