‘Twas the Night Before #CDM2019
Be one of the first to experience Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 during this private, ticketed preview party at Principal Park, on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5 – 9pm.
Get Tickets Now!
This event grants you exclusive access to the market before it officially opens to the public.
Be one of the first to get your 2019 commemorative mug, meet and mingle with select vendors and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Pick from two ticket packages:
VIP guests:
- Enjoy a sit down, authentic German holiday buffet dinner in Yuletide Hall, our heated, outdoor entertainment venue with performances by DSM Dueling Fiddles and Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen.
- Buffet dinner will include: reuben bites, pretzel bites, green salad with German pickles, beef rouladen with roasted brussel sprouts, carrots and new potatoes, pork schnitzel with mushroom cream sauce, Käsespätzle and red cabbage with apples.
- Receive two drink coupons for European beer, warm, mulled Glühwein (don’t forget the amaretto, orange liqueur and apple liqueur add-ins!), Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic mulled cider) or assorted sodas.
- Receive a gift bag featuring hand-selected items from our vendors and partners.
- Guaranteed free parking
- One 2019 commemorative Glühwein mug
General Admission guests:
- Receive one entree, one dessert, and two drink coupons valid at all Christkindlmarket Des Moines food and drink vendors.
- Additional food and drink items may be purchased from vendors throughout the evening.
- Guaranteed free parking
- One 2019 commemorative mug
For guests with families, we offer a special Kid’s Package:
- One entrée and one drink coupon.
- One 2019 commemorative mug.
Please Note: The Kid’s Package is only valid for children 10 years of age or younger. (Children 0-4 years of age are free.) Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Event details:
- 5:00 pm – Doors open – Enter venue from the north side of the Main Lot only
- 5:30 pm – VIP dinner begins with entertainment in Yuletide Hall
- 8:30 pm – Buffet closes
A limited number of VIP tickets are available for purchase. Tickets are non-transferable, and all ticket purchases are final at time of purchase. Buy your tickets TODAY before they sell out!
We look forward to celebrating the 4th Annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines with you at our 2019 Preview Event!
#CDM2019 Hotels
This year, we are pleased to work with the following hotels. Located near Principal Park, these properties are perfect for guests visiting Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown (Studio King Suite: $119)
201 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Book your group rate for Christkindlmarket Des Moines by calling 515-280-3828 or 877-238-8898 and requesting the group rate for “Christkindlmarket”
Cutoff Date: November 5, 2019
Amenities
Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown (King w/ sofa sleeper pullout: $104, Double Queen: $109)
418 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Book your group rate for Christkindlmarket Des Moines by calling 800-993-2451 and requesting the group rate for “Christkindlmarket Des Moines”
Cutoff Date: November 7, 2019 5pm CST
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Complimentary use of the fitness center including the indoor pool
- Complimentary shuttle to/from the airport as well as a 3-mile radius of the hotel
- Complimentary breakfast
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (Single King: $134, Double Queen: $139
120 SW Water St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Book your group rate for Christkindlmarket Des Moines by calling 515-244-1650 and requesting the group rate for “Christkindlmarket Des Moines”
Cutoff Date: November 14, 2019
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (King Standard: $139, Double Queen: $139
333 SW 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Book your group rate for Christkindlmarket Des Moines by calling 800-HOLIDAY and requesting the group rate for “Christkindlmarket Des Moines”
Cutoff Date: November 5, 2019, 3pm CST
Amenities
Gail’s Photography & Designs | 2019 In-Kind Sponsor
As we continue to host Des Moines European Heritage Association programs and get ready to produce Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019, we’re finding a lot of memorable moments along the way. We’re grateful to have Gail’s Photography and Designs to capture those for us as our 2019 Photography Sponsor.
Gail retired from Lifetouch Portrait Studios in June 2014. The next month, she opened her own photography business. Her subjects are usually children and families. She also designs word art that are offered in metal or in print. Her favorite part of her job is seeing families enjoying themselves and capturing moments for them to keep for generations.
Gail is looking forward to looking at the unique gifts that are offered. Her involvement with Christkindlmarket Des Moines was inspired by her Italian heritage and passion for learning about other cultures.
“I believe that learning about and understanding what other cultures have to offer is essential in our society,” Gail said.
She also encourages people interested in European heritage to get involved with Des Moines European Heritage Association and Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
“There’s great connections to be made and everyone brings something special to it that only they can give.”
Take a look at Gail’s Facebook Fan Page to see her great work. You’ll see Gail at all of our 2019 programs as well!
