Children Invited to Participate in Opening Ceremony Procession
Children are an integral component of any Christkindlmarket opening ceremony. Would your child (children) like to follow “Saint Nicholas” through Christkindlmarket Des Moines to participate in the opening ceremony?
Contact Dave Cox at dcox66@gmail.com with questions and interest. We would like at most 25 children to participate.
Children and parents are invited to gather at the Kinderkorner at 5:40pm on Friday, December 4, 2026 (please be on time) to receive a luminary and battery-operated candle. Please return the luminaries to a volunteer at the end of the opening ceremony if your child does not wish to take it home.
Project Iowa – CDM 2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Project Iowa’s tree theme is:
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- Project Iowa is excited to participate in the Christkindlmarket Des Moines Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction because it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate community while introducing more people to our mission. Project Iowa believes everyone deserves the opportunity to find meaningful, stable employment and build a future filled with purpose and possibility. Being part of Christkindlmarket Des Moines allows us to share that message in a festive and welcoming environment while joining other local nonprofits that are making a difference throughout our community.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- Funds raised through the Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction will directly support Project Iowa’s programs and the individuals we serve. Through career development, personalized coaching, professional skills training, and connections to employment opportunities, Project Iowa helps individuals identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and take meaningful steps toward stable employment and economic mobility.
- Support from the auction helps ensure these services remain accessible at no cost to participants, allowing more individuals in our community to gain the confidence, skills, connections, and support they need to build a stronger future for themselves and their families.
Check out Project Iowa’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 3rd – December 6th, 2026!
The School of Metaphysics in Des Moines | #CDM2026 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with The School of Metaphysics in Des Moines as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
The School of Metaphysics in Des Moines and their team of volunteers will be serving Gluhwein, Kinderpunsch, & Hot Cocoa on Saturday, December 5, 2026. In exchange for their participation Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $1000 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
The School of Metaphysics is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to teaching the art and science of the mind. Through classes, workshops, and working with Intuitive Reports, we help students develop concentration, memory, intuition, and dream interpretation skills — practical tools for spiritual growth and self-mastery.
Our Des Moines branch has served the community over 30 years by offering a structured path of inner discovery, combining ancient wisdom with modern application, for people at every stage of their spiritual journey.
See our upcoming classes and events on
Facebook @SOMdesmoines,
Meetup – Des Moines Metaphysics,
or ask to join our email list – desmoines@som.org
First Christian Church | #CDM2026 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with First Christian Church as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
First Christian Church and their team of volunteers will be serving Glühwein on Thursday, December 3 and Saturday, December 12, 2026. 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.
First Christian Church is a bridge to Christ in the heart of Winterset, Iowa. From support for AA to scholarships for students, they join other Disciples Churches as a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.
Bank Iowa | 2026 Vendor & Volunteer Lounge Sponsor
We’re pleased to have Bank Iowa as the Vendor & Volunteer Lounge Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026.
Bank Iowa is proud to be part of Christkindlmarket Des Moines and excited to support the volunteers that do so much to bring this event to our community.
From ag financing to business banking, mortgages, personal banking and everything in between, Bank Iowa is your hometown bank. You’ll find them volunteering at local events, visiting farmers in the field or partnering with their chambers of commerce’s to promote and support local businesses. You can count on Bank Iowa for all your banking needs.
Bank Iowa is guided by a set of shared values. Purpose defines who they are and what drives them to be the best local bankers in Iowa. Together they are the bank of choice for their clients, the career of choice for their team members, a center of influence in the communities and a point of pride for their family owners.
Bank Iowa | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
Threshold Learning Center | #CDM2026 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Threshold Learning Center as a Nonprofit Partner this year.
Threshold Learning Center and their team of volunteers will be serving Gluhwein, Kinderpunsch, and Hot Cocoa on December 3 through December 6, 2026. Look for them in their special location among the vendor huts! In exchange for their participation, Iowa European Cultural Connection, the nonprofit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, will donate up to $3000 of electronic tips received at their point of sale to their organization.
Our mission: To provide a place where students of all ages can experience the natural world around them and understand their connection to and responsibility for this planet.
