The Silent Auction is Back and Better than Ever!

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is proud to present a unique fundraising opportunity for nonprofit organizations. We will have 15 – six to eight-foot cut trees** available for decoration that will be displayed outside during the market and sold via a silent auction. The organization that decorates the tree will receive the funds earned from Des Moines European Heritage Association following the event.

Individual organizations are responsible for all tree decorations, and all items used on the tree will be given to the winning bidder. We encourage decorations that are able to withstand the temperamental Iowa weather (snow, sleet, rain, and/or wind) and do our best to protect what we can. The trees remain outside and uncovered for the duration of Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Our third annual tree decorating will take place the day before the event weekend starts, Thursday, November 29^th, and trees will be available for bidding at the beginning of the market on Friday, November 30^th.

If you have participated in the past, either as a decorator or bidder, we have made some changes that we hope will make the experience even better. Minimum bids will start at $60, an increase of $10 from our first two years. This year will also feature a buy now option and the ability to bid and monitor the silent auction items off-site.

Please use this link to register your nonprofit organization as a participant at the Chistkindlmarket Des Moines silent auction tree decorating. Once the form has been submitted, additional information will be sent via email.

If you have any questions, contact Missy Mootz at [email protected].

** Cut trees are not perfect and will have a tendency to lean. Our temporary stands used during the event are also imperfect and will not always allow for the optimal display of the tree. We will present the trees in the most positive way given our circumstances. Please manage your expectations accordingly.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.