Author Archive Suzanne Hull

BySuzanne Hull

Tour Christmas Markets via DMEHA in 2021

CHRISTMAS MARKETS
December 6-13, 2021

In the Heart of Europe you will find a wonderful surprise – colorful Christmas Markets just waiting to be explored. The dramatic architecture of Europe’s spectacular cities is the perfect backdrop to the charming stalls that offer traditional items from handmade crafts to tasty foods and unexpected joys.

Highlights:
Prague tour & Christmas markets; Cesky Krumlov tour & Christmas market;
Vienna tour & Christmas markets; Schloss Hof tour & Christmas market;
Bratislava tour & Christmas markets, Budapest tour & Christmas markets

Download Brochure
Download Registration Form

Join us for a virtual travel show on May 22 to learn more about the trip. Register here.

BySuzanne Hull

CDM Online Popup Store

ALL FOOD MUST GO! 50% OFF ALL FOOD!

The CDM Online Popup Store will be open Jan. 1 – Jan. 6 at midnight.


If you weren’t able to pick up from Principal Park, we didn’t want you to miss out! Maybe you’ve run out of your sweet treats and Glühwein already. Support a local non-profit while shopping safely from the comfort of your own home. Get co-workers and/or friends/family to place an order with you and receive free delivery to one location with orders over $50!

The CDM Online Popup Store will include:

All products will be available for purchase
50% off European food (prices listed include the 50% discount)

Delivery: For orders over $50, FREE delivery to Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Saylorville, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights. Choose from Jan. 4, 6, 8.

Pickup: For orders less than $50, pick up from Pleasant Hill, Jan 2 – 8.

  1. Click on the Shop Now button. ​Once in the CDM Online Popup Store, first time users can submit their information to create an account.
  2. Returning users can sign in with their username and password.
  3. After signing in, browse the CDM Online Popup Store products. For items you would like to purchase, add them to your shopping cart.
  4. ***Pro Tip: Use the “Search for products” search box under “Products” to search by keyword if you know what you’re looking for.
  5. Click on the Checkout button once you are ready to purchase your items.
  6. When on the Checkout page, you can view pickup and delivery options.
  7. You’ll then be asked to submit payment.
  8. Enjoy!
BySuzanne Hull

Christmas Cracker: #CDMCurbside FREE KinderKorner Craft Kits sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company

Christmas crackers are a traditional favorite in the United Kingdom. Tom Smith, a London sweet maker, came up with the idea after visiting Paris and seeing the French ‘bon bon’ sweets (almonds wrapped in pretty paper). He tried selling sweets like that in England and included a small motto or riddle with the sweet, but they didn’t sell very well.

Legend says that, one night, while Tom was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested in the sparks and cracks coming from the fire. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled apart. In 1861, Tom Smith launched his new line of what he called ‘Bangs of Expectation’!

The Christmas Crackers that are used today are short, cardboard tubes wrapped in colorful paper. There is normally a Cracker next to each plate on the Christmas dinner table. When the crackers are pulled – with a bang! – a colorful party hat, a toy or gift and a festive joke falls out! The party hats look like crowns and it is thought that they symbolize the crowns that might have been worn by the Wise Men.


If you want to get in on this long-standing tradition and many others, visit the CDM Curbside presented by Christkindlmarket Des Moines online marketplace now through Nov. 22nd to place your order and pick up your kits at Principal Park Dec. 3rd – 6th. Due to the generous support of MidAmerican Energy Company, the Kinderkorner will have a variety of FREE children’s craft kits for ages 1 – 12 available to add on to your shopping cart while supplies last.


MidAmerican Energy Company not only provided the means, but they also supplied volunteers to assemble the kits. MidAmerican Energy Company hopes you enjoy the KinderKorner Craft Kits!

MidAmerican Energy Company is an energy company based in Des Moines, Iowa. Its service area includes almost two-thirds of Iowa, as well as portions of Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska. In addition to traditional power plants, MidAmerican Energy began investing in green energy generation in 2004.

BySuzanne Hull

St. Nicholas Mitre (hat): #CDMCurbside FREE KinderKorner Craft Kits sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company

The gift giver that travels the world to the delight of boys and girls everywhere is known by many names, and Germany calls him St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was an actual person born in present-day Turkey. He lost his parents at a young age and used his inheritance to help the sick and the poor with a special focus on children. As a devout Christian, he later served as the bishop of Myra.

