The Ultimate Guide to Week 1

BySuzanne Hull

The Ultimate Guide to Week 1

Christkindlmarket Des Moines has expanded to 2 weekends in 2025. Here’s a few highlights of what is happening the first weekend, Dec 4 – 7, 2025 at Principal Park.

Thu, Dec 4, 5pm – 9pm (Kinderkorner​ closes at 8pm)
Fri, Dec 5, 11am – 9pm (Kinderkorner  closes at 8pm)
Sat, Dec 6, 11am – 9pm (Kinderkorner​ closes at 8pm)
Sun, Dec 7, 11am – 5pm

Opening Ceremony

Friday, December 5, 2025, 6pm

Join us for the opening ceremony of Christkindlmarket Des Moines emceed by Sally Dix, President of Bravo Greater Des Moines. Listen to the Christkind deliver her festive proclamation to open the festival and see the large tree lit.

Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampi) presented by Big Grove Brewery

Join us for the Krampus parade presented by Big Grove Brewery on Saturday December 6th at 6:30pm.

Get your photo taken with St. Nick and the Christkind

Friday, December 5th: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday, December 6th: 2pm – 4pm
Sunday, December 7th: 2pm – 4pm

Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction in the Weihnachtswald presented by Siegwerk, USA

As part of CDM’s community outreach, we encourage local nonprofits to decorate a tree that will be displayed during the first weekend of Christkindlmarket Des Moines. As patron’s visit the market and marvel over the creativity of each tree, they are able to bid via Silent Auction and take home the tree with all the trimmings on Sunday, December 7th. All proceeds will go directly back to the participating nonprofits.

While we’d love to see you at the Festival, you can bid on your favorite tree online. Starting at 5pm on Thu, Dec 4 at 5pm, text ‘CDM2025’ to 843.606.5995 or visit https://event.gives/cdm2025 to bid.

1st weekend ONLY vendors

These vendors will only be at Christkindlmarket Des Moines during the first weekend:

  • Iowa European Cultural Connection Brat Hut
  • More Polish Pottery, LLC
  • Pam Hyde Pottery
  • Pinicon Farm Crafts

1st weekend ONLY performers

These performers will only be at Christkindlmarket Des Moines during the first weekend:

  • Polka Police
  • New Jolly Germans Band
  • S.G. Edelweiss – St. Paul
  • MacKenzie Highlanders of Iowa Pipes and Drum Band

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