Category Archive News

BySuzanne Hull

Magical Mystical Tea

Seating is limited. Get your ticket today!

New this year, the Magical Mystical Tea! Join us for this exclusive Fall event Sunday, October 13th from 2-4pm at Jasper Winery. This is a time of year shrouded in superstition and stories, so come take a deep dive with this curated event. You’ll learn about where some of the current traditions we call on this time of year got their start, learn history and insight on Tarot Cards from an experienced teacher, and more all while you enjoy specially selected tea and themed treats from a renowned local chef. This event is for those 12 years of age and older.

Click here for tickets

As the Des Moines European Heritage Association it is our mission to connect Iowans European traditions, language education and cultural experiences. Come along while we fulfill that mission with an October twist!

Join Des Moines European Heritage Association as a member and receive an additional 5% – 10% off. Visit www.dmeha.org.

All proceeds will go towards the production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019, the Des Moines European Heritage Association‘s signature event and the city’s only German-inspired Christmas market.

When booking, please indicate the names of all guests in your party so that we can do our best to seat you together. Parties of two will be seated with other guests.

Please indicate dietary restrictions when purchasing your ticket; we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

If you have questions, please email [email protected].

BySuzanne Hull

Signature Beer to be Brewed for Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019

Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 is pleased to be working with 515 Brewing Company to brew a “Christmas Bock” for #CDM2019.

Originating in the Northern German city of Einbeck, the Bock style of beer is a malty German lager that emphasizes rich maltiness with toasty overtones, slight caramel notes, very low hop bitterness and a touch of sweetness on the finish. While it is still too early in the fermentation process to tell exactly how the 515 Christmas Bock will turn out, we are anticipating it being very close to a true Bock style.

Starting with a three-barrel system, 515 opened its doors for the first time in March of 2013. From the very beginning, the community embraced them whole-heartedly. It soon became apparent they couldn’t brew beer fast enough. In June of 2015, 515 expanded by adding a brand new seven-barrel system along with additional fermenters and brite tanks.

515 Brewing Company has won two gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF®) awards. In 2016 their agave lime wheat beer, Mexican Spring, earned gold in the Fruit Wheat Beer category and in 2017, #Quadgoals, their Belgian quadrupel won gold in the Belgian Dubbel or Quadrupel category. (Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States.)

Things to look forward to:

  • Help us name the beer! Keep your eyes open for a Facebook post naming contest. Make your suggestions by messaging the page. The top three names will be put to Facebook for a vote. The beer name with the highest number of votes will win!
  • Beer release and #CDM2019 vendor preview at 515 Brewing Company on November 9. $1 of every pint sold will go to Des Moines European Heritage Association.
BySuzanne Hull

Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampuses)

You’ve been asking for Krampus inclusion at Christkindlmarket Des Moines for years, now here’s your opportunity to show us what you’ve got! In addition to being the Eve of Sankt Nikolaus day, December 5 is known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), during which these hairy beasts appear on the streets.

A Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampuses) is a fun run or walk of celebrants dressed as the wicked beast. Dust off your Krampus costume and parade through downtown Des Moines. Accompanied by St. Nikolaus and Santa Claus (your handlers), you’ll start at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (Principal Park Parking Lot) and then proceed to El Bait Shop, Hessen Haus and the Royal Mile. At each of these locations, those in costume will be offered a customary herbal liqueur shot which is meant to disperse winter’s ghosts.

The parade will begin at the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 private preview event, “‘Twas the Night Before #CDM2019”, at Principal Park where those in costume will receive free admission. Follow St. Nikolaus and Santa Claus around the festival grounds to interact with attendees (remember, Krampus doesn’t talk; the mask will do all the talking for you!)

Spectators who want to attend “‘Twas the Night Before #CDM2019” at Principal Park will need to purchase tickets.

If you will be participating in costume, please contact Suzanne Hull at [email protected] for additional information.

Who is Krampus?
• Hear the proper pronunciation: https://en.pons.com/translate/dictionary-of-german-spelling/Krampus Krampus is pronounced “krohm-poo-s” as in “con & puss,” NOT “kram-puh-s” as in “campus.
• Krampus | Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus
• Video: Top 5 Krampus Facts and Origin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE_Mmy8PEc0
• Video: Krampus parade in Hollabrunn, Austria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOecWdY9OAk
• Video: Who Is Krampus? | National Geographic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrKL7D7QZRA

Don’t have a Krampus costume? Here are a few resources:
https://www.krampusmasks.com/
https://www.etsy.com/market/krampus_costume
http://krampuslosangeles.com/austrian-suits-masks-for-sale/
• Amazon: http://ow.ly/G15B50u3HDn

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 2019. 

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

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 2019! With a larger venue footprint, we’ll definitely make good use of this donation.

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

The Office (American TV series) Trivia (Ticketed Event)

Join Global Brew and Des Moines European Heritage Association for “The Office (American TV series) Trivia” event! Tickets are $10/person and includes food from Cyd’s Catering.

