#CDM2025 Gift Guide
Use this guide to find a sampling of the amazing items available An der Weihnachtsecke (At the Christmas Corner), our store at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Commemorative Glühwein Mug and Glass Boot
For our 10th year, our commemorative Glühwein mug and glass boot depict many of our favorite things about Christkindlmarket Des Moines!
Available At the Christmas Corner and wherever Glühwein and Beer are sold.
CDM Commemorative Ornament and Pin
In keeping with our 10-year theme, the CDM pin is similar to our mug and boot. The CDM ornament also notes our 10th festival. These are collector items, so be sure to grab them before we run out!
St. Nick and Krampus Plushies
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, we’ve got you covered with our St. Nick and a Krampus plushies. Every child needs a Krampus at Christmas time to remind them to be on their best behavior!
Steinbach Nutcrackers
We always have a diverse offering of Steinbach nutcrackers on hand. Here’s a sampling of Christmas-themed options, so be sure to come early if you have your heart set on a specific Nußknacker!
Steinbach Volkskunst from Marienberg in Germany. For over 200 years they have maintained a long-standing tradition, passion for detail and creativity, using the finest materials in their world-famous nutcrackers. All nutcrackers are handmade in Germany and are made with a mix of tradition, attention to detail and the finest materials.
Imported Delicacies
These sweet or savory items make great stocking stuffers and holiday gifts for the Euro-philes in your life.
Who’s hungry?
1st Weekend: New Items
Fancy an Advent Calendar, Irish Whiskey/Irish Cream-filled truffles or French Palets butter cookies? These items, along with many others, will be available starting the First Weekend until we’re sold out!
2nd Weekend: New Items
We’re featuring a handful of new items during our 2nd Weekend. Tea-lovers and chocolate-lovers will want to stop by for these one-of-a-kind gifts.
Erzgebirge-Palace Smokers
Are you a Smoker collector? We have a wide variety for you to choose from. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, be sure to ask one of our volunteers while you’re shopping!
100 % handmade – 100% quality – Made in Germany
Krebs Glass Lauscha Ornaments
Ornaments make the absolute best stocking stuffer or holiday gift. Our hand-blown and hand-painted ornaments from Krebs Glass Lauscha will be keepsakes you”ll want to hand down to the next generation.
Beer Steins and Glassware
Beer steins and glassware more your style? Stop by to check out our selection. We”ll even fill them with beer in the Biergarten or Yuletide Hall!
CDM Merchandise
Love our logo as much as we do? Pick up some Christkindlmarket Des Moines branded merchandise! We have a number of items for you to choose from.
RAYGUN SHIRTS
AVAILABLE WHILE THEY LAST!
We’ve partnered with Raygun to create a fun Christkindlmarket Des Moines t-shirt you can purchase at our store!
Garland for Sale – After Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Help us find a second home for the hundreds of feet of live fraser fir garland used at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Receive 25′ of garland for $40.
Your garland will be available for pickup starting at 7pm, Sun Dec 14th, in the circular walkway between the North Lot and Main Lot of Principal Park. All purchases must be picked up by 8:30pm on Mon, Dec 15th. Please bring either a printed or electronic copy of your receipt to verify the purchase.
LPGA Amateurs Des Moines | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with LPGA Amateurs Des Moines as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
LPGA Amateurs Des Moines and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein on Thursday, December 4 through 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 $3000 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
The LPGA Amateurs – Des Moines Chapter offers a welcoming community for women of all skill levels to connect, play, and grow through golf. Members enjoy flexible weekly league options including Monday 18-hole afternoon play rotating through local city courses, Thursday morning league, and Tuesday and Wednesday evening leagues at Copper Creek and Otter Creek — perfect for busy schedules. The chapter also hosts weekend travel outings, fun social events, and skill-building clinics led by golf professionals. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced golfer, it’s a great way to meet other women, network, and enjoy the game in a supportive, friendly atmosphere. Email lpgaamateursdsm@gmail.com or visit https://lpgaamateurs.com/ for more information!
Meet the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025 Christkind
We would like to introduce Karlie Latterell as the Christkind for this year’s Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Karlie is a senior 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 Dec 5, 2025 from 6pm – 7pm. She will also make appearances on Dec 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th from 2pm-4pm.