We offer science, recreation, Iowa history, conservation, and nature programs in an informal setting to central Iowa schools and home school associations. We also offer an after-school program throughout the school year focused on enjoying the great outdoors and community service. During the summer we offer day camps, overnight experiences, and travel the country with youth groups. When TLC is not being used for these programs, we rent the facility to the public for nature get-aways for families and groups.
We are interested in inviting the uninvited to our learning center – those who may not have been offered the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, whether due to monetary, physical, cultural or mental limitations.
Iowa Arts Council | 2026 Yuletide Hall Stage Sponsor
We’re pleased to have The Iowa Arts Council as the Yuletide Hall Stage Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026.
The Iowa Arts Council offers competitive grant funding opportunities to Iowa artists, organizations, schools, and communities to support their creative and cultural development and advance the arts and film and media across Iowa.
The Art Project Grant Program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council (the “IAC”), which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (the “IEDA”). The Program is funded through an appropriation by the Iowa Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (the “NEA”), a federal agency, to support arts programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out the IEDA’s NEA-approved strategic plan.
#CDM2026 Vendors Announced
Check out all of our NEW and RETURNING vendors for #CDM2026! We have 21 new vendors this year and 30 amazing returning vendors. Shopping for Gift & Specialty Item vendors at CDM? Excited about all the Food & Beverage vendors? See the entire list of vendors here.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026 Gift and Specialty Item Vendors
An der Weihnachtsecke, Des Moines, IA
Shop the Christkindlmarket Des Moines store for your favorite European treasures.
Offering: Steinbach nutcrackers, Erzgebirge-Palace smokers, Krebs Glas Lauscha ornaments, beer steins and glassware, Austrian felt hats and pins, Krampus & St. Nick plushies, commemorative Glühwein mugs and steins, and Christkindlmarket Des Moines merchandise
Price Range: $15 – $350
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Beautiful Life Atelier, Atkins, IA
Luxury home & body fragrances, thoughtfully handcrafted. Romantic, high end scents for everyday beauty. Phthalate-free • Cruelty-free. Welcome to your beautiful life.
Offering: Artisan perfumes, candles, wax melts, home cleaning supplies, room + linen sprays.
Price Range: $5 – $60
Years vended: 4
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Big River Alpacas, Fletcher, MO
Wrap Yourself in Alpaca Comfort
Discover a softness you didn’t know you were missing. Our alpaca clothing is crafted from one of the world’s most exceptional natural fibers — warmer than wool, lighter than cashmere, and unbelievably gentle on your skin. Elevate Your Wardrobe. Choose alpaca. Choose comfort. Choose timeless style.
Offering: Coats, blankets, felted soap, alpaca fur animals, gloves, socks hats, sweaters.
Price Range: $2.50 – $325
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: 2nd weekend only
Good Moon Pottery, Windsor Heights, IA
Unique pottery to make your everyday rituals special!
Offering: Pottery and ceramic items: mugs, cups, bowls, Christmas ornaments, wall hangings, soap dishes, platters.
Price Range: $20 – $200
Years vended: 5
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: 2nd weekend only
DamonLayne Woodworking, Earlham, IA
DamonLayne Woodworking creates fun and unique wood carvings, ornaments, game boards, and cutting boards.
Offering: Cutting boards, charcuterie boards, cheese slicers, wooden game boards such as Cribbage, Chess, Aggravation, and Mancala, Wooden and hand-carved Christmas ornaments, hand-carved Santa figures.
Price Range: $5 – $325
Years vended: 9
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Rusty Stars Alpacas, Winterset, IA
Rusty Stars alpaca farm offers a variety of popular alpaca products. Alpaca clothing is known for its softness, warmth and durability as well as a sustainable natural product. If you love visiting the alpacas at our farm you’ll love the selection of socks, hats, gloves, scarves, yarn and alpaca toys we have available at the Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Offering: Stocking hats, headbands, gloves, mittens, socks, scarves, dryer balls, yarn, fur toys, blankets, ornaments, shoe insoles, hand woven mats.
Price Range: $5 – $200
Years vended: 3
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
The Kringle Man, Elk Horn, IA
I am a retired school teacher that was looking to fill some time and it has turned into a full time business with the unique Danish Baking products that I have been marketing. I enjoy the time in the bakery, but really I do this to meet new people and attend shows such as Christkindlemarket. The recipes are a combination of Danish Grandmothers sharing with me and searching old cook books and the internet to create the product that I market.
