Category Archive News

BySuzanne Hull

Watch the Virtual Christkindlmarket DSM 2020 Mug Unveiling

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

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

BySuzanne Hull

Virtual Christkindlmarket DSM 2020 Mug Unveiling

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

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

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

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

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

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

BySuzanne Hull

NB Golf Cars | Bronze Sponsor

Cheers to NB Golf Cars for donating the use of one of their vehicles to help us move materials and product around Principal Park during Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2020!

NB Golf Cars was founded in 1972 by the Ness Brothers (NB) from Hendricks, Minnesota.

In 1970, Omer Ness purchased a golf car after he injured his leg. The golf car made it easy for him to navigate around the golf course. Several people inquired about Ness’ golf car and eventually the idea for NB Golf Cars was born. In 1988, Omer’s son, Jim Ness, joined forces with his father to carry on the tradition of the Ness family business. NB is one of the oldest Club Car distributors in existence today.

When Omer Ness retired in 2007, the McGowan Capital Group of Sioux Falls put their faith in the NB name and became co-owners of this thriving golf car business. NB Golf has consistently grown in service and sales throughout their 40 years in business. In addition to the original Hendricks, MN store location, we have added two new stores in Des Moines, Iowa and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. NB Golf Cars has won several awards for sales and customer service distinction from Club Car. Most recently, we were awarded a Distributor of Distinction Award. We proudly added this to our Overall Superior Performance Award (2008) and our Superior After-Market Performance Award (2009). Together, these awards represent our commitment to our customers.

We are proud to serve this region and we hope to see you soon in one of our stores.

BySuzanne Hull

Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. | Silver Sponsor

Many thanks to the Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. law firm in Ankeny for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2020. 

LGL values being a part of their community and welcomes the opportunity to support their office family in their interests. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an event that their employee Erin Baldwin is actively involved in and passionate about and they are happy to be a part of the event.

Their firm has been serving the law needs of businesses and individuals in Ankeny and throughout Iowa for over 20 years. Whether you are starting a business, changing custody agreements or getting your affairs in order, an expert at Ankeny Law will be at your service.

BySuzanne Hull

Qs & Brews Trivia Night at 515 Brewing Company

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

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

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

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

We’re looking forward to having you!

Register now!

Date and Time

Tue, March 24, 2020

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT

Add to Calendar

Location

515 Brewing Company

7700 University Avenue

#suite c

Clive, IA 50325

View Map

BySuzanne Hull

Hessen Haus | Bronze and Hut Sponsor

We’re pleased to include Hessen Haus among our family of 2020 sponsors!

The Hessen Haus perfectly recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall. The twenty-one imported German biers on tap, authentic German fare on the menu, and sounds of live music on the stage – including local bands and regional polka – create a lively yet cozy atmosphere where large crowds gather to pass the boot and small groups find themselves making new friends.

A combination of a state in west-central Germany and the German word for house, the name Hessen Haus was chosen for its authentic origins and welcoming feel. The state of Hessen which the bier hall is named for plays home to more than six million inhabitants – which are referred to as Hesses if male or Hessins if female. In English, occupants are known as Hessians – a term affectionately applied to our more frequent visitors to the restaurant.

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2020 Hotel

This year, we are pleased to work with the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Des Moines. Located near Principal Park, this property is perfect for guests visiting Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton (Single King: $135, Double Queen: $140

120 SW Water St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Book your group rate for Christkindlmarket Des Moines by calling 515-244-1650 and requesting the group rate for “Christkindlmarket Des Moines” OR clicking here.

Cut off date for courtesy block rate: November 11, 2020

BySuzanne Hull

Travel Show: Visit European Christmas Markets in 2020 via DMEHA

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

About this Event

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

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

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

Download the complete brochure

Download the registration form

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

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2019 Volunteer Appreciation

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

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

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

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

BySuzanne Hull

2020 Call for Performers

Des Moines European Heritage Association invites you to become a performer at the 5th Annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place December 3 – 6, 2020 at Principal Park.

In its first four years, this cultural experience has attracted over 145,000 visitors.

If you have applied in the past, but were not accepted, we encourage you to complete an application each year. The programming committee takes several factors into consideration when choosing the slate of performers each year.

Performances typically seen at Christkindlmarkets include (but are not limited to): European folk music players, European folk music singers, yodeling, guitarist, accordionist, clogging, folk dancers, Scottish pipes & drums, high school choirs, children’s choirs, violinists, bell choirs, church choirs, story-tellers, brass bands, alpine horn blowers, marionette/ puppeteer, Schuhplattler Verein, vocal performances in European languages, harpists, etc.

We will provide a four-sided, forced-air heated tent at a location to be determined by the Christkindlmarket Des Moines event planning committee in Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage within the tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2019 was 30’ x 16’.

Our performer guide will give you an overview of the needs assessment process and requirements. As soon as you fill out the needs assessment, it will be reviewed.

What is the timeline for the process?

  1. Fill out the online needs assessment no later than March 15, 2020
  2. Send photographs and links to audio files/videos representing your your group to [email protected]
  3. Receive feedback from Christkindlmarket Des Moines staff by April 15, 2020
2020 Performer Information Guide
Complete the 2020 Performer Needs Assessment