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.
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 July 1.
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:
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.
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.