Duke Rentals | 2025 Platinum Sponsor
We’re pleased to have Duke Rentals as a member of our team as a Platinum Sponsor.
Headquartered in Southwest Iowa, Duke Rentals is locally owned and operated, supplying the Midwest with an extensive fleet of over 11,000 machines. Since modest beginnings in 2000, we’ve continually strived to offer the best equipment, at the lowest cost, with the best customer service. Exceeding customer expectations is our goal by constantly improving quality and communications.
We provide industry-leading customer satisfaction through rentals and sales of scissor lifts, boom lifts, telehandlers, industrial forklifts, light and general dirt equipment, and more. By offering a wide range of equipment through 19 convenient locations, we’re able to provide our services to customers in multiple industries, including construction, industrial, and entertainment to name a few. Whether you’re a contractor, a homeowner, or anything in between, we’ve got the equipment you need to get the job done quickly and safely.
Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampi) at #CDM2025
Krampi handlers and those participating in costume are asked to reserve a free ticket.
Help us celebrate Krampusnacht (Krampus Night, traditionally observed on December 5) the following evening with a Krampus parade at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
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 join the procession led by led by Saint Nicholas and your handlers, as you portray traditional (and family-friendly) Krampi.
Where the parade takes you after Christkindlmarket Des Moines is up to you and your handlers. But do let the merriment continue!
Who is Krampus?
• Hear the proper pronunciation: Krampus is pronounced “krohm-poo-s” as in “con & puss,” NOT “kram-puh-s” as in “campus.
• Video: Top 5 Krampus Facts and Origin
• Video: Krampus parade in Hollabrunn, Austria
• Video: Who Is Krampus? | National Geographic
Don’t have a Krampus costume? Here are a few resources:
• https://www.etsy.com/market/krampus_costume
• http://krampuslosangeles.com/austrian-suits-masks-for-sale/
• Amazon: http://ow.ly/G15B50u3HDn
Siegwerk USA | 2025 Weihnachtswald Sponsor
We’re pleased to announce Siegwerk USA as the Weihnachtswald Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025.
Siegwerk was founded in Siegburg, Germany in 1830 as a retailer of manufactured goods. The company capitalized on its expertise in printing obtained from the “Kattunfabrik”, a fabric print shop, and progressed to become one of the top international manufacturers of printing inks and coatings. Globally, Siegwerk employs over 5,000 people in 30 countries.
Siegwerk plays an important role in packaging, as we use color to bring products to life for our customers. Every day people come across Siegwerk inks no matter where they are, including walking down the grocery aisle where there are many offerings of examples including confectionery packaging, beverage bottles or food pouches.
Des Moines is the home of Siegwerk’s U.S. headquarters and is proud to sponsor this event, as having strong roots from Germany, and currently celebrating 200 years in business. We love seeing the European culture come to life in our city.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines Expands to Two Weekends
The European cultural experience the community has come to know and love is expanding to two weekends for twice the fun
DES MOINES, March 31, 2025 – The dates for Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) 2025 have been announced by the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) for Dec 4 – 7 and Dec 11 – 14, 2025 at Principal Park. With the community’s support, CDM has grown to become the second largest Christkindlmarket in the U.S. based on average daily attendance. Due to its continued success, CDM2025 will expand to include the first two weekends of December with more amazing activities, vendors and performers.
“We’re thrilled to announce the impact of the momentum we’ve been building over the past nine years we’ve been producing the Festival”, Suzanne Hull the Director of Christkindlmarket Des Moines explains. “2025 will be our 10th Festival and we couldn’t think of a better way to thank our community for their support than by listening to their wishes and expanding the Festival’s duration. Special thanks to the CDM leadership team, sponsors, donors, nonprofit partners, vendors and volunteers for helping us get to where we are today. You truly make the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of the holiday season come to life for the masses!”
Visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines to enjoy the holiday season as you participate in a 750-year-old tradition. Shop regional vendors selling old-world, hand-crafted products from wooden vendor stalls; enjoy lively performances of polka music, traditional dance and choirs in Yuletide Hall; participate in children’s activities; sip Glühwein (warm, mulled wine) and savor European beer.
