2018 Call For Vendors
Des Moines European Heritage Association invites you to become a vendor at the 3rd Annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place November 30 – December 2, 2018, at Cowles Commons.
In 2017, this cultural experience attracted 40,000 visitors.
Wild Cherry Spoon Co has vended across the Midwest. From popular indie craft markets in Chicago to small first time shows. Christkindlmarket 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. Word of advice to vendors; plan for your wildest sales expectations and then bring 4x the inventory…it sells out fast!
Wild Cherry Spoon, 2017
In addition to food and gift/specialty item vendors, we seek vendors that can provide demonstrations.
- Media Reach: 36,231,061
- Ad Value: $335,171
- News Value: $1.01 Million
- 50,000 website pageviews/year
- 2,230 Facebook Likes
- E-newsletters: 12 issues/year, 1963 subscribers, 32% open rate
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, 2017
View all Vendor Testimonials
Read the 2018 Vendor Guide (Required)
Apply to be a 2018 Vendor
Application Deadline: February 15, 2018
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.
By spreading culture and arts across Iowa, they add to a more vibrant and exciting life in our community as well as diversity. These grants also help heritage organizations draw more tourism and economic activity in our community. Bravo provides support to 56 organizations in the central Iowa region.
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 | 2018 In-Kind Sponsor
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 Industrial Arts Students to build our traditional wooden vendor stalls and will continue to work with Johnston 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.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Timothy Yates Heggen Humanitarian Foundation
Tim’s memory, love and spirit lives on today through the lives of the people he touched. He set the example that each and every one of us are capable of changing the world locally and globally through living compassionately, demonstrating courage, and caring about others. Even during his courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer at age 17, Tim lived those virtues. Today those “tisms” continue to inspire his friends and family to keep paying his dream forward.
Team Humanity
The core purpose of the TYH Humanitarian Foundation is to continue Tim’s legacy of caring and compassion for others. The Foundation partners with various research entities, humanitarian organizations and civic groups whose own mission reflect the concept of “Team Humanity”. We know we are all part of a bigger world and must work together to make it better.
Consider supporting the TYH Humanitarian Foundation by bidding on their tree at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2nd Annual Silent Tree Auction December 1st-3rd in Cowles Commons.
For more information, please visit the TYH Humanitarian Foundation website.
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.
Thank you to our sponsors
Thanks to the generous support of the Pattie and Jim Cownie Charitable Fund and the Deb and Paul Hayes charitable fund, along with a number of donors and sponsors, we’re able to offer Christkindlmarket Des Moines free to our community.
2017 Sponsors
Fundraising Match Sponsor |
Creative Sponsor |
Photography Sponsor |
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Platinum Sponsors |
Silver Sponsors |
Bronze Sponsors |
Centennial Warehousing Corporation
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Grand View UniversityStraub Marketing |
Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors BureauGilcrest/Jewett Lumber Co.Chocolaterie StamWartburg CollegeThe Weitz CompanyEMC Life InsuranceGreater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau |
Christmas Tree Sponsor |
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Vendor Stall Sponsors
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Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa
The mission of the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa is to promote, preserve and provide education about all aspects of the rich Italian-American culture to the Des Moines metropolitan area and the State of Iowa.
In addition to our educational museum, the Center offers a variety of opportunities for individuals as well as groups to take part in programs and events at the Center. Classes in language, cooking and folk dancing are offered on a regular basis. 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.
Consider supporting the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa by bidding on their tree at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2nd Annual Silent Tree Auction December 1st-3rd in Cowles Commons.
For more information, please visit the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa website.
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.
Plan Your Visit to Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017
Let us help you plan your visit to Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017. If you were with us last year for our inaugural event, you’ll notice a few new things:
- Twice the number of wooden vendor stalls | Food & Beverage | Gift & Specialty Items
- We’ll be accepting payments via credit and debit cards (as well as cash)
- Two serving areas for Glühwein and beer: on Cowles Commons and in Yuletide Hall
- Enhance your Glühwein experience with amaretto, apple liqueur and orange liqueur add-ins
- Five times the demonstrations
- An der Weihnachtsecke (At the Christmas Corner): Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 Commemorative Mugs, Beer Steins and Glassware, European Confections, Glaszauber Lauscha (hand-painted, hand-blown glass ornaments), Christkindlmarket Des Moines Merchandise
- Yuletide Hall – heated entertainment tent
- Confluence Brewing Company brewing a spiced beer called St. Nick’s Christkindlbier. We’ll have a firkin tapping on Friday of the market at noon. The beer will be on tap while supplies last.
