Breakfast with St. Nick
Get into the holiday spirit by having Breakfast with St. Nick!
- Enjoy a buffet that includes yogurt, bananas, cuties, assorted mini pastries, and juice.
- Get your photo taken with St. Nick
- Listen to St. Nick read stories
- Have fun taking selfies with seasonal photo props
- Express your artistic side with various coloring sheets
Adult ticket includes: one drink ticket, breakfast, one 2024 commemorative Glühwein mug
Child under 12 ticket includes: one drink ticket, breakfast, one Kinder mug, craft kit
Drink options: warm Glühwein (contains alcohol), beer, warm Kinderpunch, hot cocoa, water (additional drinks available for purchase)
Note:
- Christkindlmarket Des Moines opens at 11am and will not be open during Breakfast with St. Nick. We hope you stick around and enjoy the festival after breakfast!
- This is a snow or shine event. As the famous Norwegian saying goes, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
- Yuletide Hall is a four-sided, heated tent. The temperature in the tent will be at most 20 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature.
- By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that your image or likeness may be used in future marketing.
2024 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Christkind Application
Welcome! We appreciate your interest in applying to be the 2024 Christkind at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) taking place Dec 5 – 8, 2024 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 $300 scholarship to this year’s Christkind. Learn more about the Christkind and its history.
IMPORTANT DATES:
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2024
• Interviews Held: Week of October 7, 2024
• Christkind Announcement: October 15, 2024
Click here to complete this official online application
Note: CDM will provide the costume, wig and accessories; Christkind can wear their own shoes.
To be eligible, all of the following criteria must be met:
• Must be at least 16 years of age by December 31, 2024, and no more than 22 years of age before January 5, 2025
• 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
• 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 2024 Christkind
5:30pm – 7:30pm, Dec 5, 2024 | Opening Ceremony
2pm – 4pm, Dec 6, 2024 | CDM appearance
2pm – 4pm, Dec 3, 2024 | CDM appearance
Des Moines Refugee Support | #CDM2023 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Des Moines Refugee Support as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Des Moines Refugee Support and their team of volunteers will be managing a point of sale at the Glühwein Tent on Saturday and Sunday. All cash tips placed in their tip jar at their point of sale will go directly to their organization. The Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will also make a $500 donation as part of our partnership.
The mission of Des Moines Refugee Support is to identify and bridge gaps for refugee families, in particular refugee children, as they establish their new lives in America.
There are currently 26.6 million refugees in the World. 6.6 million of them live in refugee camps, which are meant to be temporary, but many people end up staying for decades. Less than 3% of refugees will return to their home country, and just over 2% of refugees will be officially resettled in a different country. Being chosen for resettlement is kind of like winning the lottery! Des Moines Refugee Support works to fill in the gaps for refugees who are chosen to make their new homes in the Des Moines metro!
Host Your Holiday Party in Yuletide Hall at Christkindlmarket Des Moines
‘Tis the season for celebrating! Your reserved table in Yuletide Hall (heated entertainment tent) comes with drink tickets and souvenirs.
Reserve an 8-person table in Yuletide Hall at Christkindlmarket Des Moines on Thursday, November 30 OR Sunday, December 3, 2023 and get into the holiday spirit as you enjoy performances by the Jim Kucera Band on Thursday and Metro Brass Quintet/Greater Des Moines Adult Flute Choir on Sunday. Perfect for families, social club outings, corporate holiday parties, volunteer appreciation outings, social hours, etc.
Each ticket comes with the following:
- A reserved 8-person table in Yuletide Hall, our heated entertainment tent at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM)
- 2 drink tickets PER PERSON that can be used for Glühwein (warm mulled wine), Kinderpunsch (warm mulled cider), craft beer, European beer, or water
- A 2023 commemorative Glühwein mug OR 2023 commemorative .5L acrylic stein PER PERSON
- A 2023 commemorative pin OR 2023 commemorative ornament PER PERSON
Choose from the following seatings on Thursday, November 30, 2023:
- 5pm – 7pm
- 7pm – 9pm
Choose from the following seating on Sunday, December 3, 2023:
- 11am – 1pm
- 1pm – 3pm
- 3pm – 5pm
Early bird pricing per table now through October 1, 2023: $225
Pricing per table after October 1, 2023: $250
Your purchase will support the Iowa European Cultural Connection, the 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP)
An der Weihnachtsecke (At the Christmas Corner, CDM Store)
| Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024 | Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024 |
 Community Hand Up | |
Glühwein & Kinderpunsch Tent
| Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024 | Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024 |
 Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 |  Soroptimist International of Des Moines |
 Prevent Child Abuse Iowa |  Ankeny Choral Music Parent Organization |
 Des Moines Children’s Museum |  Threshold Learning Center |
Community Hand Up |  LPGA Amateurs – Des Moines, Chapter, Inc. |
LPGA Amateurs – Des Moines, Chapter, Inc. |  Camp Hertko Hollow |
Are you looking for a fundraiser for your non-profit? Join us as one of our nonprofit partners at Christkindlmarket Des Moines this year!
Partnership Opportunities – closed for 2024
Beverages (5 Points of Sale Available): Sell Glühwein and Kinderpunsch
An der Weihnachtsecke (CDM Store) (1 Points of Sale Available): Sell imported food, nutcrackers, smokers, glassware, ornaments, merchandise
PRE‐FESTIVAL
- Create all volunteer schedules and shifts including at least fifteen (15) minutes before the shift begins. Shifts can be as long or as short as you like.
- Fully staff all hours selected with 4 individuals.
- Provide overall main contact and all shift leaders cell numbers to CDM Leadership.
