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 christkindlmarketdsm@gmail.com 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
The Office (American TV series) Trivia (Ticketed Event)
Join Global Brew and Des Moines European Heritage Association for “The Office (American TV series) Trivia” event! Tickets are $10/person and includes food from Cyd’s Catering.
Get Tickets!
Impress your friends with your Office knowledge in teams of 2-6 players. We’ll have 5 rounds with 10 questions each. Round of drinks for the winning team.Ticket proceeds will fund Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 (www.christkindlmarketdsm.com) taking place December 6 – 8 at Principal Park.
British Afternoon Tea Among the Vines
Back by popular demand, this cultural experience makes for a great afternoon outing! Seating is limited, so get your ticket today!
Ticket purchase includes hot tea and traditional themed tea service accouterments in a unique setting, tables complete with their own tea pots and classic dishware.
There will be a professional photographer on site as well as photo op areas inside and outside, classical violinist, and speaker presentation on traditional tea etiquette.
Be sure to wear you best hat to be entered into a raffle.
Wine is available to taste or purchase for those guests 21 and older.
Join Des Moines European Heritage Association as a member and receive an additional 5% – 10% off. Click here to join.
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. Gather your friends and don your fancy hats for a memorable afternoon!
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 annamvanw@gmail.com.
CycleBar Private Charity Ride
Grab a friend and join us for a Private Charity Ride at CycleBar Jordan Creek (160 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 130, West Des Moines) in support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019.
Visit https://members.cyclebar.com/buy/cyclebar-jordan-creek?schedule_entry_id=piq_896327 to create your account and buy your ticket.
Your $35 ticket (you may choose to give more) includes a Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 commemorative Glühwein mug that can be picked up at the festival in December.
CycleBar will provide a CycleStar Instructor and staff to facilitate the 45 minute charity ride. As always, CycleBar will provide all riders with the royal CycleBar treatment, including their amenities (complimentary cycling shoes, towels, water, fresh fruit, etc.).
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. CycleBar is located just west of the mall on Jordan Creek Pkwy. Many apps will send you to the mall parking lot. CycleBar is behind the new Giordano’s at the corner of Jordan Creek Pkway and Bridgewood Blvd.
Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling Party and Open House a Huge Success
Several people were the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2019 Glühwein mug design at Jasper Winery on Tuesday, May 21.
They sipped the signature drink (warm mulled wine) while shopping a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 vendors. The first 25 attendees to donate $25 (or more) to guarantee their 2019 mug received a goody bag. Make your donation today!
Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling and Open House
Be one of the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2019 Glühwein mug design at Jasper Winery on Tuesday, May 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sip the signature drink (warm mulled wine) while shopping a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 vendors. Other Jasper wines and Madhouse beer will also be available for purchase.
The first 25 attendees to donate $25 (or more) to guarantee their 2019 mug will receive a goody bag. A limited quantity of commemorative mugs are ordered each year. The mug design will be revealed at 6:30 p.m.
Learn more about Des Moines European Heritage Association (DMEHA), the non-profit that produced Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Sign up to become a Silver or Gold member and show your support for an association whose mission is to connect Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences.
Feeling festive? Bring your own Glühwein mug (0.2 liters) from a past Christmas market.
Admission is free; donations accepted.
‘Twas the Night Before #CDM2019
Be one of the first to experience Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 during this private, ticketed preview party at Principal Park, on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5 – 9pm.
Get Tickets Now!
This event grants you exclusive access to the market before it officially opens to the public.
Be one of the first to get your 2019 commemorative mug, meet and mingle with select vendors and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Pick from two ticket packages:
VIP guests:
- Enjoy a sit down, authentic German holiday buffet dinner in Yuletide Hall, our heated, outdoor entertainment venue with performances by DSM Dueling Fiddles and Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen.
- Buffet dinner will include: reuben bites, pretzel bites, green salad with German pickles, beef rouladen with roasted brussel sprouts, carrots and new potatoes, pork schnitzel with mushroom cream sauce, Käsespätzle and red cabbage with apples.
- Receive two drink coupons for European beer, warm, mulled Glühwein (don’t forget the amaretto, orange liqueur and apple liqueur add-ins!), Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic mulled cider) or assorted sodas.
- Receive a gift bag featuring hand-selected items from our vendors and partners.
- Guaranteed free parking
- One 2019 commemorative Glühwein mug
General Admission guests:
- Receive one entree, one dessert, and two drink coupons valid at all Christkindlmarket Des Moines food and drink vendors.
- Additional food and drink items may be purchased from vendors throughout the evening.
- Guaranteed free parking
- One 2019 commemorative mug
For guests with families, we offer a special Kid’s Package:
- One entrée and one drink coupon.
- One 2019 commemorative mug.
Please Note: The Kid’s Package is only valid for children 10 years of age or younger. (Children 0-4 years of age are free.) Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Event details:
- 5:00 pm – Doors open – Enter venue from the north side of the Main Lot only
- 5:30 pm – VIP dinner begins with entertainment in Yuletide Hall
- 8:30 pm – Buffet closes
A limited number of VIP tickets are available for purchase. Tickets are non-transferable, and all ticket purchases are final at time of purchase. Buy your tickets TODAY before they sell out!
We look forward to celebrating the 4th Annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines with you at our 2019 Preview Event!
European Cultural Heritage “Meet-Up”
Enjoy the fellowship of a diverse group of European Cultural Heritage Organizations for a “Meet-Up” at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Meet in Yuletide Hall (an outdoor, forced-air heated entertainment tent) as you sip on Glühwein, enjoy a seasonal craft beer or nosh on bratwurst.
Represent your European Cultural Heritage Organization to the Des Moines community with your traditional attire, beer steins, and Glühwein mugs as you get to know other cultural heritage organizations in Central Iowa.
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.
Afternoon Tea Along the River
Take afternoon tea like a Londoner here in Des Moines!
Afternoon Tea Along the River is a British tea event in an elegant setting with views of the Des Moines River. Tickets are $50 each, including ticketing fees. All proceeds will go towards the production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017, the Des Moines European Heritage Association’s signature event and the city’s only German-inspired Christmas market. Gather your friends and don your fancy hats for a memorable afternoon!
Entertainment to be announced.
When: Sunday, September 23 from 2 – 4pm
Where: The Riverwalk Hub, 215 Water St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Get your tickets on Eventbrite!
Christmas in July Full Moon Ride Wrap Up
Des Moines European Heritage Association (DMEHA) partnered with Flat Tire Lounge, Nite Hawk Bar & Grill, and Whistlin’ Donkey Sports Bar and Grill for an evening ride along the High Trestle Trail on July 28 from 4-8pm.
Riding in either direction, riders stopped at each of these participating bars to enjoy live music, European games, Christmas decorations and a costume contest!
Donations to participate in the European games and silent auction, will support DMEHA’s production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018.
Thanks to Gail’s Photography & Designs for the photos!