Offering: Danish Kringle, Danish Letters, Cream Horns, Krispies, Pastries, Eclairs, Stroopwaffle, Cream Cheese Danish, Weinerbrod
Price Range: $4 – $20
Years vended: 8
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Schanz Furniture, South Amana, IA
Schanz Furniture is a family owned business located in South Amana, Iowa. They specialize in authentic handmade wooden products and plan to have an amazing selection of wooden gift items for you to choose from!
Offering: Wooden handmade Christmas trees & ornaments. Children’s Musical Marble games. One-of-a-kind charcuterie boards, cheese slicers & wine bottle caddies. Handmade cutting boards. Wooden spoons, rolling pins & serving utensils.
Price Range: $10 -$300
Years vended: 7
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: Both
Pam Hyde Pottery, Des Moines, IA
Functional, affordable, porcelain-based stoneware pottery for everyday use. Mugs, vases, spoon rests, etc. are created in my home studio near 37th and Ingersoll and stamped made in DSM.
Offering: Mugs, luminary trees, ornaments, magnets, spoon rests, garlic graters, oil dispensers, soap dispensers, vases, bowls, sponge holders, yarn bowls, utensil holders, bacon makers, salt cellars.
Price Range: $12 – $150
Years vended: 6
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, Venmo
Weekends Vending: 1st weekend only
Under The Bark Syrup Co, Lonsdale, MN
We are a maple syrup company that specializes in infused flavors of maple syrup.
Offering: Pure and infused maple syrup
Price Range: $16 – $38
Years vended: 4
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Clay and Oil, Des Moines, IA
Clay and Oil is the name, pottery and oil painting is my game! I have created this art business with a drive to bring the beauty, textures, and colors of the outdoors into our homes through visual and functional art.
Offering: Mugs, Ceramic Travel cups with leather straps, wood/ceramic games, handmade candles in ceramic vessels, ceramic wall art, art prints & paint kits all handmade by myself.
Price Range: $5 – $150
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: 2nd weekend only
Nymph In The Woods, Boone, IA
Wearable art made from fused glass and wire wrapping – necklaces, earrings, rings. bracelets and headpieces.
Offering: Jewelry made from fused glass and wire wrapping – primarily necklaces, earrings, and rings.
Price Range: $15 – $500+
Years vended: 8
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: Both
Indianola Glass Creations, Indianola, IA
Bring color and charm to your world with handmade artwork crafted from glass and clay. Celebrate the seasons with vibrant Christmas ornaments and hand-painted cards paired with glass keychains—perfect for gifting or keeping. Our whimsical clay gnomes are sculpted, painted, or glazed by hand, adding a cheerful touch to gardens and homes alike. Every item is one-of-a-kind, made with heart, glazed with imagination, and designed to make every day spaces shine.
Offering: Stained and Fused Glass jewelry, panels, suncatchers, home decor, yard decor and Christmas ornaments. Hand painted cards with glass key chains. Handmade and painted or glazed Clay Gnomes.
Price Range: $10 – $200
Years vended: 10
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: 1st weekend only
Carpe Macarons, Newton, IA
Handmade, small batch French macarons, macaroons, and macaron truffles made with the freshest ingredients. Beautiful and delicious, macarons make a luxurious gift or the perfect treat for yourself. Both gluten and soy free.
Offering: French macarons, macaroons, and macaron truffles
Price Range: $10 – $25
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Yellow Canary Studio, Ackworth, IA
Unique wheel thrown ceramic gifts for unique people.
Offering: Ceramic stoneware wheel thrown, hand carved -mugs, ornaments, Christmas trees, noodle bowls, soup bowls, trinket dishes.
Price Range: $15 – $250
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: 1st weekend only
Rosemaled Creations by Maren, Gretna, IA
Handmade ceramics featuring handpainting and handcarving in the folkart style of Norwegian rosemaling. All pieces use food safe glazes so they are functional art!
Offering: Handmade mugs, cups, plates, trays, platters, bowls of all sizes, colanders, spoon rests, utensil holders, vases, lidded jars, canisters, figurines, luminaries, garlic holders, oil decanters, butter keepers, magnets and ornaments.
