Category Archive Events

BySuzanne Hull

Watch the Virtual Christkindlmarket DSM 2020 Mug Unveiling

Several people were the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2020 Glühwein mug design during a virtual event on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Enjoy the full presentation below:

As always, you can guarantee your limited-edition 2020 commemorative mug by becoming a Marktengel (or market angel) with a gift of $25 either tonight or online through November 15–but since we can and have run out, it’s always better to act sooner rather than later. We fully expect this 5-year anniversary mug to run out early, so don’t delay. As always, the mugs can be picked up at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Don’t miss out on our 5th anniversary mug! Make your donation today!

BySuzanne Hull

Virtual Christkindlmarket DSM 2020 Mug Unveiling

Be one of the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2020 5th anniversary Glühwein mug design during our virtual mug unveiling via Zoom and Facebook Live on Tuesday, May 26 at 7pm.

Register to view on Zoom
Go to the FB Event to view live

Learn more about Des Moines European Heritage Association (DMEHA), the non-profit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Find out about what we do and how to get involved.

Hear from Farmboy, the Des Moines-based design agency who developed the 2020 mug design along with video messages from our vendor partners.

To ensure that CDM can thrive, please consider becoming a CDM Marktengel (market angel). For just $25, you can be a part of something that brings holiday cheer and cherished memories in 2020 and beyond. And, as a special thank-you for your donation, we will reserve a limited-edition 2020 CDM Glühwein mug for you to be picked up at this year’s market before they run out.

Earn your “halo” starting today by becoming a CDM Marktengel. It’s a good deed that can keep Christkindlmarket Des Moines alive and growing for years to come!

BySuzanne Hull

Qs & Brews Trivia Night at 515 Brewing Company

Do you know it all? Do you like beer? Are you interested in supporting a good cause?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should come join us for a fun-filled evening of trivial pursuit style trivia at 515 Brewing Company on Tuesday, March 24th. Participation is $10 a person with proceeds going towards the production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2020, a free, annual event in downtown Des Moines.

Movie buffs are encouraged, but you’ll want a well-rounded team to make sure to get as many points as you can as there were will questions covering everything from geography to science.

Check in starts at 6pm and trivia kicks off at 6:30. Maximum team size is 4 people.

We’re looking forward to having you!

Register now!

Date and Time

Tue, March 24, 2020

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT

Add to Calendar

Location

515 Brewing Company

7700 University Avenue

#suite c

Clive, IA 50325

View Map

BySuzanne Hull

Travel Show: Visit European Christmas Markets in 2020 via DMEHA

Learn more about visiting European Christmas Markets via an organized tour in 2020. Deadline to reserve to attend this event: April 17, 2020

About this Event

In the Heart of Europe you will find a wonderful surprise – colorful Christmas Markets just waiting to be explored. The dramatic architecture of Europe’s spectacular cities is the perfect backdrop to the charming stalls that offer traditional items from handmade crafts to tasty foods and unexpected joys.

Join Des Moines European Heritage Association for a tour of European Christmas Markets December 7 – 14, 2020. During this tour, you will enjoy the following:

  • Prague walking tour and Christmas Markets
  • Walking tour of Cesky Krumlov and time at the Christmas Markets
  • Vienna walking tour and Christmas Markets
  • Schloss Hof tour and Christmas Market
  • Walking tour of Bratislava and time at the Christmas Markets
  • Budapest city tour and Christmas Markets

Download the complete brochure

Download the registration form

We hope you can join in the fun. Space is limited, so reserve today!

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2019 Volunteer Appreciation

Last Saturday we held our volunteer appreciation event to thank those that helped produce Christkindlmarket Des Moines. We couldn’t have done it without them!

Thank you to 515 Brewing Company for hosting us! It was a lot of fun.

Are you interested in getting involved to help plan this year’s event? Complete our volunteer interest form indicating your committee interests.

Are you interested in volunteering at the event this December? Opt in to our e-newsletter to be notified when opportunities are available. The Glühwein serving shifts go fast!

BySuzanne Hull

Visit European Christmas Markets in 2020 with DMEHA

In the Heart of Europe you will find a wonderful surprise – colorful Christmas Markets just waiting to be explored. The dramatic architecture of Europe’s spectacular cities is the perfect backdrop to the charming stalls that offer traditional items from handmade crafts to tasty foods and unexpected joys.