He is believed to have passed away on December 6th, which is celebrated in many parts of the world as St. Nicholas Day. Children leave a pair of shoes outside their door on December 5th and awake the next morning to treats left inside.


If you want to get in on this long-standing tradition and many others, visit the CDM Curbside presented by Christkindlmarket Des Moines online marketplace now through Nov. 22nd to place your order and pick up your kits at Principal Park Dec. 3rd – 6th. Due to the generous support of MidAmerican Energy Company, the Kinderkorner will have a variety of FREE children’s craft kits for ages 1 – 12 available to add on to your shopping cart while supplies last.


MidAmerican Energy Company not only provided the means, but they also supplied volunteers to assemble the kits. MidAmerican Energy Company hopes you enjoy the KinderKorner Craft Kits!

MidAmerican Energy Company is an energy company based in Des Moines, Iowa. Its service area includes almost two-thirds of Iowa, as well as portions of Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska. In addition to traditional power plants, MidAmerican Energy began investing in green energy generation in 2004.

BySuzanne Hull

Lithia VW of Des Moines: Exclusive and Official Printing Partner of the Limited Edition, Commemorative “Weihnachtszeit Magazin”

The idea of a keepsake holiday magazine from Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) has been around for a couple of years.

To create a more complete holiday experience in 2020, we have created and published CDM’s very first Weihnachtszeit Magazin (Christmastime magazine). This English-language magazine includes the history of European Christmas markets, Des Moines’ fascination with CDM, recipes, first-hand stories of visits to European Christkindlmarkets along with market culture and etiquette.


Thanks to the generous support of Lithia VW of Des Moines, we are offering this print publication FREE to the first 2000 customers of the CDM Curbside online marketplace. Place an order with any of our vendors and you will receive this historic, keepsake issue.

Through this collaboration, Lithia VW of Des Moines continues its commitment to strengthen and grow Des Moines’ cultural offerings and add to the quality of life that makes Iowa so special.

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2021 Gift Guide | Steinbach Nutcrackers

Use this guide to find gift ideas from “an der Weihnachtsecke”, our store at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

According to German folklore, Steinbach Nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. The legend says that a nutcracker represents power and strength and serves as a trusty watchdog guarding your family from evil spirits and danger. A fierce protector, the nutcracker bares its teeth to the evil spirits and serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill.

For almost two centuries the Steinbach Nutcracker family has been producing fine wooden products. Today, Herr Christian Steinbach heads the family operation carrying on the tradition with his daughter Karla. Karla Steinbach, who is Vice President is being groomed to become the sixth generation to head the company. Together, they oversee product development and quality control at the factory now located in Hohenhameln, in the northern region of Germany.


Chubby Bavarian Santa, $138

This Chubby Bavarian Santa is a symbol of festive gifts. Packed full of gifts in his blue Christmas bag, he presents all of Bavaria with great gifts for young and old. With his dark red reindeer pullover, his pointed-large hat and his long white beard, he brings not only gifts but also the Bavarian costumes into people’s homes – and of course with handmade precision by Steinbach.


BBQ Bill, $138

Nothing beats a cozy barbecue with family and friends in the summertime. This BBQ Bill is the image of the grill master, who delivers freshly grilled sausages, a juicy steak or delicious grilled vegetables for everyone. Equipped with spicy sauce and barbecue tongs in his hand, he makes sure there’s happy faces at the dining table. The apron and the hat complete his look perfectly. A real hero over the hot coals!


Beefeater, $138

Supreme guardians of the London Tower: For the first time in history, a German Nutcracker heads the Beefeater. He is the head of the Order of the Tower of London and the bodyguard of the English Royal House and today as a tour guide to the world on the go. With a size of 12″ and his red and black uniform, he attracts special attention from collectors. Royal handicraft from Steinbach.


Birdy Snowman, $340

This friendly snowman offers the birds food and offers protection in his specially made birdhouse. In the arctic winter, he is the bird’s best friend. A romantic winter wonderland relationship for every living room. Handcrafted with great attention to detail – by Steinbach!