The festival is open to the public free of charge:
| Thu, Dec 4, 5pm – 9pm Fri, Dec 5: 11am – 9pm Sat, Dec 6: 11am – 9pm Sun, Dec 7: 11am – 5pm | Thu, Dec 11, 5pm – 9pm Fri, Dec 12: 11am – 9pm Sat, Dec 13: 11am – 9pm Sun, Dec 14: 11am – 5pm |
IECC is always looking for enthusiastic nonprofits, volunteers, sponsors and vendors to be involved and help CDM fully encompass the European holiday spirit. Visit our website https://christkindlmarketdsm.com for more information on our nonprofit partnership program, volunteering, vendor applications and sponsor opportunities. All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2025 Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP)
Are you looking for a fundraiser for your nonprofit? Join the Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP) at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Anyone handling alcohol will need to complete online I-PACT (Iowa – Program for Alcohol Compliance) Training. https://abd.iowa.gov/education/i-pact
Please direct questions and interest in our NPP program to Suzanne Hull, christkindlmarketdsm@gmail.com or 515-250-6366
APPLICATION PROCESS. Nonprofits interested in participating in this year’s Festival must submit this online NPP Program Application along with required application materials within the following timeline:
- March 1, 2025: IECC will publish the CDM NPP Program Application on the CDM website.
- DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JUNE 30!!!!!: Deadline for Nonprofits to submit this NPP Program Application including Certificate of Insurance OR Waiver of Liability and Logo.
- May 15, 2025: IECC notifies Nonprofits on status of NPP Program Application (i.e., accepted, wait listed, or denied) and sends Nonprofits who have been accepted to participate in the Festival the CDM NPP Program Agreement (“NPP Program Agreement”).
- June15, 2025: Deadline for Nonprofits accepted to participate in CDM to sign and return the NPP Program Agreement. After this date, IECC may terminate the NPP Program Agreement for Nonprofits who fail to sign the NPP Program Agreement or provide the required information.
Nonprofit Partners will be provided with:
- A hyperlinked website listing as a NPP partner with the dates, times and location of your volunteering
- Social media promotion of our partnership
- Individual blog post announcing/publicizing our partnership
Testimonial
I look forward to Des Moines Children’s Museum participating in Christkindlmarket every year because it is so much fun and a great activity to bring our board closer. Working with another nonprofit and talking to others partnering has been enjoyable even as we stomp our feet staying warm.
| Pre- and Post-Festival NPP Opportunities | NPP Point of Sale Opportunities |
| Operations Set up (Mon, Dec 1; Tue, Dec 2; Wed, Dec 3) Hut Set up (Sat, Nov 29; Sun, Nov 30; Mon, Dec 1) Hut Tear down (Mon, Dec 15) | Bratwurst Imbiß am Markt (Wooden hut/tent) (Thu, Dec 4; Fri, Dec 5; Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7) An der Weihnachtsecke (CDM Store, heated tent) (Thu, Dec 4; Fri, Dec 5; Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7, Thu, Dec 11; Fri, Dec 12; Sat, Dec 13; Sun, Dec 14) Glühwein (unheated tent) (Thu, Dec 4; Fri, Dec 5; Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7, Thu, Dec 11; Fri, Dec 12; Sat, Dec 13; Sun, Dec 14) Glühwein Yuletide Hall (heated tent) (Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7, Sat, Dec 13; Sun, Dec 14) Beer/Glühwein in Biergarten (heated tent) (Sat, Dec 6; Sun, Dec 7, Sat, Dec 13; Sun, Dec 14) |
| Times 8am – 5pm, with 1-hr lunch break | Times Thu: 4:30pm – 9:30pm, Fri: 10:30am – 9:30pm, Sat: 10:30am – 9:30pm, Sun: 10:30am – 5:30pm |
| NPP ONSITE RESPONSIBILITIES Operations Set up emptying storage pods, installing garland, lights and wreaths, installing heaters, installing signage, setting up tables & chairs, setting out garbage cans and setting up hand-washing stations. ***Lifting and ladder work involved*** Hut Set up and Hut Tear down setting up and tearing down prefabricated wooden vendor huts using power tools and heavy equipment. ***Heavy lifting and ladder work involved*** | NPP ONSITE RESPONSIBILITIES Bratwurst Imbiß am Markt grilling brats; food preparation/packaging; general clean-up of space, unboxing product, preparing product to be sold; selling product; removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas, cash management and the taking of electronic payment via POS (provided); manage condiment station. An der Weihnachtsecke (CDM Store, heated tent) selling pre-packaged imported food, nutcrackers, smokers, glassware, ornaments and merchandise; general clean-up of space, unboxing product, removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas, taking electronic payment via POS (provided). Glühwein (unheated tent) AND Glühwein Yuletide Hall (heated tent) selling Glühwein, Kinderpunsch, Hot Cocoa and Eggnog 1. Sell product. 2. General clean-up of space, unboxing product, preparing product to be sold. 3. Removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas. 4. Cash management and the taking of electronic payments via POS system (provided). 5. At busy times, NPP may be asked to operate 2 POS Beer/Glühwein in Biergarten (heated tent) selling Beer, Glühwein, Kinderpunsch, Hot Cocoa and Eggnog 1. Sell product. 2. General clean-up of space, unboxing product, preparing product to be sold. 3. Removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas. 4. Cash management and the taking of electronic payments via POS system (provided). |