- European Cultural Heritage “Meet Up” on Saturday, December 2, 6 – 8pm. Meet members of The Danish Brotherhood, Marsteinen Lodge – Sons of Norway, The Scottish Society Council, Alliance Francaise, Clan Henderson, Stammtisch – Des Moines German Club)
- Follow us on Instagram @christmasdesmoines and Twitter @christmasdsm
- Grab a bingo card at the Information Hut. Return the completed card to the Information Hut for a chance to win a 2017 Christkindlmarket Des Moines commemorative mug
- Grab a survey at the Information Hut. Return the completed survey to the Information Hut for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card.
During your visit, you’ll also be able to enjoy:
- Opening Ceremony and Tree Lighting: Friday at 6pm
- Silent Auction Tree Participants: We’ve invited non-profit organizations to decorate a Christmas tree that will be offered during a silent auction at the event. Bids can be made at the Information Hut
- ATM onsite
- Visit with St. Nicholas and das Christkind on Saturday and Sunday fron Noon – 2pm
- KinderKorner: Free children’s activities all weekend
Location
Christkindlmarket Des Moines will be held at Cowles Commons in downtown Des Moines (221 Walnut St). For directions to the Market, please click here.
Parking
Parking downtown is FREE on the weekends. Beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday, parking in all City ramps are free of charge. Parking at meters is free all weekend, as well as after 6 p.m. during the week.
The following City of Des Moines parking ramps are near Cowles Commons. For additional parking ramps, visit http://www.downtowndesmoines.com/park. The following parking ramps will be charging “event parking” rates ($8/day – $10/day) on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 due to performances at the Civic Center.
- 5th and Walnut Ramp: 422 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, Phone: 515-243-8442, Cost: 1st/2nd hours — $2/hr., Additional hrs $1.25/hr. Total Spaces: 609
- 4th and Grand Ramp: 400 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, Phone: 515-243-8442, Cost: 1st/2nd hours — $2/hr., Additional hrs $1/hr. Total Spaces: 1016
- 3rd and Court Parking Ramp: 210 2nd Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, Phone: 515-243-8442, Cost: 1st/2nd hours — $2/hr., Additional hrs $1/hr. Total Spaces: 750
St. Nick’s Christkindlbier Furkin Tapping
We had a great time working with Confluence Brewing Company to create our very own Christkindlmarket Des Moines beer called St. Nick’s Christkindlbier.
We’ll be tapping a furkin keg at Christkindlmarket Des Moines on December 1 at noon on our outdoor stage. Be one of the first to try this spiced beer just in time for the holidays!
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.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Des Moines Swimming Federation
The primary goal of Des Moines Swim Federation (DMSF) is to provide the opportunity for each and every swimmer participating in the DMSF swimming programs to progress to the highest competitive level he or she is capable of achieving.
To achieve this goal, they use two essential focuses. One focus is to attract and retain talented swimmers with the desire and dedication to improve their physical conditioning and technical swimming skills with a view to competing at a high level. The other focus is to offer entry level, easy entry-easy exit, swimming programs for those young swimmers who are capable of performing the four basic strokes with some degree of proficiency and who wish to develop, improve and refine their basic stroke and racing technique, as well as experience a low pressure, competitive team environment that offers an opportunity for basic conditioning and competitive reward. In between these two focuses, DMSF offers transition from one level of competition to the next higher level.
Consider supporting the Des Mones Swimming Federation by bidding on their tree at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2nd Annual Silent Tree Auction December 1st-3rd in Cowles Commons.
For more information, please visit the DMSF website.
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.
Open Ceremony and Tree Lighting
Join us for the Christkindlmarket Des Moines Opening Ceremony and Tree Lighting. Listen to das Christkind deliver her festive proclamation to open the Christkindlmarket and see the large tree lit. The opening ceremony will begin at 6pm on Friday, December 1.
Joining us to flip the switch this year is Lynette Rasmussen, Danish Consul General in Des Moines.
St. Nicholas will be accompanying das Christkind during the ceremony and they will both make a tour of the Christkindlmarket after the ceremony. Be sure to visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines on Saturday and Sunday from noon – 2pm for another chance to see the duo in action.
Children Needed for Opening Ceremony Procession
Children are an integral component of any Christkindlmarket opening ceremony. Would your child (children) like to follow das Christkind through Christkindlmarket Des Moines to the stage where they will watch the opening ceremony?
Contact Betsy Penisten at [email protected] with questions and interest. We would like at most 50 children to participate.
Children and parents are invited to gather in the East Entrance of Cap Square at 5:40pm on Friday, December 1, 2017, (please be on time) to receive a luminary and battery-operated candle. Please return the luminaries to a volunteer at the end of the opening ceremony if the child does not wish to take it home.
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.