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BySuzanne Hull

Hessen Haus | 2023 Bronze and Hut Sponsor

We’re pleased to include Hessen Haus among our family of 2023 sponsors!

The Hessen Haus perfectly recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall. The imported German biers on tap, authentic German fare on the menu, and traditional bier hall interior create a lively yet cozy atmosphere where large crowds gather to pass the boot and small groups find themselves making new friends.

A combination of a state in west-central Germany and the German word for house, the name Hessen Haus was chosen for its authentic origins and welcoming feel. The state of Hessen which the bier hall is named for plays home to more than six million inhabitants – which are referred to as Hesses if male or Hessins if female. In English, occupants are known as Hessians – a term affectionately applied to our more frequent visitors to the restaurant.

BySuzanne Hull

Siegwerk USA | 2023 Weihnachtswald Sponsor

We’re pleased to announce Siegwerk USA as the Weihnachtswald Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023.

Siegwerk was founded in Siegburg, Germany in 1830 as a retailer of manufactured goods. The company capitalized on its expertise in printing obtained from the “Kattunfabrik”, a fabric print shop, and progressed to become one of the top international manufacturers of printing inks and coatings. Globally, Siegwerk employs over 5,000 people in 30 countries.

Siegwerk plays an important role in packaging, as we use color to bring products to life for our customers. Every day people come across Siegwerk inks no matter where they are, including walking down the grocery aisle where there are many offerings of examples including confectionery packaging, beverage bottles or food pouches.

Des Moines is the home of Siegwerk’s U.S. headquarters and is proud to sponsor this event, as having strong roots from Germany. We love seeing the European culture come to life in our city.

BySuzanne Hull

Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 | 2023 Hut Sponsor

Many thanks to Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023. 

Scandinavians began immigrating to Iowa as early as the 1830s and 1840s where they settled mostly in central and northern Iowa. Eva Nansen Lodge 46 became the first Iowa lodge to bear the name Daughters of Norway on November 5, 2006 with forty-six charter members representing Norway, Denmark, and Sweden ancestries. Membership is available not only to Norwegians, but women with Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic connections.

“Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 is proud to continue the legacy of Nordic heritage throughout Iowa with cultural arts, history, and traditions that our ancestors brought to America to share among today’s children and women of all ages,” explained representative, Sandy Hansen. “The Lodge Sisters pride themselves in offering educational and festive events, cultural programs and activities, and social gatherings. Lifelong Nordic friendships have developed while sharing common interests.”

BySuzanne Hull

Creative Choice Solutions | 2023 Platinum Sponsor

We’re pleased to have Choice Creative Solutions as a member of our team as a Platinum Sponsor.

Choice Creative Solutions is the brainchild of the group behind the marketing wheel at Community Choice Credit Union (CCCU) in Des Moines, IA. After over a decade of proven success and awards of recognition for raising the awareness/success level for CCCU and pushing the marketing boundaries for a financial institution, it seemed logical to work with other businesses to help them achieve success.

BySuzanne Hull

Iowa State Bank | 2023 Bronze Sponsor

We’re excited to announce Iowa State Bank’s support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023.

Iowa State Bank is proud to have called Des Moines home for over 80 years. They have five metro banking locations, along with Investment and Trust Departments providing strong wealth management services. Iowa State Bank has been committed to this community since opening their doors in 1941. Helping to support local organizations and giving their customers the best possible banking experience will always be their priority.

BySuzanne Hull

The Kringle Man | #CDM2023 Vendor

Tell us about your business:

Located in Elk Horn,Iowa we have been in business since 2015, but have only started Kringle and Danish baking since 2018. I am a retired schoolteacher that was looking to fill some time and it has turned into a full time business with the unique Danish Baking products that I have been marketing. I enjoy the time in the bakery, but really we do this to meet new people and attend events such as the Christkindlmarket Des Moines. We do around 70 events a year, with our traveling show, and have attended shows in 8 different states. The recipes are a combination of Danish Grandmothers sharing with me and searching old cookbooks and the internet to create the product that I market. 

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023?

We have been involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines in 2019 and it exceeded our wildest expectations.  Iowa has always been a strong market for us, but this was amazing.  It was as the Dane’s say a Hygge time: (pronounced hoo·guh). Hygge is about preserving happiness everyday. It is about slowing down, being humble, expressing gratitude, feeling safe and connecting with loved ones. Who wouldn’t want to spend a weekend with friends at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023 and why did you choose them?

The Danish Pastry made with the puff pastry dough for that light and flaky experience while enjoying a generous serving of fruit sprinkled with baker’s sugar and drizzled with a sweet white and glossy icing.


Hot out of the oven the Danish Letter.  A generous serving of Almond Paste wrapped in the puff pastry dough, topped with baker’s sugar and baked to perfection.  A perfect companion to a great cup of coffee. 


Ready for packaging.  The Cream Horn is filled with my own creation of sweetness to drive any connoisseur of the puff pastry covered in baker’s sugar and baked to a golden color crazy.