Price Range: $15 – $400
Years vended: 3
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal
Weekends Vending: Second weekend only
Danish Windmill, Elk Horn, IA
A nonprofit museum and Scandinavian store built around a historic windmill relocated from Denmark to Elk Horn, Iowa in 1976. We specialize in Danish imports, Scandinavian crafts, and European cultural traditions. Our selection ranges from advent and Christmas to specialty foods and candies to unique collectibles and decorations that embody Danish hygge.
Offering: Aebleskiver pans and baking accessories, books, hygge-themed card games and puzzles, candles, ceramic houses, holiday decorations, garlands, and ornaments, tea light and candle mobiles, wool slippers, socks, and sweaters, gnomes, Danish licorice and candies, winter hats, scarves, and gloves, bottled glogg concentrate.
Price Range: $0.50 – $300
Years vended: 8
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, Venmo
Weekends Vending: 1st weekend only
Lost Planet Forge, Des Moines, IA
Lost Planet Forge makes beautiful hand forged knives with a hammer and anvil, natural materials and passionate artistry.
Offering: Hand forged knives and tools as well as sheaths.
Price Range: $100 – $900
Years vended: 5
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
DSM Foundry, Des Moines, IA
DSM Foundry uses laser cutters to build classic German Schwibbogen and Pyramids, Scandinavian star lanterns (julstjärna), as well as ornaments and lanterns of our own design.
Offering: German Schwibbogen and Pyramids, Scandinavian Wooden Stars, Advent Calendars, Ornaments, Holiday Earrings, 3D Printed Toys, wooden city maps, Wood national/state park maps, wood sports stadium maps.
Price Range: $5 – $165
Years vended: 10
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Wild Cherry Spoon Co., Rock Island, IL
Wild Cherry Spoon Co creates artisanal handcarved wooden utensils, cutting & charcuterie boards, barware, and home goods from sustainably sourced Iowan hardwoods.
Offering: Wooden utensils (spoons, spatulas, scrapers, spreaders, forks, coffee stir sticks, spurtles, aebelskiver sticks), Wooden cutting & charcuterie boards, Wooden barware (wine stoppers, bottle openers, shot cups, flight boards, kuksas), Wooden Table Runners, Wooden Table tops.
Price Range: $3 – $300
Years vended: 8
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Quilted Gardens Nursery, Indianola, IA
Local Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm specializing in unique ornaments and decor, fresh greens, fresh-made wreaths, Christmas trees and items for the Holiday Season.
Offering: Fresh made Wreaths and Greens Bundles, Christmas Trees, Fair Trade Peruvian Gourd Ornaments, Glass European style Bird and additional ornaments, Iowa made Leather Door Bells and Straps, Scandinavian Wheat ornaments, Ice Globe making kits (from Minneapolis Ice Sculpture Artist), Quilted Christmas Stockings and Napkins (Created by quilter Larry Skellenger), Seasonal Holiday Specs (these are glasses that make lights look like a unique Holiday image and have been popular since the first Christkindlmarket with families, kids and those enjoying Yuletide Hall), Seasonal bulbs and plants (weather permitting).
Price Range: $10 – $75
Years vended: 10
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: Both
Pickle Creek Herbs, Fairfield, IA
At Pickle Creek, we use the herbs we grow on our sustainable Iowa farm to handcraft artisanal olive oils and vinegars, soaps, salves, and balms using our own original recipes.
Offering: Herb-infused olive oils and vinegars (including the Apple Strudel Balsamic we created especially for this event), soaps, salves, and balms that we handcraft ourselves using original recipes and the herbs and other produce we grow in our garden. We have festive gift packaging for all of our items as well.
Price Range: $3.75 – $35
Years vended: 11
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Sugarplums Cakes and Confections, Altoona, IA
Sugarplums specializes in made from scratch traditional German gingerbreads, cookies and stollen. We also import traditional German Christmas ornaments.
Offering: Lebkuchen, pfeffernusse, spritz, Springerle, anise candy, stollen, sentimental heart and frosted heart cookies, sugar cookies, scotcharoos, cupcakes and ornaments imported from Germany.
