Christkindlmarket Des Moines Receives Polk County Community Sponsorship
In 1989, Polk County and Prairie Meadows established a partnership with the goal of investing a significant portion of Prairie Meadows’ revenue back into the community. This investment is what allows them to sponsor community events, such as festivals, galas, dinners, walks, etc. to support important issues in our community. Polk County is committed to bettering our community by investing in education, arts, culture, health and economic development.
Over the past three decades, together with Prairie Meadows, they have invested over $1.8 Billion to non-profits and local infrastructure projects. These investments play a major role in your everyday life as a resident of Polk County. From your public library, daily workout at the YMCA, major roads you drive on, your child’s school and more, this partnership has invested in it all so you can thrive in the place you call home.
Thank you for your support!
Call for Performers
Thank you for your interest in performing at Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place December 2 – 5, 2021 at Principal Park!
Dec 2: 5pm – 9pm
Dec 3: 11am – 9pm
Dec 4: 11am – 9pm
Dec 5: 11am – 5pm
The quality of a traditional Christmas market depends on maintaining a high standard of programming. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is dedicated to immersing visitors in a world of folklore and craftsmanship as well as enticing them with traditional, seasonal culinary specialties to provide an experience filled with European elegance and charm. See Google Images of Christmas markets around the world.
CDM may offer options regarding performing spaces:
Option 1: A four-sided, forced-air heated tent at a location to be determined by the CDM event planning committee at Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage within the tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2019 was 16x32x32″ tall.
Option 2: A three-sized, forced-air heated tent with roof at a location to be determined by the CDM event planning committee at Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage housed within the three-sized tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2019 was 16x32x32″ tall.
Our performer guide will give you an overview of the needs assessment process and requirements. As soon as you fill out the needs assessment, it will be reviewed internally.
What is the timeline for the process?
Fill out the online needs assessment no later than May 1, 2021
Send photographs and links to audio files/videos representing you or your group to – [email protected]
Receive feedback from Christkindlmarket Des Moines staff by May 15, 2021
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 Performer Information Guide
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 Performer Needs Assessment
Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Dave Cox
Tell us about yourself: I am a local boy, father, husband, technician with a rich history of travel and residence in Europe, particularly Germany and the UK.
When why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I met the founder in another group and kept in touch about our fond memories of Christkindl Markets in Germany. When she started, I was there to help make something in Des Moines that I really enjoyed in Germany.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Seeing others enjoy the experience and culture that would otherwise be unavailable to Iowans.
Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? The event will not run without local volunteers making it happen. Its fun and a positive community experience.
Why is it important to volunteer (in general)? Engagement in the community. After this past year we should all see the value of community.
Join Des Moines European Heritage Association Today!
Silver – $100 (annual membership)
2 guaranteed Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) commemorative mugs
Limited edition commemorative poster OR pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Free CDM reusable bag
5% off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA Event or one language school class per membership year
Recognition on our website as a “Silver” member
Gold – $250 (annual membership)
Silver Rewards plus:
Limited edition commemorative poster – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Limited edition commemorative pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Membership bracelet
Access to “express lane” for Glühwein, Beer and the DMEHA Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt (Must show membership bracelet)
10% total off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA event or one language school class per calendar or membership year
5% off purchases at “An Der Weinachtsecke” store
Recognition as “Gold” level member at CDM
Specifics:
- Membership is good for one year upon purchase of your membership.
- Memberships must be purchased by November 2, 2021 to be included on printed materials. An “abbreviated” membership will be available for purchase at CDM 2021.
Complete this form and click here to make payment at the bottom of the page
Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Missy Mootz
Tell us about yourself: I was born and raised in western Iowa and attended The University of Iowa where I met my husband. In our 12 years of marriage we have lived in Minneapolis, Zürich, Switzerland, Des Moines, and now, currently reside in Ankeny. We have 3 children ages 6, 4 and 1, whom I entertain, chauffeur, and feed…all day long!