Limited 2000 pieces


Black Forester, $138

This nutcracker shows a traditional German forester. You can recognize him by his red black robe and the typical hat. He carries a detailed cuckoo clock and a decorated bar with him. The bearded forester is hand-made in the Erzgebirge.


Chubby Fisher, $138

Cod, salmon or walleye – no matter what fish lands on the plate at Christmas, this Chubby Fisher is well-prepared to catch his dinner with his net. Handcrafted with love and care in detail – “Made by Steinbach”


Chubby Oktoberfest, $138

O’zapft is! (Bavarian for “It’s tapped!”). A keg tapping is a common ceremony for the opening of a folk festival. The art of barrel tapping is to carry out this action in such a way that little beer is sprayed and the tap is driven into the barrel with as few hits as possible. The first barrel tapping may be performed according to old nutcracker tradition with this 31 cm high staff Oktoberfest nutcracker. Made in Germany with much love and care by hand.


Cozy Santa with Music, $360

This Cozy Santa is a carbon copy of his role model from the North Pole and walks through the snow with his big golden staff. Lovingly hand-crafted, and every little detail was taken care of in the production: from the embroidered hat to the high-quality clothes to the gift-filled bag at his feet. The typical, dark red clothing is complemented by the golden details and fits perfectly with his white hair and beard. In the gift bag, which our Santa has worn through the snowy landscape, all kinds of presents for the children are hidden: In addition to a teddy bear, a ball, a doll and a candy cane, is the matching Christmas music, which comes from the built-in jukebox playing “12 days of Christmas”. Simply perfect and 100% “Made in Germany”.

Limited 2000 pieces!


Gnome Skier, $138

This Gnome Skier is a true adventurer on skis. Surrounded by the magnificent mountains and ski trails of the Ore Mountains, it is perfectly equipped to discover the many facets of the wintry mountain landscape. With his self-knitted ski cap, he braves the cold winter excursions and retires in the evening to his cozy warm mountain hut, which looks like a Gnome out of the snow. Gnome-tastic and “Handmade in Germany!”


Goose Boy with Music, $278

Our Goose Boy is on a hike through the fields with two of his goslings. He wears a big hat and a cozy sheepskin vest. Equipped with his shepherd’s staff and light luggage he is on the way to a new adventure. Maybe the destination is your living room? He also brings along a music box from which “Ein Tag so wunderschön wie heute” sounds.


King Arthur, $198

Who doesn’t know, the story of Arthur, the great King of Britain, and his sword Excalibur, which he drew from a stone and made him invincible – from Camelot, his magnificent castle, or the mighty wizard Merlin; and, finally, the adventures of the Knights of the Round Table – Gwalchmai, Lancelot, Parzival, Galahad, Tristan, and others – who went in search of the Holy Grail, the chalice that Jesus used at the Last Supper and, according to legend, eternal youth donates. This “King Arthur” Nutcracker is with its 19″ a true legendary giant. With his red golden color combination, his magnificent golden crown and his legendary sword Excalibur, he is a true nutcracker legend. Handcrafted in Germany with love and care in detail – from Steinbach!


Midwest Farmer, $340

Farmers are among America’s greatest innovators and help feed, clothe and fuel a growing world. this new Midwest Farmer Nutcracker also stands for this innovation. He is wearing his big straw hat and dungarees. He holds his freshly harvested carrots in one hand and his rake in the other. At his feet is a wheelbarrow and a cow. Farming for the future. Handcrafted with great attention to detail – by Steinbach!

Limited 2000 pieces


Mountain Climber, $198

Attention: Avalanche! This Mountain Climber is the best alpinist in the world! The Ore Mountain friend is the first nutcracker to climb Mount Steinbach. With his well thought out and professional mountaineering equipment including an ice pick, rope and strong boots, he is prepared for any climb. His goal: to conquer the showcase peaks of this world. A handcrafted wooden art expedition in the high-altitude euphoria – from Steinbach!


Mountain Skier, $340

The Steinbach Mountain Skier is the first nutcracker of the new Steinbach – Mountain Series. It is strictly limited to 2,000 pieces and convinces with its high-quality workmanship and the carefully chosen details such as the leather drinking bottle and the hand-knitted cap.

