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 2026:
| Thursday, December 3: 5 – 9pm Friday, December 4: 11am – 9pm Saturday, December 5: 11am – 9pm Sunday, December 6: 11am – 5pm | Thursday, December 10: 5 – 9pm Friday, December 11: 11am – 9pm Saturday, December 12: 11am – 9pm Sunday, December 13: 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.
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