Author Archive Suzanne Hull

BySuzanne Hull

AFS-USA – CDM 2023 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant

The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction will be featuring 12 Iowa non-profit organizations and their festive tree creations in our Weihnachtswald tent during #CDM2023 November 30 – December 3, 2023.

AFS-USA has come back for a second year of merry-making at #CDM2023. A large portion of AFS-USA’s local exchange students are either from Germany or speak German, and by participating in Christkindlmarket Des Moines, the students get to share their culture with those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to travel to Europe to see first-hand what a holiday experience in Germany is like. In addition, AFS-USA is able to share their vision and mission with community members who might be interested in learning more about either hosting an exchange student from another country, volunteering with our organization or studying abroad.

As a non-profit organization, funds to provide our exchange students with opportunities to attend events to participate in a true “American” experience is limited. The funds from the silent auction would be used to pay admission fees to museums, sporting events, and cultural and musical productions for those students who don’t have the means to pay for those activities on their own. Here is their tree from 2022, so beautiful!


Enjoy AFS-USA’s joyful tree by visiting Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30- December 3, 2023!

BySuzanne Hull

Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa – CDM 2023 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant

The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction will be featuring 12 Iowa non-profit organizations and their festive tree creations in our Weihnachtswald tent during #CDM2023 November 30 – December 3, 2023.

The Italian-American Cultural Center is returning to the CDM Silent Auction for a second year. Even though the Cultural Center has been in existence for more than 30 years, there are still people in the community who do not now about this organization and what they do. Partnering with CDM allows them to expand their outreach in the community and secure additional funds for their programming.

In addition to an educational museum, the Italian-American Cultural Center offers a variety of opportunities for individuals as well as groups to take part in programs and events including: language instruction, cooking, and folk dancing. Italian travel and cooking videos are shown as well as Italian movies. Group tours are given to students as well as adults. The Center also offers self-planned tours of Italy as well as trips to various Italian festivals around the country.

Enjoy the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa’s fabulous tree by visiting Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30- December 3, 2023!

BySuzanne Hull

Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge – CDM 2023 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant

The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction will be featuring 12 Iowa non-profit organizations and their festive tree creations in our Weihnachtswald tent during #CDM2023 November 30 – December 3, 2023.

The Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge will be making an impressive 6th appearance in the Christmas Forest this year. Sons of Norway has been in existence for 126 years and the Marsteinen Lodge, located in Des Moines, has been around for 37 of those. They are dedicated to keeping the Norwegian culture alive and membership consists of those who have Norwegian ancestry and anyone who has an interest in the culture. They use fundraising proceeds to support lodge programing and other non-profits in the community. Here is their tree from 2022. Isn’t it festive?

Stop by the Weihnachtswald Tent to see the Sons of Norway’s tree creation at Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30 – December 3, 2023!

BySuzanne Hull

Serving Hands, Inc – CDM 2023 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant

The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction will be featuring 12 Iowa non-profit organizations and their festive tree creations in our Weihnachtswald tent during CDM 2023 November 30 – December 3, 2023.

Serving Hands, Inc. will be joining the CDM Silent Auction for their second year. As a non-denominational, not-for-profit organization, established in 2018, Serving Hands, Inc. strives to help those in the community who are struggling to support themselves or their families. People from all walks of life work together to serve others by providing food, personal hygiene items, and financial assistance to those in need.
Serving Hands, Inc. appreciates the community aspect of Chrsitkindlmarket Des Moines and will use the Silent Auction Funds to increase the scope of their work this holiday season, spreading joy and kindness to those in need. Here is their tree from 2022. It’s so cute!

Interested in what Serving Hands, Inc. will be serving up for their Silent Auction tree? Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30 – December 3, 2023!

BySuzanne Hull

Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa – CDM 2023 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant

The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction will be featuring 12 Iowa non-profit organizations and their festive tree creations in our Weihnachtswald tent during CDM 2023 November 30 – December 3, 2023.

Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa will be decorating a tree at CDM 2023 for a third year. Providing “Hope” is the main goal of this animal rescue which was founded in June 2014. They are a no-kill rescue who strives to protect and provide hope as they search for loving homes for stray and neglected animals.

