Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines Christmas Market 2026
Official name: Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Thursday, December 3 to Sunday, December 13, 2026
| Dates | Thursday, December 3 to Sunday, December 13, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Days Closed | Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only |
| Hours |
|
| Where | Principal Park, the downtown ballpark by the Raccoon River 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309 Directions |
| Admission | Free admission |
| Dogs | The organizer bills the market as kid- and pet-friendly. |
| Organizer | Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Official website |
| Plan Your Trip | Hotels for December 5 Map affiliate |
Des Moines Christmas Market: Quick Answers
When does Des Moines Christmas Market open in 2026?
It opens on Thursday, December 3, 2026.
When does Des Moines Christmas Market close for the season?
The last day is Sunday, December 13, 2026.
What are Des Moines Christmas Market's hours?
Thursday 5 pm to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday 11 am to 9 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.
Is Des Moines Christmas Market open every day?
Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
Where is Des Moines Christmas Market?
Principal Park, the downtown ballpark by the Raccoon River, in Des Moines, Iowa. The address is 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Is Des Moines Christmas Market free, or do you need a ticket?
It is free to get in.
About Des Moines Christmas Market
A European-style Christmas market at Principal Park over two long weekends in December, with local vendors in wooden stalls, German food, Glühwein, cultural entertainment and a KinderKorner for children.
Where Is Des Moines Christmas Market?
Principal Park, the downtown ballpark by the Raccoon River, 1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309. The other dots are nearby markets.
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Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, OpenFreeMap.
Getting There, Parking and More
Parking
The market fills Lot 1 at Principal Park. Free parking for visitors is in Lots 3 and 4 during market hours, and stalls for vehicles with a visible disability permit are in Lot 2, entered from Water Street off eastbound Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. The organizer warns not to park in the Ballyard Apartments lot (Lot 5), which is private and tows. City garages downtown charge $1 an hour up to $10 a day Monday to Saturday, with a $5 or $10 flat rate during downtown events when signs at the entrance say so.
| Parking | Location | Rate (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Lots 3 and 4 | Principal Park | Free during market hours |
| Lot 2 (accessible) | Principal Park, entered from Water St | Accessible stalls with a visible permit |
| City lots B and C | 325 and 444 SW 5th St | $5 an hour, may vary |
| City garage | 3rd and Court | $1 an hour, $10 a day max; event $5 to $20 |
Source: Christkindlmarket Des Moines, checked October 28, 2026.
Accessibility
Stalls for vehicles with a visible disability permit are in Lot 2, entered from Water Street. Service dogs are allowed on the festival site. Pets are welcome on a short leash, but the organizer asks owners to leave them home when it is too cold. Bikes, skateboards and roller blades are not allowed on site, and bikes must be walked through.
Source: Christkindlmarket Des Moines, page 2, checked October 28, 2026.
Hotels Near Des Moines Christmas Market
Principal Park is at the south edge of downtown, where the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers meet. The Court Avenue District is a few blocks north, and the rest of downtown and the East Village across the Des Moines River are within about 15 to 20 minutes on foot.
Staying the night? See hotels near Des Moines Christmas Market for Saturday, December 5 affiliate link, or browse them on the map.
Map by Stay22. It loads only when you press the button. affiliateQuestions People Ask
Is parking free at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
Yes, in Lots 3 and 4 at Principal Park during market hours. Do not use Lot 5, the Ballyard Apartments lot, which is private and tows.
Where is accessible parking?
In Lot 2, for vehicles with a visible permit. Enter from Water Street off eastbound Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a short leash. The organizer asks you to leave pets at home if it is too cold, and service dogs are allowed.
Can I bring my own drinks?
No outside drinks are allowed. Alcohol is sold to those 21 and over with ID and must stay on site.
Have You Been to Des Moines Christmas Market?
Tell other visitors whether it was worth the trip. One vote per market, no account needed.
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