FREE
The Festival will take place in Lot 1 (see map below). Free parking for Christkindlmarket Des Moines visitors is available in Lots 3 and 4 during the following days/times in 2025:
Thursday, December 4: 5 – 9pm
Friday, December 5: 11am – 9pm
Saturday, December 6: 11am – 9pm
Sunday, December 7: 11am – 5pm
Thursday, December 11: 5 – 9pm
Friday, December 12: 11am – 9pm
Saturday, December 13: 11am – 9pm
Sunday, December 14: 11am – 5pm
Handicapped parking stalls are available in Lot 2 for those with a visible permit. Please enter Lot 2 via Water St from east bound MLK Pwky on the north side of the lot.
**Please do NOT park in the Ballyard Apartments Lot (Lot 5). This is a private lot and you will be towed.
CDM + DART + Southridge Mall Park & Ride
FREE parking is available on the West side of the Southridge Mall Target. Take Bus 6 (Orange) from the Southridge Mall, DSM (Stop ID: 2347) to SW 2nd St / Line Dr, DSM (Stop ID: 2403). Enjoy a peaceful 15 – 20 min ride to and from CDM for just the cost of a bus ticket!
City of Des Moines Lot: MLK Jr Pkwy – 2nd Ave to Fleur Dr-091: Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Lot
Park Downtown Des Moines:
FREE All-day, every day: (Vehicles must move every 24 hours.)
Pennsylvania Ave. and E. 7th Street from E. Court to Des Moines St.
Bridges over the Des Moines River
Walnut Street bridge
Grand Street Bridge (north side)
Northside of Locust St. from 15th to 17th
FEE-BASED PARKING
Lot B at 325 SW 5th Street & Lot C at 444 SW 5th Street ($5/hr – cost may vary)
Park Downtown Des Moines – Downtown Parking Meter Rates
Parking Garage Locations and Rates
The City of Des Moines offers parking garages throughout the City. Below is a list of the parking ramps and the parking cost on each ramp. During special events downtown, a $5 or $10 flat rate will be applied if indicated on signs at the garage entrance.
3rd & Court: Monday through Saturday: $1 per hour with a $10 max per day. Prepaid Special Event: $5-20
4th & Grand: Monday through Saturday: $1 per hour with a $10 max per day. Prepaid Special Event: $5-20
E 4th & Des Moines Street: Monday through Saturday: $1 per hour with a $10 max per day. Prepaid Special Event: $5-20
5th & Keo: Monday through Saturday: $1 per hour with a $10 max per day. Prepaid Special Event: $5-20
5th & Walnut: Monday through Saturday: $1 per hour with a $10 max per day. Prepaid Special Event: $5-20
9th & Locust: Monday through Saturday: $1 per hour with a $10 max per day. Prepaid Special Event: $5-20