Without a brick-and-mortar location, Hope Animal Rescue utilizes community and cultural events like CDM to get their organization in front of more Iowans. As a 100% foster/volunteer-based rescue, without local, state or federal support, Hope relies solely on the generosity of others through donations. Here is their tree from 2022. Isn’t it paw-mazing?

If you are ready to bark or meow up the Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30 – December 3, 2023!

BySuzanne Hull

Alliance Française of Central Iowa – CDM 2023 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant

The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction will be featuring 12 Iowa non-profit organizations and their festive tree creations in our Weihnachtswald tent during CDM 2023 November 30 – December 3, 2023.

Alliance Française of Central Iowa will be participating in the CDM Silent Auction for their third year. This organization was established in 1994, and is part of the Alliance Française global network that dates from 1883. Today, there are over 1200 Alliance chapters established in 112 countries. The Alliance is an all-volunteer, non-profit, educational, and cultural organization whose mission is to help foster friendship and collaboration between the people of Central Iowa and the French speaking world. They work to develop knowledge and appreciation of the French culture and the French language.
Alliance Française of Central Iowa enjoys CDM’s addition to cultural life in Central Iowa and loves supporting Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ mission. Here is their tree from 2022. Isn’t it amazing?

Enjoy the festive tree created by Alliance Française of Central Iowa at Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30 – December 3, 2023!

BySuzanne Hull

EXIT Realty Capital City | 2023 Yuletide Hall Stage Sponsor

We’re pleased to welcome EXIT Realty Capital City as the Yuletide Hall Stage Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023.

EXIT Realty Capital City is comprised of a team of local real estate professionals committed to fast, professional and courteous service to help you understand and feel at ease throughout the home buying and selling process.

EXIT Realty Capital City is interested in serving property buyers and sellers throughout Iowa. When you’re looking to buy a house, their agents will help match you with the perfect home for your family and help you navigate the complex transaction process. EXIT Realty agents provide guidance on everything from making the initial offer to fulfilling all the lender’s requirements and closing the deal. Home buyers are also encouraged to take advantage of a free home loan analysis to get the process started for approved financing.

If you’re looking to sell your home, use EXIT Realty’s expertise to get the full value of your house. With EXIT Realty’s innovative digital marketing strategies combined with proven direct marketing tactics, you’ll be able to sell your home faster at a rewarding price. Their agents value your time and respond promptly to your requests and questions as they come along.

BySuzanne Hull

Meet the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023 Christkind

We would like to introduce Karlie Latterell as the Christkind for this year’s Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Karlie is a student at Norwalk High School.

The Christkind is the namesake of Christkindlmarkets. The Christkind is often described as a fairy-like being dressed in gold and white robes with a crown upon their golden locks. Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: parades during the holiday season were guided by one “grand” angel, the Christkind. They are the bearer of gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Claus is in the United States.

Our Christkind will be making appearances at the festival during our opening ceremony December 1, 2023 from 6pm – 7pm. She will also make appearances on December 2nd and 3rd from 2pm-4pm.

BySuzanne Hull

Sugarplums | #CDM2023 Vendor

Tell us about your business

We sell cakes and cupcakes year round.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023?

We have been participating in the Christkindlmarket Des Moines since its second year.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023 and why did you choose them?

We specialize in German Gingerbreads and cookies for Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Our best sellers are Lebkuchen and Pfeffernuss. Lebkuchen is the gingerbread that we start making about a month before the market so it has time to soften and for the flavors to meld.

Anything else you’d like to share?

This is our favorite event every year and we’re looking forward to it!

BySuzanne Hull

Des Moines Refugee Support – CDM 2023 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant

The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction will be featuring 12 Iowa non-profit organizations and their festive tree creations in our Weihnachtswald tent during CDM 2023 November 30 – December 3, 2023.

Des Moines Refugee Support (DMRS) is participating in the CDM Silent Auction for a second year. They love partnering with cultural events that encourage people to be proud of where they are from and celebrate the diversity of Des Moines.
DMRS identifies and bridges gaps for refugee families as they establish their new lives in Iowa. They need ongoing funding for preschool transportation for kids who would otherwise not be able to go, support for their Success Through Soccer program, and food distribution. Proceeds from the DMRS tree will go directly to fund these need. Here is their tree from 2022. So lovely!

Come see what DMRS has in the works for a festive tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30 – December 3, 2023!