DURING FESTIVAL
- Sell product. Nonprofit may sell only products provided by the Festival.
- General clean-up of space, unboxing product, preparing product to be sold.
- Removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas.
- Cash management and the taking of electronic payments via POS system (provided).
CDM Management will:
- Set up tables and Point of Sale.
- Manage stock levels.
- Organize product for the next day.
- Manage cash and provide change.
THE PARTNERSHIP
Nonprofit partners can choose the following partnership levels and receive the associated donation from the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC), the non-profit that produce CDM:
Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024 | $500 donation
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024 | $500 donation
Thursday, December 5 – Sunday, December 8, 2024 | $1000 donation
Nonprofit partners will be provided with:
- A hyperlinked listing on our website as a nonprofit partner with the date, times and location of your volunteering
- Social media promotion of our partnership
- Individual blog post announcing/publicizing our partnership
While volunteering the nonprofit may place their tip jar next to the CDM tip jar for cash tips/donations. The nonprofit’s tip jar must be clearly labeled with the name of their nonprofit. 100% of the cash tips in the nonprofit’s tip jar revert back to the nonprofit. Talking about your nonprofit is acceptable; the solicitation of tips is not. The use of a digital/cashless tip jar is acceptable.
Anyone handling alcohol will need to complete online I-PACT (Iowa – Program for Alcohol Compliance) Training. After successfully passing the final test, you will receive a printable certificate of completion. The test takes 45 – 60 minutes to complete and can be completed online at https://abd.iowa.gov/education/i-pact.
Please direct questions and interest in our nonprofit partnership program to Suzanne Hull, [email protected] or 515-250-6366
Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling and Open House
Be one of the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2022 Glühwein mug design at Jasper Winery on Monday, June 13 from 5 – 7pm. The mug design will be revealed at 6pm.
Shop a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 vendors. Jasper wines and Madhouse beer will be available for purchase.
A limited quantity of commemorative mugs are ordered each year, the first 25 attendees to donate $25 (or more) to guarantee their 2022 mug will receive a goody bag. Learn more about Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC), the non-profit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Find out about what we do and how to get involved.
Admission is free; donations accepted.
Confirmed vendors include Quilted Gardens and Nursery, Indianola Glass Creations and DamonLayne Woodworking
Join Iowa European Cultural Connection Today!
Silver – $100 (annual membership)
2 guaranteed CDM 2022 mugs – $50 value
Limited edition CDM commemorative 2022 pin
Free CDM reusable bag – $5 value
5% off purchase of two tickets to one IECC Event or one language school class per membership year
Recognition on our website as a “Silver” member
Gold – $250 (annual membership)
Silver Rewards plus:
2 guaranteed CDM 2022 mugs (four total, 2 at Silver level and 2 at Gold level)
Membership bracelet for CDM 2022 that secures the following benefits: Access to “express lane” at Gluehwein Sales and the Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt (Must show Member Bracelet to utilize this perk) and 5% off purchases at An der Weihnachtsecke (Must show Member Bracelet to utilize this perk)
10% off purchase of two tickets to one IECC Event or one language school class per calendar (5% in addition to Silver, not 10% on top of Silver member)
Recognition as “Gold” level member at CDM: Must be a member by November 1, 2022 to be included on the printed signage
Specifics:
- Membership is good during the calendar year in which it is purchased.
- Membership purchases will close on November 1.
Complete this form and click here to make payment.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Decorating for their fourth year, SoN will treat us to a “Red, White, and Blue” tree representing the countries of Norway, United Sates, and Canada, where lodges are located. The decorations are mostly handmade and will include natural materials, wooden ornaments, Rosemaled ornaments, garden materials and treated paper ornaments.
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 with Norwegian ancestry and anyone who has an interest in the culture. Christmas is the highlight of Norwegian winters. Before December 25th many towns have a Christmas market, special parties and concerts. These activities unify the communities and families with a strong tradition of special foods, music, dances, decorations, even the animals are included. 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.
Silent Auction funds will be used to aid other nonprofit organizations in the community.
If you would like to bid on the “Red, White, and Blue” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information Sons of Norway, Martsteinen Lodge, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Serving Hands, Inc.
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Decorating for their first time, Serving Hands, Inc. would like to encourage everyone to open your hearts to the world with “Loving Kindness.” Ornaments with inspirational messages remind everyone how important it is to show loving kindness in a divisive world. The tree ornaments symbolize nature with pine cones and wooden ornaments reflect the serenity that nature provides.
Since its inception in December 2018, Serving Hands, Inc. has provided 1077 meals, donated 837 hygiene items, and provided financial assistance to individuals, families, and organizations in need. As a volunteer led nonprofit, people from all walks of life serve others by providing food, personal hygiene, and financial assistance to those in need.
The holidays mean hope, love, kindness, and giving. Serving Hands, Inc hopes to impact and enrich people’s lives during this season and beyond by using the funds from the Silent Auction to further their work in the community.
If you would like to bid on the “Loving Kindness” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information the Serving Hands, Inc., please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Iowa Genealogical Society
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Returning for a second year, Iowa Genealogical Society wants to celebrate an anniversary with CDM! “Blast from the Past” will be a 1950’s theme marking 2022 as the 72nd anniversary of the 1950 US Federal Census. This is an important occasion to genealogists because it means the population tables from the 1950 census will be released for use by genealogists and the general public.
The Iowa Genealogical Society was founded in 1965 with a mission to foster an interest in genealogy and aid others in researching their family history. The holidays are important and facilitate many occasions for families to gather and share their roots.
If you would like to bid on the “Blast from the Past” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information the Iowa Genealogical Society, please visit their website.