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For one magical weekend in December, the city of Des Moines, Iowa hosts the Christkindlmarket Des Moines, which brings all the festive vibes of an authentic German Christmas market to the Midwest.
In this Des Moines Christmas Market guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about experiencing the wonders of Christkindlmarket Des Moines for yourself.
NOTE: The information below is compiled for your convenience from official sources, however this is still a Christmas market we haven’t been to personally. To help us improve this guide, let us know in the comments if you have any insider tips to add, and we hope to visit soon to give you a first-hand scoop of what to expect.
When is Des Moines’ Christmas Market?
The 2024 dates for Christkindlemarket Des Moines are Dec 5 – 8, according to the event’s official website.
Read our full list of Christmas market opening dates in the USA for more.
Where to Stay for Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Wondering where to stay while exploring the Des Moines Christkindlmarket? Here are some accommodation options:
- Budget: Click here to check reviews and availability
- Mid-Range: Click here to check reviews and availability
- Luxury: Click here to check reviews and availability
Where to Find Christkindlmarket Des Moines
This year’s event location is Principal Park in Des Moines, located at 1 Line Drive.
What to Eat at Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Since the Christkindlmarket Des Moines is modelled after the magical Christmas markets of Germany, you can expect tons of classic Christmas market foods to be represented at the event’s various stalls.
According to the event’s official website, visitors this year can expect an array of European treats, including…
- Advent calendars
- Truffles
- Irish whisky fudge
- Mozart kugeln
- Marzipan
- Liquor-filled chocolate
- Assorted holiday cookies
- Limited-edition Toblerone
- Lebkuchen
- Stollen
- Stroopwafeln
- Clotted cream
- Shortbread
- Tea
- Swedish lingonberry jam
- German mustard
- German honey
What to Buy at Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Besides eating, shopping should of course be high on your priority list when visiting Des Moines’ Christmas Market.
According to the event’s official website, visitors this year can expect to find a wide variety of gifts for purchase, including…
- Steinbach nutcrackers
- INGE ornaments
- Beer steins and glassware
- Herrnhuter Moravian stars
- Commemorative Glühwein mugs
- Christkindlmarket Des Moines merchandise
You can find a complete list of Christkindlmarket Des Moines Vendors on their official website.
Where to Find More Info on Christkindlmarket Des Moines
The best place to get up-to-date news on this Des Moines Christmas Market is the official Christkindlmarket Des Moines website.
Help us improve this Christkindlmarket Des Moines Guide!
Do you have a pro tip about Des Moines’ Christmas Market? A particular souvenir you loved, or a delicious treat you tried? Let us know in the comments what your insider tips are for Christkindlmarket Des Moines so we can help improve this guide for all future visitors.