When and why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines: I became involved with CDM in April of 2016. We had just moved back from Switzerland in 2015, and I saw this as an opportunity to stay connected to many of the things I loved about my time in Europe.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I love getting together with the other volunteers. We have so much fun together and our European connections are always topics of conversation, which helps keep my Swiss experiences alive.
Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Volunteering with CDM never feels like a responsibility. It’s another reason to get together with a group of friends and have shared fun. There is truly something for everyone!
Why is it important to volunteer? Volunteering is one of the best ways to be and get connected! If you are new to the area or find yourself without much socializing opportunities, volunteering is a great way to meet people, explore your community, and have fun!
Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Margaret Townsend
I’m Margaret Townsend. I’m a retired school teacher, grandmother, gardener and community volunteer. I became involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines during the initial planning time. Suzanne Hull (Festival Director) was contacting local organizations and since I belonged to both the Sons of Norway and the Danish Brotherhood one call was to me.
I met with her and a small group of other interested people to see if there was community interest.
I enjoy working with this dedicated group of young adults. This group is innovative, energetic, and welcoming. You will get a feeling of fulfillment if you join this group. You may even make some new friends.
There is a job that is just made for your set of skills whether you are into carpentry, bar tending, retail sales, scheduling, bookkeeping, music, languages……well you get the idea. (I just thought of a few more: storytelling, dancing, cooking, decorating and dish-washing.)
Watch out this could become addictive!
Centennial Warehousing Corporation | In-Kind Sponsor for 2021
Centennial Warehousing Corporation has graciously agreed to continue to donate storage space for our wooden vendor stalls.
As a non-profit, community partners are extremely important. Many thanks to Centennial Warehousing Corporation!
Centennial Warehousing is a full service logistics company. Services range from a full service warehouse, over the road trucking, regional distribution, and freight brokerage. We have our own fleet of semi-trucks and 53 ft. air ride trailers driven by our own professional drivers.
Green State Credit Union | Annual Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to welcome GreenState Credit Union as an Annual Hut Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021.
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 255,000 members with 24 office locations.
Tour Christmas Markets via DMEHA in 2021
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
December 6-13, 2021
In the Heart of Europe you will find a wonderful surprise – colorful Christmas Markets just waiting to be explored. The dramatic architecture of Europe’s spectacular cities is the perfect backdrop to the charming stalls that offer traditional items from handmade crafts to tasty foods and unexpected joys.
Highlights:
Prague tour & Christmas markets; Cesky Krumlov tour & Christmas market;
Vienna tour & Christmas markets; Schloss Hof tour & Christmas market;
Bratislava tour & Christmas markets, Budapest tour & Christmas markets
Download Brochure
Download Registration Form
Join us for a virtual travel show on May 22 to learn more about the trip. Register here.
CDM Online Popup Store
ALL FOOD MUST GO! 50% OFF ALL FOOD!
The CDM Online Popup Store will be open Jan. 1 – Jan. 6 at midnight.
If you weren’t able to pick up from Principal Park, we didn’t want you to miss out! Maybe you’ve run out of your sweet treats and Glühwein already. Support a local non-profit while shopping safely from the comfort of your own home. Get co-workers and/or friends/family to place an order with you and receive free delivery to one location with orders over $50!
The CDM Online Popup Store will include:
All products will be available for purchase
50% off European food (prices listed include the 50% discount)
Delivery: For orders over $50, FREE delivery to Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Saylorville, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights. Choose from Jan. 4, 6, 8.
Pickup: For orders less than $50, pick up from Pleasant Hill, Jan 2 – 8.
- Click on the “Shop Now” button. Once in the CDM Online Popup Store, first time users can submit their information to create an account.
- Returning users can sign in with their username and password.
- After signing in, browse the CDM Online Popup Store products. For items you would like to purchase, add them to your shopping cart.
- ***Pro Tip: Use the “Search for products” search box under “Products” to search by keyword if you know what you’re looking for.
- Click on the Checkout button once you are ready to purchase your items.
- When on the Checkout page, you can view pickup and delivery options.
- You’ll then be asked to submit payment.
- Enjoy!