Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling Party and Open House
We had a great time at the #CDM2021 Mug Unveiling and Open House on Sunday, August 22 from 2 – 4pm. Attendees shopped a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 vendors The Kringle Man, Three In One Artworks, Schanz Furniture, Fritz Toffee Company and Indianola Glass Creations.
A limited quantity of commemorative Glühwein mugs are ordered each year and with a donation of $25 (or more), you can guarantee your mug to be picked up at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
TeaGschwendner | #CDM2021 Vendor
Tell us about your business
TeaGschwendner is a world leader in high quality loose leaf teas, based on EU standards, and US location owned and operated by local tea sommelier.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021?
We love the Christmas season, and our Christmas collection reflects the family holiday tradition of Christkindlmarkets
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 and why did you choose them?
Of course the Christmas collection along with the most wanted Tea Advent Calendar
Anything else you’d like to share?
Only .002 % of worldwide tea supply is good enough to be included in our collection
CDM At The Beaverdale Farmers Market
Come see us at the Beaverdale Farmers Market August 17 from 4 – 7pm!
48th St & Franklin Ave
The Kringle Man | #CDM2021 Vendor
Tell us about your business:
We have been in business since 2015, but have only started Kringle and Danish baking since 2018. 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 Des Moines. We have attended shows in 6 different states with 2 more new states this year on our schedule. 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.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021?
We were involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines in 2019 and it exceeded our wildest expectations. Des Moines has always been a strong market for us, but this was amazing. The atmosphere and the different European cultures represented allowed for a great time by all participants, vendor’s and attendees. It was as the Dane’s say a Hygge time: (pronounced hoo·guh). Hygge is about preserving happiness everyday. It is about slowing down, being humble, expressing gratitude, feeling safe and connecting with loved ones. Who wouldn’t want to spend a weekend with friends at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 and why did you choose them?
My newest creation is the Danish Pastry made with the puff pastry dough for that light and flaky experience while enjoying a generous serving of fruit sprinkled with baker’s sugar and drizzled with a sweet white and glossy icing.
Hot out of the oven the Danish Letter. A generous serving of Almond Paste wrapped in the puff pastry dough, topped with baker’s sugar and baked to perfection. A perfect companion to a great cup of coffee.
Ready for packaging. The Cream Horn is filled with my own creation of sweetness to drive any connoisseur of the puff pastry covered in baker’s sugar and baked to a golden color crazy.
The Apple Kringle shows all the lite and flaky layers of goodness surrounded by air pockets of joy. The generous serving of Almond Paste blended with the fruit and covered with Almond Slivers and baker’s sugar is a treat anytime of the day.
The Kringle comes in two different sizes: Family size of 5 inches by 15 inches or the couple size of 3 3/4 inches by 10 inches. Don’t be afraid to get the bigger size as all my products freeze amazingly so you can enjoy some now and some later with coffee and family or friends.
We also have a topping of cream cheese icing that is out of this world good.
Host Your Holiday Party in Yuletide Hall at Christkindlmarket Des Moines
‘Tis the season for celebrating! Your reserved table in Yuletide Hall (heated) comes with drink tickets and souvenirs.
Reserve an 8-person table in Yuletide Hall at Christkindlmarket Des Moines on Thursday, December 2 and get into the holiday spirit as you enjoy performances by Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen. 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 food/drink vouchers PER PERSON that can be used for Glühwein (warm mulled wine), Kinderpunsch (warm mulled cider), Iowa craft beers, International beers, and brats
- A 2021 commemorative Glühwein mug OR CDM pint glass PER PERSON
- A 2021 commemorative pin OR ornament PER PERSON
Choose from two seatings on Thursday, December 2, 2021:
5:30pm – 7:30pm
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Early bird pricing per table before October 1, 2021: $225
Pricing per table after October 1, 2021: $250
Your purchase will support Des Moines European Heritage Association, the 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
DamonLayne Woodworking | #CDM2021 Vendor
Tell us about your business:
DamonLayne Woodworking is an Iowa business located in Earlham. For the past 8 years, I have spent my free time working from a renovated Madison County, one-room schoolhouse to create beautifully designed items for your home. My woodworking products include cutting boards, cheese slicers, and amazing cribbage boards.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021?
I am excited to be a part of Christkindlmarket Des Moines because it displays the unique European holiday traditions and one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts. Talented artisans will be displaying their creations while families stroll along, listening to music, sampling the food, and sipping warm mulled wine. This is an amazing holiday event to have in Des Moines.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 and why did you choose them?