The Mountain Skier was a pioneer of skiing in North America. After the Norwegian immigrant Martin A. Strand opened the first ski factory in America at the end of the 19th century, the conquest of the American mountains and the world-famous American ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains and Aspen began.

The mountain skier played a key role in this development. He explored the most far away corners of the mountains and has experienced countless adventures, which are still told today in the light of the campfires in the many mountain camps.


NC Guardsman, $299

The German manufacturer, Steinbach, is well-known for its high-quality, the loving details and craftsmanship. This nutcracker is completely made of oak wood and is finished with a steady hand in the Steinbach factory. The long white hair and mustache fits perfectly with the green and red colors. Equipped with lantern, helmet and spear, this nutcracker is well-prepared for his task and will be a nice and useful eye-catcher for you – not only during the Christmas time.


Old Mountain Trapper, $340

There is hardly a trade that has more real dangers than that of the trapper.

The North American trapper is active in the fur trade and on the daily hunt for beaver. He has roamed the most remote corners of the Rocky Mountains for centuries and explores the wild west. In the wilderness he finds his freedom. A piece of American history for every collector.

The Old Mountain Trapper is the third version of the Steinbach Mountain series and includes impressive details and extremely high quality workmanship with carefully selected accessories. After the Yukon Gold Digger, the Old Mountain Trapper takes you on an adventure into your living room.

Limited 2,000 pieces


Santa with Arch, $198

An illuminated arch makes the darker months so much nicer and therefore belongs with every traditional German Christmas decoration. Together with this German Santa you can illuminate the Christmas season. The interplay between these two traditional German Christmas decorations is one of the most beautiful and delightful Christmas decorations – handmade by Steinbach! The arc has mini LEDs and the engraved details with the Steinbach swallows. With its red robe and white wool collar, this German Santa refines the overall picture and is a true work of art for every Steinbach collector.


Soldier, $198

This 17″ tall “Big Soldier” belongs to the Royal Force. In the early 17th century, soldiers preferred a bat sword to stun their enemy quickly and effectively. His uniform includes wide-cut trousers and a jacket-like camisole with wide sleeves. Handcrafted and hand-painted in Germany, this wooden Soldier Nutcracker is a beautiful gift item.


Troll Bavarian Santa, $138

With a fur hat and gift bag, the 10.6″ tall Troll Nutcracker comes from Bavaria. He wears a typical Bavarian Christmas costume, ready to hand over the presents. He was decorated with great attention to detail and worked by hand in the Erzgebirge – “Made in Germany”.


Troll Black Forester, $138

A traditional resident of the German Black Forest shows this 9.5″ tall, bearded nutcracker with a thick white mustache. He is recognizable by his dark red robe and black hat. He carries a detailed cuckoo clock in his hands. Handmade with love and care in detail – “Made by Steinbach”


Troll King, $138

The title of the highest, secular ruler of the Steinbach monarchy, this 11.4″ tall “Troll King” is 100% authentic. As an authoritarian but cordial leader he is both feared and respected, by the citizens. He can be recognized in particular by his blue royal robe, the gold-blue crown and the scepter of pure gold. Handcrafted with love and care in detail – “Made by Steinbach”


Troll Oktoberfestler, $138

This 10.6″ tall Oktoberfest Bavarian Man with Beer is a German Nutcracker handcrafted by Steinbach. It is the perfect gift for anyone who loves Oktoberfest and classic German beer. He’s dressed head to toe in festive German garb from his feathered Bavarian hat to his green shirt with gold reindeer print and red Lederhosen. In one hand he’s holding a foamy mug of beer and in the other he’s holding a heart-shaped sign that reads “Oktoberfest”.


Tschaikovsky and his ballet, $258

This Tchaikovsky nutcracker represents the notes and most important characters of his most famous ballet ‘The Nutcracker’. In loving detail, each small figure is recreated in detail to the original. Tchaikovsky himself wears a white shirt and a chic suit made of premium-quality material. On the base next to the opera-figures is a superimposed keyboard. Everything 100% handmade “Made in Germany”.


Uncle Sam, $198

Probably the most famous advertising figure in the United States: Uncle Sam – a man with white hair and a serious facial expression. Like its great role model, this nutcracker “Uncle Sam” wears the typical national colors of the US: a dark blue jacket, a vest decorated with stars, and red and white striped pants. A special eye-catcher is the large US flag, which he proudly holds in his hand and a small Statue of Liberty, which is as detailed as the original. 100% handmade “Made in Germany”.