Iowa Environmental Council – CDM 2025 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Iowa Environmental Council’s tree theme is “A Sustainable Christmas to all…and to all a Good Life”. Featuring decorations that are sustainable, up-cycled and natural. These will include decorated natural wood slices, bamboo hoops with up-cycled fabric, and seed paper origami cranes that can be planted to grow wildflowers.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- The Iowa Environmental Council participates in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction because trees are powerful symbols of environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and healthy communities. Supporting this initiative directly aligns with our mission to advocate for clean air, clean water, and a livable climate. This year’s entry – “A sustainable Christmas to all… and to all a Good Life” – will also bring awareness to sustainability not only at the holidays but throughout the year.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- In addition to community awareness, the unrestricted funds we receive directly support IEC’s ongoing efforts for a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans.
Check out Iowa Environmental Council’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 4th – December 7th, 2025!
New Hope United Methodist Church – CDM 2025 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
The tree theme this year is “A Mosaic of Tradition”, which will have handmade mosaic cross ornaments and handmade traditional Christmas ornaments with photos of our diverse organization.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- We support food ministries, children’s ministries, diversity ministries, music and arts ministries, social action, and more.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- We will use our funds to support community missions and development in our area. We are surrounded by Urbandale, Beaverdale, and Johnston in a unique pocket of the Des Moines metro.
If you are excited to see what New Hope United Methodist Church have in store for us this year, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 4th – December 7th, 2025!
Daughters of Norway – CDM 2025 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
The tree theme this year is “Hues of color of homes/Churches in Norway”, which will have decor to showcase the colors of homes both inside and out: beautiful oranges, reds, greens, and yellows. These will brighten the chills of Norway winters.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- To get more publicity for our organization. We are a vital organization with deep cultural ties in Iowa.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- The funds give us more chances to have speakers come in our meetings & to teach us more about our culture & tradition.
If you are excited to see what Daughter of Norway have in store for us this year, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 4th – December 7th, 2025!
Community Food Closet – New Beginnings Christian Church – CDM 2025 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Community Food Closet – New Beginnings Christian Church’s angel tree will be decorated by a multitude of angel ornaments donated by their congregation. Angels are God’s helpers and the people who volunteer at the Food Closet are helping God feed his sheep.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- We feel this is a good way to get all of our congregation participating by donating an ornament. It also is a fun project.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- The funds are only used as needed for the community food closet. We need food containers, eggs, milk, etc.
Check out Community Food Closet – New Beginnings Christian Church’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 4th – December 7th, 2025!
Beacon of Life – CDM 2025 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
The Beacon’s tree theme this year is “26 Days of Christmas: A Day of Hope.” Just as each day of the holiday season brings new anticipation, each day at The Beacon represents the opportunity for a woman to begin again.
With 34 shelter beds and 32 units of permanent supportive housing, The Beacon provides safe homes and supportive services for women in Central Iowa. These women are mothers, daughters, and neighbors — working not to be judged by the hardest day of their lives, but to be given a true first chance at rebuilding.
The “26 Days of Christmas” theme highlights our 26 for Her campaign, which reminds us that $26 provides one woman with a full day of shelter, safety, and stability. Our tree will be decorated with handmade ornaments and notes of encouragement.
Each decoration is a reminder that when women are supported, they thrive. In fact, 85% of our graduates do not relapse or return to prison — instead, they move forward with stable housing, income, and renewed hope.
As Nia, one of our graduates, shared: “The Beacon gave me more than a place to live. It gave me a community that believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. That made all the difference.”
When you see The Beacon’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines, know that every ornament represents a woman’s story of courage, transformation, and the power of community to create lasting change. Learn more about our work at thebeacondm.org.
Check out The Beacon’s tree of hope at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 4th – December 7th, 2025!
Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15 – CDM 2025 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15’s tree this year will be The Danish Julenisse/Gnome. The tree will have various decorations that depict this mischievous gift giving creature as well as ornaments made from straw and paper. The Danish flag with its white cross on a red background sets our color palette. Stars, woven hearts, flags, snowflakes and more, will carry the Christmastime message.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- Danish Brotherhood loves sharing our traditions especially at Christmas as in Denmark this dark time of year is brightened by Christmas trees. Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15 wishes to support other non profits as well as the area by providing a tree to share at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. It is important to let everyone know that there are active Danish heritage groups available in the Des Moines metropolitan area.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- Lodge #15 is a philanthropic group. The profit from our tree will be added to our non-profit donation fund which is mostly funded by our two Æbleskiver Brunches. This fund regularly contributes to food drives, veterans organizations, Miracle League Baseball as well as Danish groups. Last year we donated more than $2,000 to other non-profits. This is on top of $9,000 it awarded in scholarships funded by a 7-course Danish Dinner named Kolde Bord.
Check out Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 4th – December 7th, 2025!
