With a large community of artisans and makers it’s easy to shop local in Des Moines—especially during the holiday season when handcrafted markets pop up throughout the city. Whether the focus is trendy, eclectic or traditional, holiday pop-up markets are hubs for Des Moines’ unique brand of creativity. Get to know the people behind the products and have a great time at these one-of-a-kind events.
Market Day
This high-energy event has become a Black Friday tradition in downtown Des Moines. Shoppers will find on-trend art, apparel, jewelry, home goods, ceramics, toys and more from 75 of the Midwest’s best craft businesses. A family-friendly board game lounge hosted by The Dealt Hand is a new addition to this year’s market.
- Date: Friday, Nov. 29, 2019
- Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: The Atrium at Capital Square, 400 Locust Street, Des Moines
- Admission: Free — the first 100 customers to arrive will receive a Market Day tote bag with freebies and coupons
- Website: www.MarketDayIowa.com
- Event Details
Christkindlmarket
Participate in a 700-year-old tradition at the German-inspired Christmas market. Sip mulled wine or locally produced European-style beer while visiting wooden huts housing goods made by regional craftspeople. The market creates the feel of an old-world village, complete with a forest of decorated trees, musical and dance performances, and craft demonstrations.
- Dates and Times:
- Friday, December 6, 2019 : 11am – 9pm
- Saturday, December 7, 2019: 11am – 9pm
- Sunday, December 8, 2019: 11am – 5pm
- Location: Principal Park, 1 Line Drive, Des Moines
- Admission: Free
- Event Details
Merry Market
At this relaxed last-minute holiday market shoppers can find the perfect handmade gift while enjoying fare from The Hall's food trucks and beverages including nitro coffee, crafted cocktails and 54 draft beers. Merry Market boasts a fun, family-friendly holiday party vibe. The nineteen participating local makers contribute 10 percent of sales to the Justice League of Food—a local non-profit that provides job training and placement in the food and beverage industry.
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019
- Time: 11 am to 5 pm
- Location: The Hall, 111 S. 11th Street, West Des Moines
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.MarketDayIowa.com
- Event Details
Brilliant Crafts and Wares Fair
A chill and high-quality craft fair with vendors from all over Iowa, Brilliant Crafts and Wares Fair boasts eclectic wares and finely curated vintage pieces. Tucked into downtown’s quirky Vaudeville Mews venue, Brilliant Crafts and Wares is a perfect spot to drink, shop local, and be merry!
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019
- Time: 12 pm to 5 pm
- Location: Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th Street, Des Moines
- Admission: Free
- Event Details
Happy Hollow Days
Set amongst the Art Terrarium’s beautiful backdrop of live plants, the Happy Hollow Days market is proof that last-minute holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Fifteen modern makers will have all the cozy goods you need for hygge-inspired giving—including locally crafted soap, candles, room sprays, jewelry, knitted goods, illustrations and pastries.
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019
- Time: 11 am to 3 pm
- Location: Art Terrarium, 106 11th Street, Des Moines
- Admission: Free
- Event Details
Author: Mary Paoli, Market Day Public Relations Manager
