Author Archive Melissa Mootz

The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations for our market patrons. The Iowa Afterschool Alliance will be joining Chriskindlmarket for their first time with a “This is Afterschool” tree. Preschool through 5th grade children in afterschool programs will showcase their artistic skills crafting a one-of-a-kind showstopper.

Iowa Afterschool Alliance develops strong statewide systems of support to provide high- quality activities and experiences to youth in before school, after school, and summer programming. These programs keep young people safe, provide childcare for working families, and organize activities that help youth develop skills and improve academically. Our vision is to give all Iowa children and youth access to quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities in their community!!

Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm. For more information on Iowa Afterschool Alliance, please visit their website.

The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. The Daughters of Norway have been busy collecting their nisse for “It’s A Gnome World After All” tree. Coming out of Nordic Folklore, gnomes are depicted as quirky short, bearded good luck charms, but they can be a little tricky if you’re not on your best behavior. The tree will also include traditional Scandinavian decorations including bunads.

Eva Nansen Lodge 46 became the first Iowa lodge to bear the name Daughters of Norway on November 5, 2006 with forty-six charter members representing Norway, Denmark, and Sweden ancestries. Membership is available not only to Norwegians, but women with Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic connections. The Lodge Sisters pride themselves in offering educational and festive events, cultural programs and activities, and social gatherings. Lifelong Nordic friendships have developed while sharing common interests.

Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm. For more information on Daughters of Norway, please visit their website.

The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations for our market patrons.The Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge will be creating a “Stars and Hearts” tree. Many of the decorations are handmade by Lodge members. The tree will also be loaded with other decorations and wishes for your joy and peace at this beautiful time of 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. The Marsteinen Lodge usually has a potluck dinner at the December meeting followed by singing and dancing around the Christmas tree. The children attending are treated to a visit from the Nisse bringing small gifts.

Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm. For more information on Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge, please visit their website.

The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations for our market patrons. AFS Intercultural Programs USA is another first-time participant at CDM 2022. They will be “Celebrating Around the World with AFS” decorating their tree with colors and ornaments representing hosted students, host families, and volunteers.

AFS-USA empowers people to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world. In addition to tree decorating, they are celebrating their 75th Year of Exchange!

Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1 st – 4 th . Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1 st at 5pm. For more information on AFS Intercultural Programs USA, please visit their website.

The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. Iowa European Cultural Connection’s Samstagsschule will be brightening the Silent Auction with their “Lasst uns froh und munter sein” tree! “Let us be happy and Cheerful” is a German children’s Christmas carol traditionally sung during Advent on December 5th , the evening before Saint Nicholas Day. Children place their freshly cleaned winter boots outside the door in the evening and wake to find the boots filled with chocolates, gingerbread, nuts and oranges. Offering immersive German classes to ages two and up, from beginners to heritage speakers, IECC Kinder Samstagsschule strives to provide opportunities for kids to have fun while learning German language and culture.

Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm. For more information on IECC-Iowa Kinder Samstagsschule, please visit their website.