Heartland Swing Inc. | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Heartland Swing Inc. as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Heartland Swing Inc. and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
Heartland Swing is a nonprofit dedicated to building community through the joy of swing dancing. We offer monthly social dances, classes, performances, and events for everyone that celebrate the rich history of Lindy Hop and other swing-era dances. Whether you are brand new or a seasoned dancer, our goal is to create a fun, welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and share in the music and movement that brings together.
See our upcoming classes and events at HeartlandSwing.com and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HeartlandSwing
Big Grove Brewery | Krampus Parade Sponsor and Annual Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to have Big Grove Brewery as the Krampus Parade Sponsor and an Annual Hut Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025.
In 2013, Big Grove Brewery opened its doors in Solon, Iowa, built on a foundation of quality beer, exceptional food, and genuine Iowa hospitality. Over the past decade, we’ve experienced incredible success, driven by our commitment to crafting authentic beer and food. Along the way, we’ve made it our mission to give back, partnering with local organizations to uplift the communities that have been by our side.
2025 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Christkind Application
Welcome! We appreciate your interest in applying to be the 2025 Christkind at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) taking place Dec 4 – 7 & Dec 11 – 14, 2025 at Principal Park. Please complete this application PRIOR to your interview. You will receive a confirmation email with additional details upon successful application submission. We are pleased to offer a financial scholarship to this year’s Christkind. Learn more about the Christkind and its history.
To Apply
1. 1st and 2nd Weekend Christkind Applicants: Complete the online application
2. 1st Weekend Christkind Applicant: Email video of applicant reading the opening ceremony proclamation to christkindlmarketdsm@gmail.com
IMPORTANT DATES:
Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
Interviews Held: Week of October 7, 2025
Christkind Announcement: October 15, 2025
Note: CDM will provide the costume, wig and accessories; Christkind can wear their own shoes.
To be eligible to be the 2025 Christkind, all of the following criteria must be met:
• Must be at least 16 years of age by December 31, 2025, and no more than 22 years of age before January 5, 2026
• A resident of Iowa (or attending an Iowa-based school/university) able to provide verification of residence and/or enrollment
• A student in high school or enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 units) in any accredited school or college in Iowa
• Possess at least a 2.0 grade point average in both the current and previous years’ course work and able to provide verification
• Available to participate in-person or via video during scheduled interview
• 1st Weekend Christkind: Must be able to memorize and recite opening ceremony proclamation in front of 200 people without visual or auditory aid
• Must enjoy working with others and talking with the public, including children of all ages
• Must be able to provide own transportation to and from appearances
• Available to attend the following functions/appearances as the 2025 Christkind
1st Weekend Christkind ($300 Scholarship):
5:30pm – 7:30pm, December 5, 2025 | Opening Ceremony
2pm – 4pm, December 6, 2025 | CDM appearance
2pm – 4pm, December 7, 2025 | CDM appearance
2nd Weekend Christkind ($200 Scholarship):
2pm – 4pm, December 13, 2025 | CDM appearance
2pm – 4pm, December 14, 2025 | CDM appearance
The Beacon | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with The Beacon as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
The Beacon and their team of volunteers will be selling brats at IECC’s Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt wooden vendor hut on Friday, December 5 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
The Beacon is a trauma-informed, equity-centered recovery residence that empowers women in crisis to achieve long-term stability, healing, and independence. Based in Des Moines, The Beacon operates both a 34-bed shelter with transitional housing and a 32-unit permanent housing community—each offering on-site, holistic support.
Residents have access to case management, on-site therapy, life skills classes, employment and financial coaching, and connections to trusted community partners. Whether a woman is seeking safety after incarceration, fleeing domestic violence, navigating recovery, or rebuilding after homelessness, The Beacon provides a safe and supportive environment to begin again.
Through programs rooted in dignity, accountability, and care, The Beacon helps women rebuild their lives with purpose. Every $26 donated supports one full day of care for a resident. You can join the movement by becoming a monthly donor at www.thebeacondm.org/26forher.
We’re honored to partner with Christkindlmarket Des Moines and are grateful for the opportunity to share our mission and connect with the community through this meaningful event.