Price Range: $5 – $75
Years vended: 10
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: Both
Fritz Toffee Company, Ames, IA
Handmade in small batches, this toffee cannot be ignored. Smooth & Buttery, crisp & crunchy, melt in your mouth toffee. One bite and we know you will be wanting more!
Offering: Toffee
Gluten Free (Preference)
Price Range: $7 – $65
Years vended: 7
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: 2nd weekend only
More Polish Pottery, LLC, Big Rock, IL
More Polish Pottery is celebrating 15 years in business and located in Illinois as a Midwest importer and retailer who works directly with the artists and factories in Boleslawiec Poland to provide a wide selection of products available at the market. Polish stoneware is made for everyday use for baking, serving and entertaining. Bring Joy to your everyday meals with a high quality world class handmade product. When you buy directly with More Polish Pottery, you may also learn how to use the products in multiple ways! Check out our hug in a mug, and our best bakeware pieces. Our products make great gifts too for those that want to share their Polish pride.
Offering: Polish Pottery, Polish Hats
Price Range: $10 – $150
Years vended: 2
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: First weekend only
Pinicon Farm Crafts, Pleasantville, IA
We sell handmade Nantucket baskets, Shaker boxes, and other wooden crafts.
Offering: Nantucket baskets, reed baskets, shaker boxes, wooden carriers, other wooden boxes, small end tables, jewelry boxes, wooden earrings, and other wooden signs.
Price Range: $5 – $400
Years vended: 4
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Venmo
Weekends Vending: First weekend only
Xperience Candle Bar, Prairie City, IA
Xperience Candle Bar is a creative, community-focused candle and home-fragrance business dedicated to turning everyday moments into memorable experiences. We specialize in hand-poured soy candles, wax melts, and thoughtfully crafted home and body fragrance products, and car fresheners all made with high-quality ingredients and carefully curated scents.
Offering: Candles, Wax Melts, Squeeze Wax, Candle Lamps and Wax warmers. Room and Body Spray. Lotions and Soap. We have a trailer and could also offer guests to make their own candle.
Price Range: $6 – $50
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both weekends
The Holton Homestead, Elkhart, IA
All Things Honey.
Offering: Honey, shrubs, tonic, beeswax products.
Price Range: $6 – $40
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: 2nd weekend only
Breann’s Bread Box, Ackworth, IA
A locally owned microbakery in Indianola, IA specializing in organic sourdough bread and wholesome goodies.
Offering: Classic, Organic Sourdough Bread, Organic, Spelt Sourdough Bread, Sourdough Focaccia, Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia (a sweet focaccia inspired by cinnamon roll flavors), Sourdough Baguettes, Sourdough Pancake Mix, Organic Sourdough Starters.
Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Vegan
Price Range: $5 – $30
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, Venmo
Weekends Vending: 2nd weekend only
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2026 Food & Beverage Vendors
An der Weihnachtsecke, Des Moines, IA
Shop the Christkindlmarket Des Moines store for your favorite European treats.
Offering: Advent calendars, truffles, Irish whisky fudge, Mozart kugeln, marzipan, liquor-filled chocolate, assorted holiday cookies, limited-edition Toblerone, Lebkuchen, stollen, stroopwafeln, English shortbread, English tea, specialty jam, German mustard and German honey
Price Range: $5 – $25
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Glühwein and Kinderpunsch, Des Moines, IA
Support Iowa European Cultural Connection, the non-profit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, with the purchase of warm traditional Christkindlmarket beverages:
Glühwein (“glow-wine”, from the hot irons once used for mulling) is prepared from red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star aniseed, citrus, sugar and at times vanilla pods.
Kinderpunsch is a warm beverage made from cranberry juice, apple cider, brown sugar and mulling spices.
Offering: Glühwein, Kinderpunsch, various liquor add-ins, hot cocoa
Price Range: $4 – $8
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
European Imports and Iowa Craft Beer, Des Moines, IA
Support Iowa European Cultural Connection, the non-profit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, with the purchase of various European Imports and Iowa Craft Beers. MENU CHANGES DAILY!
