Christkindlmarket in Des Moines

 

Christkindlmarket

Des Moines, IA | December 11-12, 2025

 

Kick off your holiday celebrations with a two-day escape to Iowa’s capital! Step back in time at the historic Salisbury House & Gardens, shop ‘til you drop at Jordan Creek Town Center, and then immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Christkindlmarket at Principal Park. Traditional wooden stalls brim with unique gifts, glass-blowing and woodcarving demonstrations, and seasonal treats like Polish pierogi. It’s the perfect way to knock out some Christmas shopping while soaking up the old-world charm of a European-style market—right here in Des Moines.

 

Day 1 – Thursday, December 11, 2025

Your holiday adventure begins as we make our way toward Des Moines. Along the way, enjoy a comfortable ride aboard our luxury motorcoach, complete with festive cheer from your on-board host.

 

Our first highlight stop will be at the Salisbury House & Gardens, often called an “American Castle.” Built in the 1920s by cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks, this grand estate is filled with history, stunning architecture, and stories of its eclectic past. From its Tudor-style design to the priceless art and antiques that fill its halls, the Salisbury House offers a rare glimpse into an era of elegance and charm.

 

Later, check into the Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing overnight stay. Unpack, unwind, and perhaps share a few laughs with your fellow travelers as you get ready for the holiday fun that awaits tomorrow.

 

Day 2 – Friday, December 12, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning begins with a visit to Jordan Creek Town Center, Iowa’s premier shopping destination. With more than 100 stores, unique boutiques, and plenty of dining options, it’s the perfect opportunity to finish up your Christmas shopping—or treat yourself to something special.

 

Next, it’s time for the main event: the Christkindlmarket at Principal Park. Step into a winter wonderland of festive cheer, where traditional wooden stalls line the paths, brimming with handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, and specialty items. Enjoy watching artisans at work—live demonstrations include glass-blowing, tinsmithing, quilling, and wood carving. And don’t miss the flavors of the season—sip warm spiced cider, nibble on roasted nuts, or savor authentic Polish pierogi from local vendors. With twinkling lights, festive music, and the joyful atmosphere of an old-world European-style market, this stop will truly put you in the Christmas spirit.

 

As the day winds down, we’ll return home with hearts full of holiday joy, bags filled with treasures, and memories of a merry holiday getaway to cherish.

 

Tour Pricing: 

$330 Per Person Triple

$350 Per Person Double

$410 Single

Non-Members Please Add $30

 

Activity Level 2: RELAXED

Expectations: This tour requires light physical activity combined with shorter travel days. Tour members should expect intermittent walking, with occasional slight inclines and stair climbs, including boarding the motorcoach. Activities may include an occasional city or nature walking tour, stopping along the way. Guests should be able to climb a set of stairs, walk up or down slight slopes and navigate some uneven terrain or cobblestone. Please be aware that on tours with flights and cruises you will be required to handle your own luggage and walk longer distances in airports and cruise terminals. In addition, you may need to handle your own luggage at hotels where luggage handling is not available.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are somewhat physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).

 

Deposit & Final Payment: A $75 deposit per person is required within one week of reservation. Must be paid in full by Tuesday, November 11, 2025. No refunds will be issued after 5:00pm on Friday, November 7, 2025.

 

Travel Protection:

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden illness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience we offer a Travel Protection plan provided by the United States Fire Insurance Company and administered by Trip Mate, Inc.; in UT and CA, DBA Trip Mate Insurance. To review full plan details online, go to www.tripmate.com/wpTPD040 for domestic tours valued up to $4,000 per person or to www.tripmate.com/wpTPG040 for all international tours or domestic tours valued over $4,000 per person.