| NPP PRE-FESTIVAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Create all volunteer schedules and shifts including at least fifteen (15) minutes before the shift begins. 2. Shifts can be as long or as short as you like. For Huts: Workflow onsite will be more productive with a 4-hr morning shift and a 4-hr afternoon shift. 3. Fully staff selected hours with 4 individuals. 4. Provide main contact and all shift leader cell numbers to CDM Leadership. | NPP PRE-FESTIVAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Create all volunteer schedules and shifts including at least fifteen (15) minutes before the shift begins. 2. Shifts can be as long or as short as you like. 3. Fully staff selected hours with 4 individuals. Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt requires 5 individuals. 4. Provide main contact and all shift leader cell numbers to CDM Leadership. |
| CDM MANAGEMENT WILL 1. Provide in-person guidance to NPP volunteers on tasks to complete 2. Provide all tools and equipment to complete the tasks | CDM MANAGEMENT WILL 1. Set up tables and Point of Sale. 2. Be available to troubleshoot issues with Point of Sale. 3. Manage stock levels. 4. Organize product for the next day. 5. Manage cash, remove excess cash and provide change. |
| DONATION TO NONPROFIT $500/8hr day | DONATION TO NONPROFIT Nonprofits can choose from the following partnership levels and receive the associated donation from IECC: 1 – Th/Fr, Th/Sa, Fr/Su OR Sa/Su Combination | All electronic tips from your POS: $500 min/$1500 max 2 – Th/Fr, Th/Sa, Fr/Su OR Sa/Su Combinations | All electronic tips from your POS: $1000 min/$3000 max 3 – Th/Fr, Th/Sa, Fr/Su OR Sa/Su Combinations | All electronic tips from your POS: $1500 min/$4500 max 4 – Th/Fr, Th/Sa, Fr/Su OR Sa/Su Combinations | All electronic tips from your POS: $2000 min/$6000 max While volunteering, the nonprofit may place their tip jar for cash donations next to the CDM tip jar. 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 to the nonprofit. Talking about your nonprofit is acceptable; the solicitation of tips is not. |
2025 NPP: Vendor Hut Set Up
| Saturday, November 29th, 2025 | ||
 Vision Leads |  New Hope United Methodist Church | |
| Saturday, November 29th, 2025 | ||
Vision Leads | ||
| Monday, December 1st, 2025 | ||
Vision Leads | ||
2025 NPP: Operations Set Up
| Monday, December 1st, 2025 | Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 | |
Vision Leads | Vision Leads | |
| Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 | ||
Vision Leads | ||
2025 NPP: An der Weihnachtsecke
(At the Christmas Corner, CDM Store)
| Thursday, December 4th and Friday, December 5th, 2025 | Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 2025 |
Vision Leads | Vision Leads |
| Thursday, December 11th and Friday, December 12th, 2025 | Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, 2025 |
Vision Leads | Vision Leads |
2025 NPP: Brat Hut
| Thursday, December 4th and Friday, December 5th, 2025 | Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 2025 |
New Hope United Methodist Church | Vision Leads |
2025 NPP: Glühwein in Yuletide Hall
| Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 2025 | ||||
Vision Leads |  Ankeny Choral Music Parent Organization |  Des Moines Children’s Museum | ||
| Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, 2025 | ||||
Vision Leads | ||||
2025 NPP: Biergarten
| Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 2025 | ||
 Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 |  Raise the Bar Initiative | |
| Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, 2025 | ||
Vision Leads |  Threshold Learning Center | |
2025 NPP: Glühwein & Kinderpunsch Tent
| Thursday, December 4th and Friday, December 5th, 2025 | Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 2025 |
 Prevent Child Abuse Iowa | Threshold Learning Center |
 Soroptimist International of Des Moines, Iowa |
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa – CDM 2024 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa joins CDM Silent Auction
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa will be making their first appearance in CDM’s Weihnachtswald with their tree “What About You? A Tree of Kindness and Connection.”
Inspired by PCA Iowa’s children’s book, “What About You?”, this tree celebrates the spirit of kindness and community. Adorned with colorful cutouts of the book’s characters, each ornament reminds us of the power of empathy and connection in shaping a better world for children and families. This tree invites viewers to reflect on how small acts of care can light up lives—just like the season itself.
PCA Iowa began as a grassroots effort in 1975 when advocates from health care, law enforcement, social services, public policy and other disciplines came together to raise awareness of child abuse in Iowa. Back then, many people weren’t aware of the issues regarding child safety in their communities. Fast forward to today—PCA Iowa and its partners have made huge strides in creating safe, nurturing environments for Iowa’s most vulnerable populations.
Check out PCA Iowa’s tree of kindness and connection at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 5th – December 8th, 2024!