Offering: European imports and Iowa Craft Beers
Price Range: $8 – $9
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Iowa European Cultural Connection, Des Moines, IA
Support Iowa European Cultural Connection, the non-profit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, with the purchase of a German-style Brat
Offering: German-Style Grilled Bratwurst. This is a large, traditionally spiced bratwurst, produced by Edgewood Locker in Edgewood, Iowa. Served in a toasted bun.
Price Range: $8
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: 1st weekend only
Sauerkraut and Craft Beer Mustard provided by Sauer Frau
Sweet Treats, Jewell, IA
Sweet Treats produces Cinnamon or Maple glazed Pecans, Almonds, or Cashews using a German Bavarian recipe obtained and tested over twenty five years.
Offering: German Roasted Pecans, Almonds, or Cashews glazed in either Cinnamon or Maple flavor
Price Range: $7
Years Vended: 5
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
iPierogi, Woodbury, MN
Delicious side of Polish Tradition.
Offering: Pierogi with Potato & Cheese (topped with caramelized onion, bacon, and sour cream on side), Pierogi with Meat (topped with caramelized onion, bacon, and sour cream on side), Pierogi with Potato and Cheese, Stuffed Cabbage topped with tomato sauce, Kiełbasa and sauerkraut, Blintzes with sweet cream cheese, Potato Pancakes
Gluten Free (Preference), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Vegetarian
Price Range: $12 – $14
Years vended: 4
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: Both
German Taste, Dallas Center, IA
We serve the most famous iconic street food of Germany “Currywurst”, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut.
Offering: Currywurst, Bratwurst, Bratburger, Potato salad, Pkg of Brats with Currysauce, Currysauce.
Gluten Free (Preference), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Tree nut Free, Peanut Free
Price Range: $6 – $16
Years vended: 5
Weekends Vending: Both
L&L European Delight, Chariton, IA
Ukrainian/ European style food and gift items.
Offering: Ukrainian style pierogies, Cheburekie, cabbage rolls, pelmenie, poppyseed rolls, Kabasa, gift items/souvenirs.
Gluten Free (Preference), Dairy Free, Vegetarian
Price Range: $1 – $100
Years vended: 10
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Beverly Ann’s of Saylorville, Webster City, IA
Beverly Ann’s Cookie Truck is a vintage 1950s-style mobile dessert vendor specializing in warm, freshly baked, gooey cookies and premium hand-dipped ice cream. Known for bringing a nostalgic “good ol’ days” atmosphere to events.
Offering: Holiday Bliss (Vegan Chocolate Chip), Holiday Reserve (Double Chocolate Chunk), Happy New Year! (Carnival), Candy Blizzard (M&M), Reindeer Snack Bites (Peanut Butter), Grandma’s Holiday Spice (Oatmeal Raisin), Winter Wonderland Sugar (Old Fashioned Sugar), Gluten Free Snickerdoodle, North Pole Nutty Snow Bites (White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, St. Nick (Red Velvet), Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookie; ice cream.
Vegetarian, Vegan
Price Range: $8 – $12
Years Vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Berry Nice Sweet Treat, Goldfield, IA
Berry Nice Sweet Treats offer some delicious mini pancakes, known as poffertjes. We’ve been in business for the last 3 years. Serving a happy belly one bite at a time!
Offering: Mini Pancakes (poffertjes) with a lot of toppings to choose from, Hot Chocolate.
Price Range: $4 – $10
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Enchanted Kettle, Des Moines, IA
Enchanted Kettle is a German woman-owned-and-operated artisanal food company based in downtown Des Moines. We offer small batch hand-roasted cinnamon sugar pecans, cashews, and almonds. Our candied nuts are available in multiple sizes; warm to snack on, larger to gift, or in a beautiful vintage-style Christmas tin for you and your loved ones.
Offering: Cinnamon roasted almonds, cashews, pecans in two sizes and assorted in Christmas tins, gourmet hot chocolate and coffee.
Gluten Free (Preference), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Vegetarian
Price Range: $5 – $35
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Comfort Food, Huxley, IA
Comfort Food is offering brat nachos, pretzels with beer cheese, kaese spaetzle and other favorite eastern European treats.
Offering: Brat nachos, brat pizza, belegtes brot, kaese spaetzle, soft pretzels, Champigons.