Yukon Gold Digger, $340

Since the 19th century, adventurers have been searching for gold in various regions. The Yukon River is well-known and popular for prospectors from all around the world. Today, they search with modern machines, but back in a pickax, shovel and gold pan were enough. This nutcracker proudly presents the yield of the last hours: Gold grains in his hand and in the sack behind him. Well-equipped for the adventure, he is dressed warmly in coat and cap with his drinking bottle, pickax and blanket. The dynamite at his feet will help him get to the valuable nuggets faster.

The Yukon Gold Digger is the second figure from the Steinbach Mountain Series impressive with its detail, the extremely high-quality workmanship and carefully selected accessories. After the Mountain Skier from the last collection, the Gold Digger from the American mountains comes to the collector’s home.

Limited 2000 pieces

BySuzanne Hull

FREE Children’s Activity Kit Drive Through Pop-Up at Salisbury House

Hey all you Christmas-loving crafters! CDM Curbside’s Kinderkorner, sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company, will be hosting a free, drive-through pop-up event at the Salisbury House (4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines, IA 50312), Sunday, November 15th from 9 – 11 am. There will be five different European-inspired Christmas craft kits for children ages 1-12 while supplies last.

Twist together a lucky Ukrainian Christmas Spider; learn about the Italian Christmas witch as you craft her broom; share the love after decorating a Croatian licitar heart; celebrate the season piecing together a Spanish pinata; or fold together a traditional Tyrolean Hat (Alpine Hat).

Don’t forget to shop CDM Curbside presented by Christkindlmarket Des Moines Nov. 9th – 22nd with pick at Principal Park Dec 3rd-6th. The Kinderkorner will have three FREE children’s craft kits exclusive to the online marketplace that you can add to your shopping cart.

Can’t wait to see you!

BySuzanne Hull

Pickle Creek Herbs | #CDMCurbside Vendor

  1. Tell us about your business

Hello from Pickle Creek Herbs! We are a small family farm in SE Iowa. We grow herbs, garlic, peppers, and fruits that we then use to create artisan infused olive oils and vinegars, soaps, salves, and balms. We take the process from seed to store and make everything ourselves using our own original recipes. We want to show how amazing herbs can be when they’re grown by passionate farmers who love their plants, their community, and their Iowa soil.

  1. What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at CDM Curbside?

We first heard about Christkindlmarket Des Moines in 2016, and the uniqueness of it jumped out and grabbed our imagination—we hadn’t seen anything like it in Iowa before, and we just knew we had to be a part of it. And then we had such a great time with the visitors, volunteers, and vendors that we kept coming back year after year. Every year was better! So of course we had to come back again this year. It won’t be the same as seeing everyone in person (which we love and will miss!), but if anyone can capture Christmas cheer and bring it to you online and curbside, it’s Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

3. What products will you be selling at CDM Curbside and why did you choose them?

To stay in the spirit of Christkindlmarket Des Moines as much as possible, we’ll be selling only our handmade artisanal products that we create using our own herbs and recipes, including infused olive oils and vinegars and herbal soaps and balms. We’ll especially be featuring holiday gift boxes and bags in traditional holiday colors.

4. Anything else you’d like to share?

Be sure to check out our Apple Strudel Balsamic, which we created especially for Christkindlmarket Des Moines!

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2021 Gift Guide | Steins and Glassware

Use this guide to find gift ideas from “an der Weihnachtsecke”, our store at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Peruse our offering of authentic beer steins and glassware, guaranteed to “wow” the aficionado on your holiday gift giving list.


200th Anniversary Silent Night Chapel, $250

This hand-painted, relief decorated beer stein was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Silent Night Christmas Carol first sung on December 24th, 1818 in a chapel in the alpine village of Oberndorf near Salzburg, Austria. The chapel is dusted by a fresh snowfall and is framed by bouquets of alpine Edelweiss flowers on either side.

On the morning of December 24th in 1818, assistant priest Joseph Mohr asked Franz Xaver Gruber to compose a suitable melody for his “Silent Night” poem.