Thank you, Gail, for your support!
2019 Call for Performers
Des Moines European Heritage Association invites you to become a performer at the 4th Annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place December 6 – 8, 2019 at Principal Park.
In its first three years, this cultural experience has attracted over 95,000 visitors.
If you have applied in the past, but were not accepted, we encourage you to complete an application each year. The programming committee takes several factors into consideration when choosing the slate of performers each year.
Performances typically seen at Christkindlmarkets include (but are not limited to): European folk music players, European folk music singers, yodeling, guitarist, accordionist, clogging, folk dancers, Scottish pipes & drums, high school choirs, children’s choirs, violinists, bell choirs, church choirs, story-tellers, brass bands, alpine horn blowers, marionette/ puppeteer, Schuhplattler Verein, vocal performances in European languages, harpists, etc. We will provide a four-sided, forced-air heated tent at a location to be determined by Christkindlmarket Des Moines event planning committee in Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage within the tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2018 was 30’ x 16’.
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.
What is the timeline for the process?
- Fill out the online needs assessment no later than March 15, 2019
- Send photographs representing you or your group to – [email protected]
- Receive feedback from Christkindlmarket Des Moines staff by April 15, 2019
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2019 Performer Information Guide
Complete the 2019 Performer Needs Assessment |
2019 Call for Vendors
Des Moines European Heritage Association invites you to become a vendor at the 4th Annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place December 6 – 8, 2019 at Principal Park.
In its first three years, this cultural experience has attracted over 95,000 visitors.
Vendor Testimonial: Wild Cherry Spoon Co has vended across the Midwest. From popular indie craft markets in Chicago to small first time shows. Christkindl Market Des Moines blew them all away in terms of revenue, participation, crowd size, after show sales, interesting things to see and do at the market, and volunteer support. We would love to be able to attend every subsequent market and word of advice to vendors; plan for your wildest sales expectations and then bring 4x the inventory…it sells out fast!
Tim McGuire, Wild Cherry Spoon
The quality of a traditional Christmas market depends on maintaining a high standard of the vendor products it offers. 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.
Our vendor guide will give you an overview of the application process and requirements. As soon as you fill out the application, it will be reviewed internally. You will receive feedback by April 15, 2019 at the latest.
If you have applied in the past, but were not accepted, we encourage you to complete an application each year. The vendor committee takes several factors into consideration when choosing the slate of vendors each year. We will continue to add wooden vendor stalls and not all vendors that participated in the past are asked to return which results in openings.
Products typically found at Christkindlmarkets throughout the world, which include (but are not limited to): decorative fresh wreaths and centerpieces; one-of-a-kind handmade items that can be made and demonstrated on site; holiday ornaments of all colors, materials and sizes; nutcrackers; cuckoo clocks; beer steins; wooden toys; jewelry; wood carvings; European sweets and treats; sausages; sauerkraut; potato pancakes; waffles; crepes; stollen; gingerbread; roasted nuts; cakes and pastries; German smokers; candles; wooden nativity scenes; items made from hand-blown glass; clay and ceramic pottery items; tea light holders; Eastern Slavic handcrafted gifts, such as nesting dolls and papier-mâché lacquer boxes; lace; leather products; beer and wine glasses; wooden toys; handwoven garments and more.
View all Vendor Testimonials
Read the 2019 Vendor Guide (Required)
Apply to be a 2019 Vendor
City of Des Moines Outdoor Events Requirements (Food vendors please read)
Application Deadline: March 15, 2019
I was especially impressed with the advertising for Christkindlmarket Des Moines—I think the organizers did a great job of getting the word out through many different avenues. The volunteers were very friendly and helpful. The booths made for a great ambience, and we loved the signs!
Pickle Creek Herbs
Darcy Hines Designs | 2019 In-Kind Sponsor
Creative Sponsor Darcy Hines Designs is back again to help visually present Christkindlmarket Des Moines to our community. You may have seen her work last year in the promotional flyers, posters and signage at the event.
Darcy Hines is the owner and graphic designer at Darcy Hines Designs. Her work focuses on typography and a clean style. She enjoys working with clients who allow her to be creative with her design choices. She often works on creating brand standards and stationary.
According to Darcy, she was motivated to get involved by the unique nature of our event.
“I love the idea of bringing such a festive and creative event to Des Moines in the months where people are normally bundled up in their houses. I think it’s a great opportunity to bring people together as families, offer them a chance to experience a culture they normally wouldn’t be able to, and breathe some light into those cold winter months with hot cider and hand-made Christmas gifts.”
