Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Visitors can shop for artisanal, hand-crafted gifts and specialty items representing various European cultures. The festival features traditional foods such as bratwurst and candied nuts, alongside warm mulled wine served in commemorative keepsake mugs. Guests can also enjoy diverse live musical performances at Yuletide Hall and cultural activities for children at KinderKorner.
What to Expect
European-style holiday market with artisan gifts, European food, and warm Glühwein.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Iowa European Cultural Connection
Food & Drink
Enjoy bratwurst, candied nuts, and other authentic European foods, along with warm mulled wine served in commemorative keepsake mugs.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and cultural
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: December 3 and 10: 5pm - 9pm; December 4, 5, 11 and 12: 11am - 9pm; December 6 and 13: 11am - 5pm.
- Accessibility: A sensory-friendly area is set up on Friday, December 11, and service dogs are allowed.
- Pets: Pets are welcome on a short leash; leave them home if it's too cold.
Tips & Advice
- Bring a valid ID if you plan to drink Glühwein, because alcohol is sold only to guests 21 and older and has to stay on site.
- Leave your own drinks at home, because outside beverages aren't allowed and on-site drink sales help keep the market free to enter.
- Ask vendors before taking photos of their work, and expect bags and packages to be searched.
- Walk your bike through the market and leave skateboards and roller blades at home, because riding them on site isn't allowed.
- Come on December 3 or December 12 if you want to catch the Krampus Parade, or on December 4 for the Opening Ceremony at Yuletide Hall.
Special Events & Promotions
- Krampus Parade on Thursday, December 3 and Saturday, December 12.
- Opening Ceremony at Yuletide Hall on Friday, December 4, with children invited to follow Saint Nicholas in the procession.
- Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction during the first weekend.
- Christkindlmarkettreff activities on the second weekend, including the Des Moines Woodturners, a European Cultural Meetup, Hammerschlagen and a historical European martial arts demonstration.
- Sensory-friendly area in the Christkindlmarkettreff on Friday, December 11.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, the market is pet-friendly, but pets must be on a short leash. Leave them at home if it's too cold. Guests whose pets aren't under control may be asked to leave. Service dogs are allowed.
What is there for kids?
At the KinderKorner, kids can hear stories, sing songs and join other cultural activities. Children can also follow Saint Nicholas in the opening ceremony procession.
Who performs at Yuletide Hall?
The lineup includes polka and brass bands such as Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen, the Schnitzel Brothers Bier Band, Polka Police and the Mississippi Valley Dutchmen. There are also youth choirs, the Foy School of Irish Dance and the MacKenzie Highlanders of Iowa Pipes and Drum Band.
What are the rules for drinks?
Outside beverages aren't allowed. Glühwein and other alcoholic drinks are sold only to guests 21 and older with valid ID, and they must stay on site.
What's different on the second weekend?
The second weekend brings Christkindlmarkettreff activities, including a Des Moines Woodturners demonstration, a European Cultural Meetup, Hammerschlagen, a historical European martial arts demonstration, and a sensory-friendly area on Friday, December 11.
More Christmas Events Near Des Moines
More Christmas Events near Des Moines
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.