Reviews

Had so much fun at the CHRISTKINDLMARKET in DSM. So many wonderful food vendors, local handcrafted products, Biergarten with live music & lots of steins of beer to go around, Prost! There were so many authentic German foods & drinks to try like Schnitzel, frites, currywurst, Pretzels, Glüewein, you name it! Even got to enjoy the Krampus run! This market is family friendly and pet friendly & this definitely will become part of your yearly Christmas traditions, it is so much fun and no entrance fee!

The Holmes

A wonderful tradition each year!

Mark A. Johnson

My husband and I spent 8 days on a Rhine River Christmas market tour last December. You have truly captured the spirit of those markets and actually have many more authentic German products than several of the markets we visited. Great job!!

Mary Bernabe

Attended for the first time Thursday evening, so wonderful! Please continue this event!! Will sign up to volunteer!!

Christine Urish

We had a beautiful and tasty evening last night! Thank you to all for making this happen.

Tracie Engstrom

Awesome to go to, a fine and fun event here in the city of Des Moines, IA!

Daryl Purscell

It’s a really fun and unique experience. The sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season hit you as soon as you arrive. We’ve gone every year since it started and it’s really a tradition our family will uphold.

Zachary Kern

The first Christmas market that I experienced was in Gamla Stan in Stockholm Sweden. In the oldest part of the city, it is a magical place. I think in Des Moines the organizers of the ChristKindlmarket 2019 created a magical event in an unexpected part of Des Moines. Gemütlchkeit, hygge and all of those other words that express a friendly, cozy and festive venue. The food, the music, the special items to buy all made it very special. Can’t wait for the next one.

Doug Lewis

I don’t know what I liked most… gluhwein, spiced nuts, dancers. Such a nice event!

Emily Jones Behrmann

Great way to start the Christmas season. The booths, the food, the music, and enjoying it with friends – all wonderful.

Cindy Kail

Everything! It gets better every year! Thank you to everyone!

DeeAnn Walker-King

Amazing experience! Great food, wonderful and talented entertainment, and affordable and friendly little shops. Can’t wait to go back!

Shannon Lynn Watts

I attended the market and enjoyed it so much. The lines were manageable; the visitors were having fun; and the shops were a good mix of products. Very delicious foods to choose from as well as baked goods and sweets. I overheard a few people wishing for more music, and maybe performers outside. I can also see the event needing to be ready for larger crowds, and expanding because it is a really fabulous holiday event.

Anna Pham

My family and I traveled from both Northeast and North Central Iowa to attend. It was a great time for everyone and we anticipate to make attending a new holiday tradition.

Michelle Koons Gritsch

We went Saturday afternoon and loved it. It was packed, too. I’ve been to my fair share of Christmas Markets in Germany and the US and was impressed by the turnout and the whole set up. My favorites: the wooden vendor stalls, the music, running into people I know. I, too, am excited to see this event grow and become an annual tradition. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors that made this happen.

Gabriele Albrecht

Very sweet holiday market in Des Moines. Family-friendly, great location — excited to go again next year!

Rachel Formaro

Great addition to Des Moines! It’s a fun and festive atmosphere. Looking forward to next year!

Jennifer Hampel

Great Event that will continue to get bigger and better every year. Das ist mein erster christkindlmarket. Sehr gut!

Larry Dillon