My products for this year’s Christkindlmarket Des Moines include charcuterie boards, cribbage boards, cutting boards, and cheese slicers. These handmade items make a wonderful addition to any holiday baskets.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am happy to be a part of this magnificent event for a third year. The little vendor huts, the amazing people, the wonderful smell of food, and the lively polka music are sure to make this event a holiday tradition for every family.
Ruhland’s Strudel Haus | #CDM2021 Vendor
Tell us about your business
Founded in 2002, Ruhland’s Strudel Haus is a maker of fabulous sweet and savory strudel. We are inspired by the belief that food is one of life’s celebrations and is integrated into our relationship with the Earth and one another. Our mission is to provide a unique experience of common union. Our hope is that what we make will gather people around the table to celebrate the love and community found in family and friends. Our goal is to create food that brings joy and delight.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021?
We found out about this event a few years back and thought we would fit well into Christkindlmarket Des Moines as we have participated in a similar event in Excelsior, MN for the past 18 years. We were accepted into CDM in 2018 and 2019 and we were thrilled by the reaction of the public to our product and service. Love this event.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 and why did you choose them?
We will be serving our spinach feta artichoke strudel as well as our reuben strudel for savory offerings. Also, we will be preparing our Rindergulash hoagies. Our sweet strudels will include apple and strawberry rhubarb as they are our most popular strudels.
2021 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Christkind Application
Welcome! We appreciate your interest in applying to be the 2021 Christkind at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) taking place December 2 – 5, 2021 at Principal Park. Please complete the 2021 application PRIOR to your interview. You will receive a confirmation email with additional details upon successful application submission. Learn more about the Christkind and its history.
IMPORTANT DATES:
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2021
• Interviews Held: Week of September 23, 2021
• 2021 Christkind Announcement: October 1, 2021
To Apply
- Register and complete this official online application
- Please email video of applicant reading opening ceremony proclamation to [email protected]
- Please email headshot of applicant to [email protected]
Note: CDM will provide the costume, wig and accessories; Christkind can wear their own shoes.
To be eligible to be the 2021 Christkind, all of the following criteria must be met:
Must be at least 16 years of age by December 31, 2021, and no more than 22 years of age before January 5, 2022
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 2,500 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 2021 Christkind
5:30pm – 7:30pm, December 3, 2021 | Opening Ceremony
2pm – 4pm, December 4, 2021 | CDM appearance
2pm – 4pm, December 5, 2021 | CDM appearance
Please fill out and submit this application; all fields with red asterisks (*) are required.
Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling and Open House
Be one of the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2021 Glühwein mug design at Jasper Winery on Sunday, August 22 from 2 – 4pm. The mug design will be revealed at 3pm, following a special announcement from Des Moines European Heritage Association Board President, Suzanne Hull.
Shop a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 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 2021 mug will receive a goody bag.
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.
Admission is free; donations accepted.
#CDM2021 Vendor Announcement
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 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, clotted cream, shortbread, tea, Swedish lingonberry jam, German mustard and German honey
Price Range: $3 – $38
Pre-Sale: Bottles of Glühwein, 2021 Glühwein commemorative mugs, select food items. URL to our online store will be provided as we get closer to the event.
Glühwein and Kinderpunsch, Des Moines, IA
Support Des Moines European Heritage Association, 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
Price Range: $2 – $6
Pre-Sale: Bottles of Glühwein, 2021 Glühwein commemorative mugs, select food items. URL to our online store will be provided as we get closer to the event.
European Imports and Iowa Craft Beer, Des Moines, IA
Support Des Moines European Heritage Association, 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: $6 – $7
Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt, Des Moines, IA
Support Des Moines European Heritage Association, the non-profit that produces Christkindlmarket Des Moines, with the purchase of a German-style Usinger Brat.
Offering: Usinger brats
Price Range: $5
The Kringle Man, Elk Horn, IA
The Kringle Man creates a light and flaky Danish Kringle using a puff pastry dough that is folded and buttered 81 times to give you a mouth watering experience. We add Almond Paste sweetly prepared and different fruits blended together to create an flavor explosion of sweet and flaky. A must have for coffee or ice cream or anytime.
