Experience Christkindlmarket Des Moines at New Principal Park Location

_{Header image from Linda Kleinhesselink.}

Since 2016, Christkindlmarket Des Moines has brought a bit of European culture to Central Iowa. Happening annually the first weekend in December at Principal Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), the market boasts European cultural craft vendors from all over the Midwest. At the free, volunteer-led festival, you’ll find delicious food, warm mugs of Glühwein and plenty of live, musical performances. There’s something for all ages and you may find yourself wanting to come multiple times. Here’s what’s new this year.

What’s New at Christkindlmarket Des Moines

We’ve moved! Just a bit further north, that is.

The festival is still at Principal Park, but the festival grounds have moved over to the parking lot north of the stadium for an expanded and redesigned patron experience. You’ll still be able to enjoy kids’ crafts in the KinderKorner presented by MidAmerican Energy Foundation; have a date night (or day) with some craft beer in the Biergarten or kick back and relax with live music and a warm cup or festive mug of Glühwein (mulled, spiced wine) in Yuletide Hall.

Photo Credit: Catherine Cagle

Afterhours in Yuletide Hall

On Friday and Saturday night, patrons are invited to join us in Yuletide Hall from 9 – 10 p.m. to continue the fun. Malek's Fishermen Band out of Garner, Iowa, will be performing a mix of European music, holiday favorites and novelty tunes. Sing along in English, Czech and German! There will be plenty of room to dance in our 50% larger, heated tent.

Enjoy Breakfast with St. Nick

Get into the holiday spirit by having breakfast with St. Nick! Adults and children can enjoy a buffet, beverages, story-telling and photo ops in Yuletide Hall. Get tickets!

Photo Credit: Lisa Bourne

Dedicated Beverages Refill Lines AND a New Beverage

To expedite service for our thirsty patrons, we will have two beverage refill lines for Glühwein, Kinderpunch, hot cocoa and eggnog in our Biergarten. Yes, I said eggnog! We’ve developed a Lebkuchen Eierlikör (Gingerbread Eggnog) that can be served as is or with a boost of brandy to warm the soul!

Additional Free Parking

Plan ahead by scoping out parking options. There are now three surface lots adjacent to the festival venue with handicapped parking available. We will continue to work with business owners and the City of Des Moines to identify additional, free parking options which we will post on our website.

Photo Credit: Linda Kleinhesselink

You can get your holiday gifts all in one place! Besides plenty of food and drinks, there are many arts and specialty gift vendors at the market! We have new vendors from all over the Midwest selling traditional European-style goods. A full list of the craft vendors can be found on the website. Specialty gift vendors also do demonstrations of how their wares are created; you can find the schedule of the demonstrations on the website.

Photo Credit: Linda Kleinhesselink

You can participate! Throughout the weekend there are several opportunities to get involved with the festivities. At 6 p.m. on Friday evening the opening ceremony features a parade around the venue with St. Nicholas and the Christkind. Kids of all ages are invited to join the procession and see the lighting of the tree! At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday watch or join in the Krampuslauf (Running of the Krampuses).

Come experience the magic of Christkindlmarket Des Moines Dec. 5 – 8, 2024. See the full schedule on the website. For more information about Christkindlmarket Des Moines organized by the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) or to volunteer check out the website and get a full list of vendors, events and more!

Mission of the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC): To connect all Iowans with European traditions, language learning and cultural experiences.

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop local in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Support local businesses, creators and makers across the region. You can find ideas on where to shop using the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s #DSMlocal Guides and other regional business directories listed here. Don’t miss the Holiday Promenade each year, when you can skate at Brenton Skating Plaza, shop local businesses, see Santa and attend a downtown tree lighting!

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find event information and follow @downtownDSMUSA on Facebook and Instagram for other news, tips and events happening downtown.