Gluten Free (Preference), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Tree nut Free, Peanut Free
Price Range: $6 – $14
Years vended: 6
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Unbakeable, New Market, MN
Unbakeable is a food truck-based company that specializes in safe to eat gourmet cookie dough served by the scoop. We also have gluten free and vegan options! Keep your eyes out for our vibrant trucks on the road all year long spreading delicious spoonful’s full of love and gourmet cookie dough!
Offering: Edible Cookie Dough by the scoop: lemon ricotta, tiramisu, cannoli, triple berry strudel, Holiday Bliss (Chocolate Chip), Happy New Year! (Confetti Cake), Candy Blizzard (Monster Cookie), Holiday Cocoa Cloud (Brownie Batter), Santa’s Campfire Crunch (S’mores) and Snowy Vanilla Chunk – GF and Vegan (Cookies and Cream, GF and Vegan); ice cream
Price Range: $6 – $22
Gluten Free (Preference), Gluten Free (Celiac), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Tree nut Free, Peanut Free
Years vended: 2
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Deardorff Highland Cattle, Yale, IA
Grass fed and finished Scottish highland beef. The healthiest most nutrient dense beef in the planet. Also featuring Berkshire pork products from Berkwood farms. Naturally raised, confinement free.
Offering: Scottish Highland Philly Cheesesteak, Scottish Highland burger, Berkshire pulled pork, Berkshire grilled loin. Homemade potato salad, Cole slaw, mac and cheese. Pop and water.
Price Range: $7 – $12
Gluten Free (Preference), Gluten Free (Celiac), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Paleo, Keto.
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Venmo
Weekends Vending: 2nd weekend only
Chocolaterie Stam, Des Moines, IA
At Chocolaterie Stam, every product reflects more than a century of European chocolate-making tradition. Founded in the Netherlands in 1913, the Stam family continues to craft premium confections using time-honored recipes and the finest chocolate. Come experience the Netherlands and our history of fine chocolate confections.
Offering: Haute Chocolate, Cafe Mocha, Spiced Apple Cider, Fresh-Made Stroopwafels, Assorted Collection of Holiday Chocolate Confections , Peppermint Shivers, Pre-packaged Stroopwafels, Cinnamon Creme Brulee Croissant, and Assorted Artisan Fudge
Price Range: $4 – $50
Gluten Free (Preference), Gluten Free (Celiac), Dairy Free, Vegetarian
Years vended: 10
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: Both
Hotsy Totsy, Urbandale, IA
Hotsy Totsy, the Fastest, Freshest & Funnest food truck in the Des Moines metro, is thrilled to revamp their exquisite topped tater tot menu with an authentic combination of German flavors with American tater tots just for Christkindlmarket!
Offering: Doner Kebab, Currywurst Tots, Brats ‘n’ Tots, Emmenthal Cheese & Bacon Tots, Kassler Tots, Bavarian Goulash Tots, Ebelskivers
Gluten Free (Celiac), Dairy Free, Vegetarian
Price Range: $9-$15
Years vended: 5
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: Both
Epic Concessions, Fairfield, IA
“Nuts For the Holidays” brings the irresistible aroma and old-world charm of freshly roasted chestnuts to the holiday market. Stop by for hot, hand-roasted chestnuts served warm in a cone or take home a gift bag to share. Cozy, nostalgic, and unlike anything else at the market—it’s a holiday treat you won’t want to miss.
Offering: Classic Roasted Chestnut Cone, Holiday Chestnut Gift Bag
Gluten Free (Preference), Gluten Free (Celiac), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo, Keto
Price Range: $6-$16
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
The Toasted Cone, West Des Moines, IA
The Toasted Cone is a locally owned Ice cream and dessert concept based in the West Des Moines area, offering handcrafted pastries and specialty desserts inspired by both European pastry traditions and Indian fusion flavors. We bring together comforting pastries and globally inspired desserts to create a memorable treat for festival visitors looking to enjoy something special during the holiday market.
Offering: Cloud cake slices (fresh cream cake), Chocolate truffle cake slices, Apricot pudding dessert cups, Chocolate mousse dessert cups, Danish-style pastries, French-style pastries.