Join Des Moines European Heritage Association for a tour of European Christmas Markets December 7 – 14, 2020. During this tour, you will enjoy the following:

Prague walking tour and Christmas Markets
Walking tour of Cesky Krumlov and time at the Christmas Markets
Vienna walking tour and Christmas Markets
Schloss Hof tour and Christmas Market
Walking tour of Bratislava and time at the Christmas Markets
Budapest city tour and Christmas Markets

Download the complete brochure
Download the registration form

We hope you can join in the fun. Space is limited, so reserve today!

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2019 Keg Tapping!

Be one of the first to experience the 2019 Christkindlmarket Des Moines beer developed and masterfully brewed by 515 Brewing Company – “O Tannenbock”.

A handful of 2019 Christkindlmarket Des Moines vendors will be on hand to help usher in the holiday spirit.

During this event, a percentage of O Tannenbock sales will be donated to Des Moines European Heritage Association in support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Confirmed vendors include: Held Companies, Quilted Gardens and Nursery, The Kringle Man and Swede Point Creamery

BySuzanne Hull

British Afternoon Tea Among the Vines – Wrap Up!

We had so much fun taking afternoon tea like a Londoner here in Des Moines on Sunday, September 8 from 2 – 4pm at Jasper Winery!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

-Loose-leaf British teas.

-Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and petite desserts.

-Live music

-Presentation on traditional British tea culture

-Contest for the best hat or fascinator (decorative headpiece commonly worn by Brits)

-Silent auction

Special thanks to Gail’s Photography and Designs for being on hand to capture the afternoon!

Gail's Logo
BySuzanne Hull

Magical Mystical Tea

Seating is limited. Get your ticket today!

New this year, the Magical Mystical Tea! Join us for this exclusive Fall event Sunday, October 13th from 2-4pm at Jasper Winery. This is a time of year shrouded in superstition and stories, so come take a deep dive with this curated event. You’ll learn about where some of the current traditions we call on this time of year got their start, learn history and insight on Tarot Cards from an experienced teacher, and more all while you enjoy specially selected tea and themed treats from a renowned local chef. This event is for those 12 years of age and older.

Click here for tickets

As the Des Moines European Heritage Association it is our mission to connect Iowans European traditions, language education and cultural experiences. Come along while we fulfill that mission with an October twist!

Join Des Moines European Heritage Association as a member and receive an additional 5% – 10% off. Visit www.dmeha.org.

All proceeds will go towards the production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019, the Des Moines European Heritage Association‘s signature event and the city’s only German-inspired Christmas market.

When booking, please indicate the names of all guests in your party so that we can do our best to seat you together. Parties of two will be seated with other guests.

Please indicate dietary restrictions when purchasing your ticket; we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

If you have questions, please email [email protected].

BySuzanne Hull

Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampuses)

You’ve been asking for Krampus inclusion at Christkindlmarket Des Moines for years, now here’s your opportunity to show us what you’ve got! In addition to being the Eve of Sankt Nikolaus day, December 5 is known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), during which these hairy beasts appear on the streets.

A Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampuses) is a fun run or walk of celebrants dressed as the wicked beast. Dust off your Krampus costume and parade through downtown Des Moines. Accompanied by St. Nikolaus and Santa Claus (your handlers), you’ll start at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (Principal Park Parking Lot) and then proceed to El Bait Shop, Hessen Haus and the Royal Mile. At each of these locations, those in costume will be offered a customary herbal liqueur shot which is meant to disperse winter’s ghosts.

The parade will begin at the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 private preview event, “‘Twas the Night Before #CDM2019”, at Principal Park where those in costume will receive free admission. Follow St. Nikolaus and Santa Claus around the festival grounds to interact with attendees (remember, Krampus doesn’t talk; the mask will do all the talking for you!)

Spectators who want to attend “‘Twas the Night Before #CDM2019” at Principal Park will need to purchase tickets.

If you will be participating in costume, please contact Suzanne Hull at [email protected] for additional information.

Who is Krampus?
• Hear the proper pronunciation: https://en.pons.com/translate/dictionary-of-german-spelling/Krampus Krampus is pronounced “krohm-poo-s” as in “con & puss,” NOT “kram-puh-s” as in “campus.
• Krampus | Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus
• Video: Top 5 Krampus Facts and Origin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE_Mmy8PEc0
• Video: Krampus parade in Hollabrunn, Austria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOecWdY9OAk
• Video: Who Is Krampus? | National Geographic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrKL7D7QZRA

Don’t have a Krampus costume? Here are a few resources:
https://www.krampusmasks.com/
https://www.etsy.com/market/krampus_costume
http://krampuslosangeles.com/austrian-suits-masks-for-sale/
• Amazon: http://ow.ly/G15B50u3HDn