The Apple Kringle shows all the lite and flaky layers of goodness surrounded by air pockets of joy.  The generous serving of Almond Paste blended with the fruit and covered with Almond Slivers and baker’s sugar is a treat anytime of the day.


The Kringle comes in two different sizes: Family size of 5 inches by 15 inches or the couple size of 3 3/4 inches by 10 inches. Don’t be afraid to get the bigger size as all my products freeze amazingly so you can enjoy some now and some later with coffee and family or friends.


We also have a topping of cream cheese icing that is out of this world good.

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2023 Yuletide Hall Performers Announced

Thursday, November 30, 2023

5:30pm – 9pm: Jim Kucera Band: known throughout the Midwest as Nebraska’s Oktoberfest Band.

Friday, December 1, 2023

11am – 2pm: Barry Boyce Band: German Style Polka & Waltz with English Vocals, including Christmas music in Polka Tempo

2:30pm – 5:30pm: Stu Ryan O’Brien is fun music and entertainment based in greater Des Moines and central Iowa. Stuart Walker as Stu Ryan O’Brien sings Irish traditional and pub songs along with irresistible classic rock and pop tunes. There’s always a wee bit of clappin’, sing along and lots of laughs too!

6:30pm – 9pm: Malek’s Fishermen Band is one of the finest polka bands in the Midwest; and continue the great tradition of dance music excellence started by Syl Malek in the 1930’s with Malek Bros. Accordion Band. They will be performing European dance music: polka, waltz, etc. and German, Czech, Polish, Irish and Norwegian holiday standards.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

11:30am – 12pm: 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.

1:30pm – 2pm: Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums of Iowa Bagpipes and drums

3:30pm – 4pm: 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!

6pm – 9pm: Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen is a polka/variety band based out of Mt Vernon, IA. She has been inducted in the Polka Hall of Fame and the Midwest All Music Association Hall of Fame. The band had the honor of playing on the National Mall in Washington DC for the Smithsonian Folklife Fest in 1996. Get ready to dance and sing along to a variety of music including polkas, waltzes, country, two steps, big band, Latin, and party favorites!

Sunday, December 3, 2023

12:30pm – 1:15pm & 2:30pm – 3:15pm: Metro Brass Quintet was founded in the Spring of 2014 and has performed high quality brass music for numerous events in the Des Moines metro and brings a festive spirit to all of its performances.

4pm – 4:40pm: Greater Des Moines Adult Flute Choir is an adult community choir promoting the collegial enjoyment of flute music and performing entertaining and challenging works for our audiences. Directed by Erika Leake McKnight, the choir is in its second year of performing together and features piccolo, C, alto, and bass flutes.

BySuzanne Hull

Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Co | 2023 Bronze Sponsor

Ever wonder how those cute wooden vendor huts arrive at Principal Park? Special thanks to the team at Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company‘s Waukee location for transporting our huts to the venue and returning them to storage year after year.

Founded in 1856, Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company is dedicated to providing its customers with quality, consistency, value, innovation and style.

For over 150 years, their MISSION has been to succeed through unwavering focus on the success of their customers in central and eastern Iowa. They accomplish their mission by supplying customers with top-quality, high-value building products and unparalleled service. They strive to apply the highest standards of integrity to their daily business and to provide a positive, ethical working environment for their employees. Succeeding in this quest for excellence requires every employee to help create a safe, enjoyable and productive work environment.

BySuzanne Hull

Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. | 2023 Silver Sponsor

Many thanks to the Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. law firm in Ankeny for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023. 

LGL values being a part of their community and welcomes the opportunity to support their office family in their interests. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an event that their employee Erin Baldwin is actively involved in and passionate about and they are happy to be a part of the event.

Their firm has been serving the law needs of businesses and individuals in Ankeny and throughout Iowa for over 20 years. Whether you are starting a business, changing custody agreements or getting your affairs in order, an attorney at Ankeny Law will be at your service.

BySuzanne Hull

Eisenlauer Team, Re/Max Revolution | 2023 Hut Sponsor

Many thanks to Eisenlauer Team, Re/Max Revolution for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023. 

They understand that finding a home can be hard. That’s why it’s important to have some of the best Realtors in Des Moines on your side.

When it comes to buying or selling a property, Eisenlauer Team is the name you can trust. They strive to be the best Realtors in Des Moines, delivering unmatched excellence and customer satisfaction.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer, seasoned seller, or somewhere in the middle – they gear their services to your specific needs. When buying or selling real estate, you deserve the best service for the best price. They know that moving can be both exciting and unnerving at the same time. Being leading Realtors in Des Moines, they are determined to make the process as fun and as smooth as possible.

While the average person buys or sells once every 8-10 years, they do it on a daily basis. So allow their experienced Des Moines area Realtors to assist you through the process from beginning to end. There are over 25 different contacts to coordinate during the transaction process, (more or less depending on the property). They’ll make those contacts and keep you informed along the way.