Gluten Free (Preference), Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Tree nut Free, Peanut Free
Price Range: $7-$15
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: 1st weekend only
Yanni’s Grill, Des Moines, IA
Yanni’s Grill : Serving Greek and Italian Cuisine
Offering: Greek Gyros: Lamb, Chicken, Steak and Veggie
Italian Desserts: Lemon Cake, Cannoli, Tiramisu and Baklava
Homemade Coffee.
Gluten Free (Preference), Vegetarian
Price Range: $6-$13
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay
Weekends Vending: 1st weekend only
Elftastic Mini Donuts, Des Moines, IA
We embrace the joy and warmth of the Christmas season here at Elftastic Mini Donuts, pouring our hearts into every detail of our festive display. Our vibrant food trailer stands ready to delight you, surrounded by an abundance of delectable mini donuts that capture the essence of holiday cheer. The enchanting holiday lighting and delightful decor create a magical atmosphere, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the true spirit of Christmas as they indulge in our treats.
Offering: Mini Donuts: cinnamon sugar, powder sugar, salted Carmel, cookies n crème, pumpkin spice, apple cider. Donut Sundaes: Strawberry shortcake, Lemon glaze, Strawberry Hazelnut, Almost Heaven, Santa’s Delight, Apfel Strudel.
Price Range: $5-$9
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Weekends Vending: 2nd weekend only
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of West Des Moines, Marion, IA
Offering: Hot and cold beverages (hot chocolate, lattes, cappuccinos, spiced chai, dirty chai, flat white, mocha, white chocolate mocha, cider, matcha, etc)
Price Range: $5 – $8
Gluten Free (Preference), Gluten Free (Celiac), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Vegan, Tree nut Free, Peanut Free
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
C’est la Crêpe Food Trailer, Treynor, IA
At C’est La Crêpe, we serve a seasonally rotating menu of classic favorites and fun new crêpes. Our savory crêpes feature traditional buckwheat shells for an authentic French touch, made with locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainability.
Offering: French sweet and savory crêpes.
Gluten Free (Preference), Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Vegetarian, Vegan
Price Range: $8 – $12
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo
Weekends Vending: Both
Shoreline Drips Coffee Co, Polk City, IA
We are a small family owned coffee trailer out of Polk City, IA offering espresso drinks.
Offering: Espresso drinks, flavored lemonade, water, lotus drinks, cold brew.
Price Range: $3 – $8
Years vended: 1
Payment Methods Accepted: Apple Pay, Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Venmo
Weekends Vending: 1st weekend only
Raise the Bar Initiative | #CDM2026 Nonprofit Partner
Christkindlmarket Des Moines is pleased to partner with Raise the Bar Initiative as a Nonprofit Partner
this year.
Raise the Bar Initiative and their team of volunteers will be serving Gluhwein, Kinderpunsch, & Hot Cocoa
on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, 2026. 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.
At Raise the Bar Initiative, our mission is to help every woman discover her strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through inclusive programming that ranges from youth outreach to nonprofit partnerships to engaging the everyday
woman, we create spaces rooted in belonging, education, empowerment, and service. We believe that strength training offers more than just physical benefits—it builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of self. Whether it’s a teenage girl learning to lift for the first time or a woman reclaiming her confidence, we meet individuals where they are and support them in finding strength in a way that feels right for them. We firmly believe that strong women build strong communities.
#CDM2026 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participants Announced
We are thrilled to be gearing up for Christkindlmarket 2026. This year’s market sees the return of patron favorites and new vendors to enchant and excite! The CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction is following suit! We have five returning nonprofits and two new organizations waiting to showcase amazing trees for our patrons to bid on, take home, and enjoy for the remainder of the holiday season.
The Nonprofit tree silent auction will begin the first day of the market, Thursday, December 3rd at 5pm and conclude Sunday, December 6th at 5pm. Winning bidders will be notified via our text-to-bid platform and all trees will be wrapped and ready for pick up between 5:30pm and 7:30 pm Sunday evening.
List of Participants:
• Daughter of Norway-Eva Nansen Lodge (10th year)
• Project Iowa (1st year)
• New Hope United Methodist Church (2nd year)
• Self-Help International (4th year)
• Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15 (7th year)
• Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge (9th year)
• Center for Creative Justice (1st year)