He wrote the melody that very same day.  It was at the Christmas memorial mass in the year 1818 in the chapel of St. Nicolas where locals first sang the Christmas Carol “Silent Night, Holy Night” (German: “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”). Every year on December 24th by 5pm a tranquil mass is held at the chapel, where the Silent Night Carol is sung in many languages. 

Lyrics of the Silent Night Christmas Carol in German:

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! – Alles schläft; einsam wacht

Nur das traute hoch heilige Paar. – Holder Knab’ im lockigen Haar

Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh – Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht – Hirten erst kundgemacht

Durch der Engel Halleluja – Tönt es laut von fern und nah:

Christ, der Retter ist da – Christ, der Retter ist da

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht – Gottes Sohn, oh, wie lacht

Lieb’ aus deinem göttlichen Mund – Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund

Christ, in deiner Geburt – Christ, in deiner Geburt

Banner on top reads “Silent Night Chapel 200 Years Stille-Nacht-Kapelle”. The base and rim are bordered by edelweiss, Christmas bells & sheet music.  Relief pewter conical lid and cobalt blue background.

Limited Edition of only 5,000 individually numbered beer steins Worldwide!

Volume: 1/2 Liter
Height: approx. 10.25″


Alphorn Blowers, $85

Relief stein, 0.5 l, “Alphorn blowers”, colored, with pewter lid, stoneware, Manufacturer: Zoeller & Born, Germany


Bayern Horn, $70

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 9-1/4 in.


Beer Brewers Pewter Pilsner, $150

This exquisitely detailed, solid pewter beer cup or pilsner tulip (pilstulpe) with footed base has three panels with relief decorated scenes; beer being brewed, a horse drawn beer wagon delivering kegs of beer and patrons of a biergarten enjoying the finished brew.

Part of Artina’s Gambrinus – patron saint of brewers – collection.

Volume: approx. 8oz to fill line (top border), 9oz to rim Height: approx. 6.25″


Bier Tent, $50

Painted in 1935 by Ernst Schlemo, this image provides a festive actual view of the inside of the Munich Oktoberfest Schottenhamel Bier Tent. The Schottenhamels are the oldest innkeeper family, attending the Oktoberfest since 1867. This is the tent where the Oktoberfest officially starts each year, when the Mayor of Munich taps the first barrel.

Material: Porcelain
Origin: Germany
Volume: 1.0 L
Dimensions: 9-1/2 in.


Bierwagon, $50

The image that appears on this stein was painted in 1910 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Munich Oktoberfest. Decorated bierwagons were used originally to transport 100-litre barrels to the Oktoberfest. The powerful teams of four horses wore decorated harnesses and the coachmen were highly respected. Today, the high consumption of beer (5,000,000 litres in 1995) at the Oktoberfest makes bierwagon deliveries impractical. However, they do continue as a demonstration of the old tradition.

Material: Porcelain
Origin: Germany
Volume: 1.0 L
Dimensions: 9-1/2 in.


Bremen, $85

City relief stein, 0.5 l, “Bremen”, colored, with pewter lid, stoneware, Manufacturer: Zoeller & Born, Germany


Castle Gate, $250

This tower stein is decorated as a castle tower. On the front of the stein, opposite the handle, two doors open on the side of the stein to show you a scene inside with a man valiantly waving a flag with a castle in the background. The doors are sealed with a pewter German eagle crest that snaps the doors closed. A conical pewter lid completes the piece.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 11-1/4 in. Limited edition.


City Pilsner – Berlin, $20

Gold-leaf crown on top rim. Spiral faceted glass body.

Material: Glassware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 9 in.


City Pilsner – Düsseldorf, $20

Gold-leaf crown on top rim. Spiral faceted glass body.

Material: Glassware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 9 in.


City Pilsner – Frankfurt, $20

Gold-leaf crown on top rim. Spiral faceted glass body.

Material: Glassware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 9 in.


City Pilsner – Heidelberg, $20

Gold-leaf crown on top rim. Spiral faceted glass body.

Material: Glassware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 9 in.


City Pilsner – München, $20

Gold-leaf crown on top rim. Spiral faceted glass body.

Material: Glassware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 9 in.


City Pilsner – Rothenburg, $20

Gold-leaf crown on top rim. Spiral faceted glass body.

Material: Glassware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 9 in.


