Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a German-inspired Christmas market whose goal is to educate and entertain the community by exposing them to European-style foods, products and activities. We have regional vendors sell their hand-crafted wares and European foods from traditional wooden stalls, an entertainment area where polka bands, choirs, and bell ringers can perform, a kid’s area where they can participate in various cultural activities and a beer tent offering European-style beverages.

Culture

Learn about European culture through this 700 year old holiday tradition!

Food

Enjoy bratwurst, candied nuts and authentic German foods.

Kid (and Pet) - Friendly

Visit the KinderKorner where your kids can hear stories, sing songs, and participate in other cultural activities.

Shopping

Select from old-world, artisinal, hand-crafted products representing various European cultures.

Entertainment

Nowhere in our State will you experience such a diverse artistic offering on our entertainment stage.

Glühwein

Christmas markets aren't the same without warm, mulled-wine enjoyed out of a commemorative, keepsake mug!

Schedule of Event:

Yuletide Hall Entertainment

Thursday, December 5, 2024

5:30pm – 9pm: The New Jolly Germans Band, a German band playing a variety of old time dance favorites!

Friday, December 6, 2024

11:30am – 2:30pm: Jager and the Polkameisters is a fun Oktoberfest themed polka band. There’s fun music along with lots of toasts and laughs. It’s a touch of Munich right here in Des Moines!

4pm – 5:30pm: Betrunken Messing is a local Des Moines low brass ensemble specializing in polkas and polka-ized versions of favorite.

7pm – 10pm: Malek’s Fishermen Band is an old time dance band that has been playing since 1932; started playing barn dances and moved on to the main ballrooms and dance halls. Now they play festivals and parties around the midwest. They love playing at the Christkindlemarket, what a fun Crowd!

Saturday, December 7, 2024

11am – 11:30am: Greater Des Moines Flute Choir brings together talented adult flutists that enjoy playing together. Now in their fourth year of performing, the choir features C, alto, bass flutes and piccolo. We provide a variety of music from popular favorites, classical, and holiday.

12pm – 12:30pm: Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums of Iowa is an all-volunteer, non-profit, bagpipe and drum band located in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area.

1pm – 1:30pm: Foy School of Irish Dance Celebrate Irish culture with the Foy School of Irish Dance. The revelry includes delightful traditional dances and contemporary choreographed numbers that both enchant and entertain!

2pm – 2:30pm: S. G. Edelweiss – St. Paul is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.

3pm – 3:30pm: Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group a pop vocal youth group.

4pm – 4:30pm: S. G. Edelweiss – St. Paul is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.

5pm – 5:30pm: Heartland Youth Choir provides a performance-based program for youth that emphasizes musical literacy and character development. Heartland Youth Choir provides a unique opportunity for children of diverse backgrounds with a particular aptitude in vocal music to explore that interest beyond their school setting. Quality literature from all styles and periods form the foundation for this exploration.

6pm – 6:30pm: S. G. Edelweiss – St. Paul is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.

7pm – 10pm: Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen Barefoot Becky, from Mt Vernon, IA, has had the Ivanhoe Dutchmen for over 35 years. They have traveled across the US and abroad playing polkas, waltzes, old country, two steps, and party favorites! Kick off your shoes and get get those toes a tappin’!

Sunday, December 8, 2024

11am – 11:30am & 11:50am – 12:15pm: Metro Brass Quintet has performed for more than 10 years in the Des Moines metro from conferences to weddings. The group plays a variety of folk, jazz, classical and original works and performs high quality brass music.

12:30pm – 1pm: S. G. Edelweiss – St. Paul is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.

1:15pm – 1:45pm: Metro Brass Quintet has performed for more than 10 years in the Des Moines metro from conferences to weddings. The group plays a variety of folk, jazz, classical and original works and performs high quality brass music.

2pm – 2:30pm: S. G. Edelweiss – St. Paul is the #1 award winning Bavarian Dance group in North America, founded in 1961. Members of Gauvervband Nordamerika. Upholding the culture and customs of Bavaria/Tirol, through dance, music and the traditional outfits worn.

3pm – 5pm: Stu Ryan O’Brien Pub Band plays fun Irish pub and traditional songs. There’s always a wee bit of clapping, sing along and lots of laughs too! It’s like sitting in your favorite Dublin pub.

Strolling around the market:

Friday 6:30pm – 7:15pm

Saturday 5:50pm -6:45pm

The Top Hat Carolers perform traditional and contemporary holiday songs dressed in Victorian garb. They have been singing for over 30 years.

Date: December 5 - 8, 2024

Time:

December 5: 5pm - 9pm

December 6: 11am - 9pm

December 7: 11am - 9pm

December 8: 11am - 5pm

Yuletide Hall After Hours: Friday and Saturday 9pm - 10pm

Location: Principal Park

1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309

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