Get Tickets!

Impress your friends with your Office knowledge in teams of 2-6 players. We’ll have 5 rounds with 10 questions each. Round of drinks for the winning team.Ticket proceeds will fund Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 (www.christkindlmarketdsm.com) taking place December 6 – 8 at Principal Park.

BySuzanne Hull

Parking

FREE

Free parking is available in Lots 3 and 4 (see map below) west of Principal Park (between SW 2nd St and SW 3rd St and south of W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy) during the following days/times:

Friday, December 6: 11am – 5pm
Saturday, December 7: 11am – 5pm
Sunday, December 8: 11am – 5pm

Park Downtown Des Moines:
ON-STREET: FREE parking all-day in these areas. Vehicles must move every 24 Hours.

Pennsylvania Avenue, E Court to Des Moines Street
River Bridges: Walnut, Locust, and Grand
North Side of Locust, from 15th to 17th (look for the Green “FREE Parking” Meter Bags)


FEE-BASED PARKING

$5 parking is available in Lots 3 and 4 (see map below) west of Principal Park (between SW 2nd St and SW 3rd St and south of W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy) during the following days/times:

Friday, December 6: 5pm – 9pm
Saturday, December 7: 5pm – 9pm

Lot B at 325 SW 5th Street. Rates are $5/hour and are paid on exit by credit card. Lot is open 24/7.
Lot C at 444 SW 5th Street. Rates are $2/hour and are paid on exit by credit card. Lot is open 24/7.

Park Downtown Des Moines – Downtown Parking Rates

Parking Garages
Parking Garages: Parking Ramp – Market and SW 4th St
Parking Garages: Parking Ramp – 3rd & Court

BySuzanne Hull

British Afternoon Tea Among the Vines

Back by popular demand, this cultural experience makes for a great afternoon outing! Seating is limited, so get your ticket today!

Ticket purchase includes hot tea and traditional themed tea service accouterments in a unique setting, tables complete with their own tea pots and classic dishware.

There will be a professional photographer on site as well as photo op areas inside and outside, classical violinist, and speaker presentation on traditional tea etiquette.

Be sure to wear you best hat to be entered into a raffle.

Wine is available to taste or purchase for those guests 21 and older.

Join Des Moines European Heritage Association as a member and receive an additional 5% – 10% off. Click here to join.

All proceeds will go towards the production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019, the Des Moines European Heritage Association‘s signature event and the city’s only German-inspired Christmas market. Gather your friends and don your fancy hats for a memorable afternoon!

When booking, please indicate the names of all guests in your party so that we can do our best to seat you together. Parties of two will be seated with other guests.

Please indicate dietary restrictions when purchasing your ticket; we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

If you have questions, please email [email protected].

BySuzanne Hull

CycleBar Private Charity Ride

Grab a friend and join us for a Private Charity Ride at CycleBar Jordan Creek (160 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 130, West Des Moines) in support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019.

Visit https://members.cyclebar.com/buy/cyclebar-jordan-creek?schedule_entry_id=piq_896327 to create your account and buy your ticket.

Your $35 ticket (you may choose to give more) includes a Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 commemorative Glühwein mug that can be picked up at the festival in December.

CycleBar will provide a CycleStar Instructor and staff to facilitate the 45 minute charity ride. As always, CycleBar will provide all riders with the royal CycleBar treatment, including their amenities (complimentary cycling shoes, towels, water, fresh fruit, etc.).

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. CycleBar is located just west of the mall on Jordan Creek Pkwy. Many apps will send you to the mall parking lot. CycleBar is behind the new Giordano’s at the corner of Jordan Creek Pkway and Bridgewood Blvd.

BySuzanne Hull

The Jim Kucera Band | #CDM2019 Performer

Tell us about your group and what to expect from your performance

The Jim Kucera Band started in 1984.  Our first performance was at the Wilber Czech Festival that year.  This is our 35th year!! 

Our most unique performance:  We were asked by the University of Nebraska to play for a Husker Men’s Basketball game in 1987. The Husker team was playing an exhibition against the team from what was Czechoslovakia at the time. They wanted polka music! We alternated our brand of exciting polka music with the Husker pep band. It was great! A pep band gig!

What are you most looking forward to at the 2019 Christkindlmarket Des Moines?

We have played at Des Moines a lot the past several years. We have always been treated great by the people of Des Moines! Performing at Christkindlmarket Des Moines not only gets us to Des Moines again, but to play something different! Playing new venues and events, that’s always exciting as a performer!

What do you enjoy most about this type of venue or crowd? 

Playing events like this, we get to see old friends and have the opportunity to develop new friendships as well! We approach each gig with the mindset that it’s not just about the music, but it’s about family in the band, and it’s about the people we perform for as well. It’s about relationships with people. I guess that’s the teacher in me speaking.