Crests Stein, $120

Stoneware, hand-painted raised relief decoration with gold relief accents. This stein prominently features the German Eagle against a midnight blue background with white snow-like highlights. All 16 Regional Coats of Arms are displayed below, to the left and to the right of the eagle. Deutschland is etched into a raised ribbon near the bottom. The unusual pear-shaped stein body and the pedestal base combine to create a very attractive body design. An ornamental pewter lid completes the piece.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 10 in.


Dancers, $200

This stein was made from molds acquired from the original factory of Paul Werner Corzelius (some of which are over 100 years old!). This stein was made just a few kilometers from the original Gerz Sessenbach and Corzelius Hoehr Grenzhausen factory sites.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 3.0L
Dimensions: 17-1/2 in.


Deutschland, $115

Stoneware, raised-relief decoration. The northern coast, the Rhein River valleys, the mountains and the Black Forest are the major regions and geography of Germany and are represented by this stein. The Imperial Eagle is the main motif with antiqued gold crown above it and a banner with the word DEUTSCHLAND below it. Very attractive subtle barrel shape and muted coloring.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.75 L
Dimensions: 10-1/2 in.
Limited edition of 5,000 pieces


Equestrian, $179

Stoneware, hand-painted raised relief decoration. This barrel-shaped stein features a portrait of a horse opposite the handle encircled in gold, a rider jumping a fence to the left, and a horse frolicking in a field to the right. The stein is hand-painted with bold colors and gold-leaf accents. An antiqued conical pewter lid completes the piece.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.50 L
Dimensions: 9 in.
Limited edition of 10,000 pieces


Europe Souvenir, $225

This hand-painted relief beer stein shows a panorama of famous European cities & their skylines/notable monuments including Paris, Rome, Florence, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam, Venice, London & Lucerne. The upper rim is decorated with a clog, a bakers hat, a bunch of grapes, a beer mug and more. The lower rim has the country flags of France, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Austria & Switzerland each separated by a golden star. The front features a banner reading “Europa – Europe”, a map of Europe circled by gold leaf decoration & two crossed European Union flags. Pewter conical lid.

Limited edition of 10,000 individually numbered beer steins Worldwide!

Height: 11″ Volume: 0.75 Liter


Fixierkrug (puzzle mug), $65

Beer stein, “Fixierkrug”, 0.5 l, “German flags”, fun article, (you need to keep a special hole shut in order to drink), porcelain, Manufacturer: Domex, Germany


German-American History, $75

The body of this stein is a smooth, white and blue glazed, high quality stoneware decorated with a gold wrap around design.  Along the top border of the stein are the words, “GERMAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE.” The left side of the gold design features a timeline detailing significant events in the history and accomplishments of German-Americans, beginning with the year 1608 when Germans arrive in the English settlement of Jamestown, VA. Images of popular American traditions adopted from their German heritage and famous German-Americans adorn the left side as well.

The right side of the stein features additional images of famous German-Americans and aspects of American culture adopted from its German heritage. The timeline from the left side continues on the right, beginning with events in 1856 and ending with the 2000 census results revealing that 15% of the American population are of German descent.

At the center of the decoration is a German Eagle crest design against a U.S. Flag background. Encircling the design are the words, “GERMANY” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and above and below are maps of both countries. Rows of raised stars decorate the ornamental pewter lid.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.75 L
Dimensions: 9-3/4 in.


Hopfenschild – 0.125L, $65

Pewter relief stein, 0.125 l, “Heidelberg” & “Munich”, black with pewter lid, stoneware, Manufacturer: Zoeller & Born, Germany


Hopfenschild – 1.0L, $90

Souvenir stein “Hopfenschild”, 1.0 l, “German cities”, black with pewter lid, stoneware, Manufacturer: Domex, Germany


Hunter’s Kiss, $150

This large, traditional stein features a hunter embracing a woman for a kiss. The full color, raised relief stoneware stein is 18″ high, hold 2.0 liters, and is finished with an ornamental pewter lid. 

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 2.0L
Dimensions: 18 in.