Offering: Danish Kringle (2 sizes), Danish Letter, Cream Horns, Krispies, Danish Pastry
Price Range: $6 – $15
Sugarplums Cakes and Confections, Altoona, IA
During the holiday season, Sugarplums specializes in made from scratch, traditional, German cookies and baked goods. Try our Lebkuchen, Pfeffernuss, Springerle, Stollen, Spritz, Sentiment Hearts, Sugar Cookies and Cupcakes.
Offering: Gingerbread: Sentiment Hearts, Lebkuchen, Pfeffernuss, Springerle, Stollen, Scotch-a-roo Santa’s, cupcakes, Spritz, decorated sugar cookies, decorated Gingerbread houses, possibly some gingerbread themed Christmas ornaments.
Price Range: $4 – $30
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 White Balsamic we created especially for this event and the Prairie Fire olive oil that earned the 2019 1st Place Scovie Award for a Chile Oil), soaps, salves, salts, and balms that we handcraft ourselves using original recipes and the herbs and other produce we grow in our garden.
Price Range: $3.25 -$25
Pre-Sale: www.picklecreek.com/shop
Danish Windmill, Elk Horn, IA
Step back in time to our little Danish Christmas Market booth that will feature “Keepsakes for a Lifetime”. Experience a piece of Denmark close to home.
Offering: Scandinavia, Nordic and made in Denmark Christmas gift items such as Gnomes, Nisse, Elves, straw Ornaments, Cookware and prepackaged foods and glogg.
Price Range: $1 – $350
Pre-Sale: www.Danishwindmill.com, 712-764-7472, [email protected]
L&L European Delight, Chariton, IA
Ukrainian style food and gifts
Offering: Perogies, Pelmenie, cabbage Rools,Chebureckie, candys, honey, poppyseed/sweet rolls,gift items.
Price Range: $4 – $20
Ruhland’s Strudel Haus, St. Paul, MN
Handmade, sweet and savory strudel
Offering: Sweet Strudel: Apple, Strawberry Rhubarb, Tart Cherry, Raspberry Almond Cream Cheese, Blueberry Lemon. SAVORY STRUDEL: Spinach Feta Artichoke Heart, Reuben, Chicken Pot Pie, Mushroom Medley with Goat Cheese, Italian Stallion.
Price Range: $3 – $9
Pre-Sale: [email protected]
Top of the Hill Nuts, Grinnell, IA
Roasting on sight almonds, cashews, and pecans with cinnamon or maple flavoring.
Offering: Cinnamon roasted nuts
Price Range: Small $5, large $8
Pre-Sale: 641-990-2005, [email protected]
Fritz Toffee Company, Ames, IA
Handcrafted Gourmet Toffee
Offering: Toffee, Toffee Popcorn, Toffee Coated Carmel Apples
Price Range: $4 – $75
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 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, INGE ornaments, beer steins and glassware, Herrnhuter Moravian stars, commemorative Glühwein mugs, Christkindlmarket Des Moines merchandise,
Price Range: $5 – $350
Pre-Sale: Bottles of Glühwein, 2021 Glühwein commemorative mugs, select food items. URL to our online store will be provided as we get closer to the event.
Dakota Tinworks, Estelline, SD
Dakota Tinworks is a family-owned business dedicated to making and selling traditional tinware, ornaments, and other Christmas-themed decorations in tin and copper, hand-made exclusively by tinsmith Karl-Josef Schmidt, using primarily antique, 19th century tinsmith’s tools and techniques.
Offering: Handmade tinware and copperware of various kinds: tin and copper Christmas ornaments, tin and copper tree tinsel, tin tree toppers, tin cookie cutters, tin biscuit cutters, tin candle holders, pierced tin candle covers, tin candle sconces, tin cups, earrings using tinplate and copper, and tin candle lanterns. Also tin photo frames. Selected ornaments made from brushed aluminum (similar to the ones from from tinplate, but in sheet aluminum).
Price Range: $6 – $450
Pre-Sale: [email protected] (Pre-sale customers can contact me about products they wish to buy, I can send them a PayPal invoice to pay online, and then they can pick up their pre-paid order at CDM 2021 in person. Customers who do not pick up their orders at CDM 2021 will be billed for shipping and their order will be sent via USPS once shipping payment has been received).
DamonLayne Woodworking, Earlham, IA
DamonLayne Woodworking provides beautiful, handmade woodworking for your home or kitchen. Each item is eye-catching and will be a unique focal point in your home.
Offering: Woodworking: including cutting boards, Springerle molds, charcuterie boards, cribbage boards, lazy susans
Price Range: $35 – $225
The Permanent Collection Letterpress, Des Moines, IA
Artisan Hand-printed letterpress products made in Des Moines, Iowa.