Learn more at www.thebeacondm.org.
GreenState Credit Union | 2025 Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to have GreenState Credit Union as a Hut Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025.
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 450,000 members with 34 office locations.
Lamberti, Murphy & Strong, P.C. | 2025 Gold Sponsor
Many thanks to the Lamberti, Murphy & Strong, P.C. law firm in Ankeny for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025.
LGL values being a part of their community and welcomes the opportunity to support their office family in their interests. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an event that their employee Erin Baldwin is actively involved in and passionate about and they are happy to be a part of the event.
Their firm has been serving the law needs of businesses and individuals in Ankeny and throughout Iowa for over 20 years. Whether you are starting a business, changing custody agreements, or getting your affairs in order, an attorney at LGL Ankeny Law will be at your service.
Hessen Haus | 2025 Annual Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to include Hessen Haus among our family of 2025 sponsors as an Annual Hut Sponsor!
The Hessen Haus perfectly recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall. The imported German biers on tap, authentic German fare on the menu, and traditional bier hall interior create a lively yet cozy atmosphere where large crowds gather to pass the boot and small groups find themselves making new friends.
A combination of a state in west-central Germany and the German word for house, the name Hessen Haus was chosen for its authentic origins and welcoming feel. The state of Hessen which the bier hall is named for plays home to more than six million inhabitants – which are referred to as Hesses if male or Hessins if female. In English, occupants are known as Hessians – a term affectionately applied to our more frequent visitors to the restaurant.
Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Co | 2025 Bronze Sponsor
Ever wonder how those cute wooden vendor huts arrive at Principal Park? Special thanks to the team at Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company‘s Waukee location for transporting our huts to the venue and returning them to storage year after year.
Founded in 1856, Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company is dedicated to providing its customers with quality, consistency, value, innovation and style.
For over 150 years, their MISSION has been to succeed through unwavering focus on the success of their customers in central and eastern Iowa. They accomplish their mission by supplying customers with top-quality, high-value building products and unparalleled service. They strive to apply the highest standards of integrity to their daily business and to provide a positive, ethical working environment for their employees. Succeeding in this quest for excellence requires every employee to help create a safe, enjoyable and productive work environment.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa | #CDM2025 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Prevent Child Abuse Iowa as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, Iowa and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein on Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 6, 2025. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1500 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1975. We build meaningful connections, share resources, and expand knowledge to create a stronger prevention network in Iowa. PCA Iowa is dedicated to strengthening the efforts of prevention professionals and fostering a resilient environment for children and families throughout Iowa. Our commitment extends beyond immediate intervention, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and collaboration to build a sustainable foundation for the well-being of Iowa’s children and families.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa is proud to celebrate 50 years of working to ensure every child in Iowa grows up safe, supported, and loved. Through advocacy, education, and community partnerships, we prevent child abuse before it begins. We’re excited to volunteer at Christkindlmarket Des Moines and to celebrate this milestone year by sharing in a tradition that brings people together in the spirit of culture, kindness, and community.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa leads toward its vision of a world free from child abuse through:
- Awareness – informing the public about the effects of child abuse and sharing resources to prevent abuse.
- Advocacy – advancing the cause of child abuse prevention among legislators, administrators, and professionals.
- Assistance – offering organizational development, program guidance and grant management to local partners.
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa believes all Iowans working together can ensure children are raised in safe, nurturing environments.
Prevention Means Before. Child Abuse is Preventable.
Community Choice | 2025 Platinum Sponsor and Photo Backdrop Sponsor
We’re pleased to have Community Choice as a member of our team as a Platinum Sponsor and Photo Backdrop Sponsor.
At Community Choice, we UNbank. What the heck does that mean? Many things! UNbanking is a personality, an energy, a whatever-it-takes mentality to exceed our members’ expectations. We’re a credit union owned by more than 50,000 Iowans just like you. Headquartered in Johnston and supporting Central Iowa for more than 70 years, we live by the motto #UNbankForGood. This includes boots on the ground volunteering, supporting local charities, and partnering with organizations that DO good. Community isn’t just in our name, it’s who we are.