Kannenbaecker – Braukindl, $25

Kannenbaecker stein, 0.5 l, “Braukindl”, Greetings from Munich w/6 brewery logos, stoneware, Manufacturer: Domex, Germany


Kannenbaecker – City Motif, $25

Kannenbaecker stein, 0.5 l, stoneware, Manufacturer: Domex, Germany


Kannenbaecker – Stammtisch, $25

Kannenbaecker stein, 0.5 l, “Stammtisch”, stoneware, Manufacturer: Domex, Germany


Kannenbaecker – Denmark, $20

This half-liter, classic gray stoneware kannenbaecker mug is decorated with a pewter embossed appliqué depicting an eagle with crown above a Denmark banner.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: China
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 5-1/4 in.


Kannenbaecker – England, $20

This half-liter, classic gray stoneware kannenbaecker mug is decorated with a pewter embossed appliqué depicting an eagle with crown above a England banner.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: China
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 5-1/4 in.


Kannenbaecker – Finland, $20

This half-liter, classic gray stoneware kannenbaecker mug is decorated with a pewter embossed appliqué depicting an eagle with crown above a FInland banner.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: China
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 5-1/4 in.


Kannenbaecker – Germany, $20

This half-liter, classic gray stoneware kannenbaecker mug is decorated with a pewter embossed appliqué depicting an eagle with crown above a Germany banner.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: China
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 5-1/4 in.


Kannenbaecker – Ireland, $20

This half-liter, classic gray stoneware kannenbaecker mug is decorated with a pewter embossed appliqué depicting an eagle with crown above a Ireland banner.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: China
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 5-1/4 in.


Kannenbaecker – Italy, $20

This half-liter, classic gray stoneware kannenbaecker mug is decorated with a pewter embossed appliqué depicting an eagle with crown above a Italy banner.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: China
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 5-1/4 in.


Kannenbaecker – Scotland, $20

This half-liter, classic gray stoneware kannenbaecker mug is decorated with a pewter embossed appliqué depicting an eagle with crown above a Scotland banner.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: China
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 5-1/4 in.


Lovers Stein, $100

Meticulously hand-painted with precise detail, this stein features a romantic couple on a balcony standing amidst roses, doves and angels. Castles decorate the background. The German phrase on the side states, O schoene Zeit Du Zeit der Liebe, which means, Oh what a wonderful time of love. With a flared base, this stein is a classic Thewalt stein and is one of his all time best selling items. A roseten pewter lid rests on top. Made in Germany.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.5 L
Dimensions: 7-3/4 in.


Nürnberg – uncolored, $155

City relief stein, 0.5 l, “Nuernberg”, uncolored, with pewter lid stoneware, Manufacturer: Zoeller & Born, Germany


Oktoberfest, $210

Relief beer stein, 1.0 l, “panorama Oktoberfest 2010”, rustic, with pewter lid, stoneware, Manufacturer: Zoeller & Born, Germany


Romantische Franken, $150

Panorama relief stein, 0.5 l, “romantic Franken”, rustic, with pewter lid, stoneware, Würzburg – Nürnberg – Bamberg, Manufacturer: Zoeller & Born, Germany


Stoneware Boot, $150

This is a unique stoneware boot with traditional stein styling.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 2.0 L
Dimensions: 14 in.


Trumpeter, $150

This traditional stein has a classic antiqued green and cream decoration. Opposite the handle is a design with a trumpeter and his horse with a castle in the background bordered by an ornate frame. A conical pewter lid completes the stein.

Material: Stoneware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 1.50 L
Dimensions: 13-1/2 in.


Wine Goblet, $25

Glass, hand-cut grape and leaf pattern. Green colored foot.

Material: Glassware
Origin: Germany
Volume: 0.20 L
Dimensions: 5-1/4 in.

BySuzanne Hull

#CDMCurbside Gift Guide | Christkindlmarket Des Moines Glühwein Mug Collection

Use this guide to find gift ideas from “an der Weihnachtsecke”, our CDM Curbside online store within the CDM Curbside online marketplace of vendors.

Complete your collection, or that of a friend, with EVERY Glühwein mug from the past FIVE years of Christkindlmarket Des Moines: 2016-2020! Each one decorated with iconic scenes of Des Moines and the holiday season. *VERY limited quantities on 2016- 2019 mugs*


Christkindlmarket Des Moines Glüwein Mug Collection, $62
A complete set of commemorative Christkindlmarket Des Moines Glühwein mugs: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020