Offering: Letterpress cards, art prints, cut-out paper prints of holiday trees, holiday cards, holiday paper letterpress coasters, holiday stationery, tote bags with holiday themes
Price Range: $5-50
Pre-Sale: www.thepermanentcollection.net
DSM Foundry, Des Moines, IA
DSM Foundry offers traditional German, art deco, and other styles of holiday decor made with modern technology.
Offering: Ornaments, Schwiboogen, decorative lanterns, wooden maps and Iowa themed small decor
Price Range: $2 – $100
Pre-Sale: https://www.dsmfoundry.com/
Three In One Artworks, Urbandale, IA
Three In One Artworks offers unique handcrafted, ceramic mugs, trays and ornaments featuring Iowa agriculture, Iowa history and Celtic themes, all perfect for gift giving!
Offering: Christmas ornaments, mugs, plates and trays, vases and bowls.
Price Range: $10 – $125
Pre-Sale: www.threeinoneartworks.com. [email protected]. text: 515-979-0238
Nymph In The Woods, Boone, IA
Wearable art to help you show off your style! Handmade from fused glass and wire wrapping, each piece is unique. Perfect as a gift to a loved one or yourself!
Offering: Wearable art made from fused glass and wire wrapping – Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and circlets.
Price Range: $15 – 300+
Pre-Sale: www.nymphglassjewelry.com
Quilted Gardens Nursery, Des Moines, IA
Specializing in fresh made wreaths and greens bundles, seasonal decor, Iowa made leather bells and straps, glass bird and Fair trade gourd ornaments.
Offering: Fresh made wreaths and Bundles of greens, Glass Christmas Ornaments, Iowa-made leather sleigh and Door Bells, Fair trade gourd ornaments and boxes, Straw ornaments, Ice Globe kits, Holiday optic Specs, Table top Christmas trees
Price Range: $2 – 75
Pre-Sale: www.quiltedgardens.com
Danish Windmill, Elk Horn, IA
Step back in time to our little Danish Christmas Market booth that will feature “Keepsakes for a Lifetime”. Experience a piece of Denmark close to home.
Offering: Scandinavia, Nordic and made in Denmark Christmas gift items such as Gnomes, Nisse, Elves, straw Ornaments, Cookware and prepackaged foods and glogg.
Price Range: $1 – $350
Pre-Sale: www.anishwindmill.com, 712-764-7472, [email protected]
Schanz Furniture, South Amana, IA
Schanz Furniture is a family owned business that has been making hand-made furniture and gift items for over 50 years. We are located in South Amana, Iowa.
Offering: Hand-made (Set of 3) Spalted Maple Christmas Trees & our Hand-made Multi-wood Christmas Trees in various sizes.
Price Range: $20 -$150
Pre-Sale: www.schanzfurniture.com 319-622-3529 [email protected]
TeaGschwendner, Chicago, IL
Explore the world of tea with TeaGschwendner. A local retailer locally owned and operated by Tea Sommelier. With over 300 teas to offer you will find your favorite holiday tea. A Christmas tea is a must to try.
Offering: Loose leaf tea and tea ware, German honey
Price Range: $5 – 100
Pre-Sale: www.tgtea.com
Winterborn Alpaca, High River, AB, Canada
Winterborn Alpaca designs winter wear derived from premium alpaca fleece.
Offering: Hand-woven alpaca scarves, socks, mittens, beanies, and alpaca stuffies.
Price Range: $20 – $85
Pre-Sale: www.winterbornalpaca.com
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 White Balsamic we created especially for this event and the Prairie Fire olive oil that earned the 2019 1st Place Scovie Award for a Chile Oil), soaps, salves, salts, and balms that we handcraft ourselves using original recipes and the herbs and other produce we grow in our garden.
Price Range: $3.25 – $25
Pre-Sale: www.picklecreek.com/shop
Pam Hyde Pottery, Des Moines, IA
Handmade pottery for everyday use. Thrown, glazed and fired in my home studio. Mugs, bowls, plates, spoon rests, utensil holders, vases, butter keepers, pour overs, votive candle holders, and, of course, ornaments!
Offering: Mugs, bowls, yarn bowls, butter keepers, spoon rests, utensil holders, garlic grater plates, vases, ornaments, votive candle holders, coffee pour overs.
Price Range: $8 – $80