Mindspring Mental Health Alliance – CDM 2024 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant
First Time Participant, Mindspring Mental Health Alliance
Welcome Mindspring Mental Health Alliance as they decorate their first tree for the CDM Silent Auction 2024.
Mindspring is encouraging you take some time for you this season with their tree: “Self Care During the Holidays.” This thoughtful tree represents self-care and resilience during one of the busiest times of the year. Inspired by their popular Self-Care During the Holidays webinar, each ornament and item on the tree represents a practical strategy for managing holiday stress and maintaining balance. This tree is a warm reminder to nurture ourselves even amidst the holiday hustle.
With a mission of empowering community members through mental health education, advocacy, and support, Mindspring provides no-cost mental health education, support, and advocacy programs. All of Mindspring’s programs feature evidence-based curriculum and are available to all community members.
Find ways to take care of yourself this holiday season by biding on Mindspring Mental Health Alliance’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 5th – December 8th, 2024!
Fort Des Moines Little League – CDM 2024 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant
Fort Des Moines Little League First Timers
Fort Des Moines Little League (FDLL) will be having a ball this year as a first time participant in the Christkindlmarket Silent Auction!
FDLL is presenting their tree “Play Ball” and can’t wait to share it with CDM patrons. America’s favorite pastime and the most wonderful time of the year come together on this tree. The ball fields and holidays with the family are two of the best ways to spend time and create memories!
Fort Des Moines Little League prides itself on being a community of families that come together around baseball. Over half of the volunteer board at Fort Des Moines is made up of members who either grew up playing at Fort Des Moines or had siblings that played at Fort Des Moines. This connection and sense of ownership is what has helped Fort Des Moines continue to grow the last several years. The objective of the League shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be adjusted, stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens. Fort Des Moines Little League is a youth baseball program, chartered by Little League International, serving children ages 3 -16, on the greater south side of Des Moines, Norwalk and Carlisle Iowa. Founded in 1955, Fort Des Moines Little league has been a south side tradition for 70 years! The focus of the program is to promote youth sport participation, and teach children the ideals of sportsmanship, hard-work, respect, teamwork and competition while having fun and learning the skills of the game of baseball. Fort Des Moines Little League believes in the power of youth baseball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities.
Fort Des Moines Little League offers baseball in the following age divisions.
- 3 and 4 year old Bam Bam
- 5 and 6 year old TeeBall
- 7 year old Rookie (Coach Pitch)
- 8 and 9 year old Minor (Player Pitch)
- 10, 11 and 12 year old Major (Little League)
- 13, 14, 15 and 16 year old Senior
Play ball this holiday season when you bid on Fort Des Moines Little League’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 5th – December 8th, 2024!
Des Moines Refugee Support – CDM 2024 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant
Des Moines Refugee Support Back for a Third Year
Des Moines Refugee Support (DMRS) continues to enjoy celebrating the holidays in the Christkindlmarket Weihnachtswald as they decorate a tree for their third year!
This year, DMRS will be presenting their tree: “Unique and United.” Serving a diverse population allows room to honor the uniqueness of each individual while uniting in kindness and compassion.
DMRS identifies and bridges gaps for refugee families as they establish their new lives in Iowa. They need ongoing funding for preschool transportation for kids who would otherwise not be able to go, support for their Success Through Soccer program, and food distribution. Proceeds from the DMRS tree will go directly to fund these needs.
Bid on Des Moines Refugee Support’s “Unique and United” tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 5th – December 8th, 2024!
Heartland Youth Choir | #CDM2024 Performer
Tell us about your group
Heartland Youth Choir provides a performance-based program for youth that emphasizes musical literacy and character development. Heartland Youth Choir provides a unique opportunity for children of diverse backgrounds with a particular aptitude in vocal music to explore that interest beyond their school setting. Quality literature from all styles and periods form the foundation for this exploration. Heartland Youth Choir has choirs for singers from the age of four, all the way through high school!
Cantilena Choir is for singers in 3rd grade and above. At this level, children participate in basic note reading and begin work with two-part harmony.
What are you most looking forward to at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
Most looking forward to sharing our singing with a new audience and bringing the holiday spirit to everyone there!
What’s your favorite thing about performing at events like this?
Our favorite thing about performing this event is that this is a totally different experience than our usual concerts. This choir gets to sing for much longer than they do at our hosted concerts, where this choir only sings a few songs. The hustle and bustle of the marketplace, the cheerful audience, the cold outside, and the warmth in the tent make for a fun and festive performance. We also get to perform so many holiday classic tunes that we wouldn’t normally get to perform at our other performances.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you have a singer that would be interested in joining any of our choirs at Heartland Youth Choir they are welcome to come and try out one rehearsal in the month of January for free!