Thank you for your work, Darcy!
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
![Support[1]](https://christkindlmarketdsm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Support1-1024x487.png)
Carpenters Local 106 | 2019 In-Kind Sponsor
The organizers of Christkindlmarket Des Moines are proud to partner with Carpenters Local 106. Fabricated by Waukee and Johnston High Schools and stored at Centennial Warehouse, Carpenters Local 106 will again help us set up our wooden vendor stalls at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. The following is from the Carpenters Local 106:
Why is this partnership Important:
Carpenters Local 106 has been a part of Des Moines Heritage for over 120 years. As Local 106 members, we strive to offer our skills to help build up the city and people of Des Moines. Many of our members have varying heritages and backgrounds including European heritage. Which they also value to continue their traditions.
How is Carpenters 106 involved in our communities:
Our members are very involved in the community in varies ways. Whether it be from coaching our kid’s sports teams or being a PTA member at their schools, or working closely with our church groups. As an organization we offer scholarships, donate to Toys-For-Tots, sponsor Jolly Holiday Lights and Iowa Heart are a few. Any opportunity we can to show off our specific skills and help with community projects like handy cap ramps or just helping out a friend or neighbor you can count on us.
Things people don’t know about Unions:
We are dedicated and fight to make sure the working class is protected, safe and getting what they deserve. Unions have provided very long and reliable sustaining careers, pensions and health benefits for so many people, for many of years. We value productivity, safety and craftsmanship. Our priority is education and providing it at no cost to our members.
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
Grand View University – In-Kind 2019 Sponsor
Grand View University provides meeting space for all Des Moines European Heritage Association and Christkindlmarket Des Moines meetings. This has been a great help to our organization. We love and appreciate all of our sponsors, but would like to tell you a little bit more about Grand View University.
Grand View University has public meeting space available. If you would like to schedule an event or meeting, they would be pleased to host you. They have classrooms, meeting rooms, performances areas, and other rooms available for use to support the community and its events when not serving the University’s events.
As well as available space to rent, they have a professional caterer on-site. If your event needs those accommodations, they have an additional form you can fill out to request this service. They also have a new Student Center which allows for expanded dining, performance, and meeting facilities.
If you would like to book their public space directly from this page, here are a few hyperlinks that lead to their facility request forms. We hope you enjoy their public space as much as we do!
Viking Theatre Request (capacity = 204)
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
Bravo Cultural Enrichment Grant Recipient
Christkindlmarket is a Cultural Enrichment grant recipient from Bravo! Bravo Greater Des Moines strives to have a community where arts, culture, and heritage is spread across Iowa. You can find their mission, vision, and values on their website.
Bravo Greater Des Moines leverages community resources to maximize impact of arts, culture, and heritage to advance regional priorities. A primary way they do this is through their community investment grantmaking programs. Bravo’s cultural partner grantees draw regional tourism, increase resident satisfaction, help attract and retain talent and generally make Greater Des Moines a premier place to work live and play.
Since 2006, Bravo has awarded 896 grants to more than 100 arts, culture and heritage organizations and programs totaling more than $35 million.
The mission of Bravo Greater Des Moines is to provide reliable funding and support that strengthens arts, culture and heritage organizations serving Greater Des Moines. Bravo Greater Des Moines envisions a community where arts, culture and heritage organizations across central Iowa are recognized and supported as vital contributors to the region’s vibrant quality of life. Some of the values Bravo encourages most in the community is to be collaborative, inclusive, accountable, regional, opportunistic, and passionate. Bravo uses collaboration and inclusion to partner communities with organizations such as Des Moines European Heritage Association. The long-term goal is to have success in Iowa for arts and culture outreach.
The Cultural Enrichment Grant provides operating support to arts, culture, and heritage organizations in Iowa which are three of of the main things Christkindlmarket Des Moines brings to central Iowa! This funding supports investments in growing our community culture and stability. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is happy to receive this grant, and continues to grow our event and outreach!
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
Centennial Warehousing Corporation | In-Kind Sponsor for 2019
Centennial Warehousing Corporation has graciously agreed to continue to donate storage space for our wooden vendor stalls.
After working with a member of the Des Moines Woodworkers Association, we were able to rework the design so when torn down, each stall fits on a double-wide pallet which can be easily moved around the warehouse with the help of a forklift.
We have worked with Waukee High School and Johnston High School Industrial Arts Students to build our traditional wooden vendor stalls. This year we will work with Southeast Polk High School on future 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.
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.