Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Overview

Step into the magic of the holidays and experience the authentic German Tradition of Christkindlmarkt!

Stroll through the market and enjoy delicious German food and beverage offerings from over 60 huts, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy holiday music performed by artists from around the world. Watch in awe as German artisans and craftsmen demonstrate their creations right in front of you or lace up your skates and glide to the sights and sounds of Christmas. Crafts, characters and music await your little ones in the Kinderecke and there are even more brand new features this year, beginning November 23.

Experience the authentic traditions of Christmas in Germany right here in central Indiana. This open-air holiday market has deep roots in authenticity, immersing our visitors in a true cultural experience as they peruse items such as handcrafted cuckoo clocks and candle arches, or experience signature treats such as raclette sandwiches, wursts, and imported German Glühwein. A beautiful outdoor ice skating rink featuring real ice forms the center of the Market.

Grab your friends and family and create all new memories with us this year!

Kinderplatz

There’s so much for visitors to explore at the Market beyond the food and shopping. The Market is an authentic cultural experience featuring a wide variety of free educational and fun activities on our Kinderplatz for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Werkstatt: In our Werkstatt (Workshop), visitors can see German artisans at work as they create incredible art pieces. In 2022, the Werkstatt received its own dedicated space and continues to grow as we welcome more artisans each year in a variety of crafts, including woodworking and glassblowing.

Kinderecke: Families find endless FREE fun in our Kinderecke (Kids Corner), where you can craft, write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, and more.

SPIELHAUS: Our Spielhaus (Play House) is a dedicated meet-and-greet space with a wide variety of characters, from princesses and Santa, to Sankt Nikolaus and puppet shows.

Kulturecke: In the Kulturecke (Culture Corner), visitors can explore Indiana’s rich German American history. This museum exhibit was created in 2019 in partnership with the Indiana German Heritage Society and the Indiana Historical Society.

Tastes of the Market

There’s a treat for every taste at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Whether you’re looking for that perfect cup of Belgian hot chocolate or mug of Glühwein, a freshly-baked pretzel or a gooey raclette sandwich, we know you’ll find something you absolutely love from our dozens of vendors offering authentic German cuisine.

Other offerings include:

• Feuerzangenbowle (a flaming Glühwein cocktail featuring a rum-soaked sugar cone that drips into the wine)
• Knödel & Champignons(vegan offering featuring dumplings & sauteed mushrooms covered in a creamy garlic sauce)
• Traditional German Wursts
• Spiked hot chocolate
• Döner Kebab
• Baumstriezel
• Fischbrötchen
• Kartoffelpuffer
• And so much more

Glühwein Pyramid

Inspired by the traditional German Christmas decoration called the “Weihnachtspyramide,” or Christmas Pyramid, these life-size versions of the Christmas Pyramid have a rich history and tradition at Christmas markets in Germany.

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt Glühwein Pyramid was the first of its kind brought to the United States. It stands 33 feet tall, twinkling with more than 3,000 lights, and weighs an estimated 10 tons.

Nine types of Glühwein — as well as a non-alcoholic option and several varieties of beer — are offered at the Market. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt was also the first location in the United States to offer Glühbier, a warm mulled beer.

Gifts & Collectibles

A wide variety of vendors offer handmade German goods for purchase. Items include nutcrackers, incense burners, wooden toys and other wood crafts, candle arches, cuckoo clocks, hats and scarves, pottery, ornaments, jewelry, and more. Along with these beautifully made gifts, visitors can buy Market collectibles such as our iconic Glühwein boot mugs. New mugs, as well as hand-painted Bier steins, are designed for each season, creating a collectible series to add to each year. New in 2024, visitors can find a pewter hut specializing in ornaments, drinkware, and other souvenirs.

Special days:

• November 23 - Mollie B (12-2 pm)

• November 26 - Sankt Martinstag (4-6 pm)
  This cozy celebration honors the timeless story of St. Martin’s kindness. Families are invited to the East Patio of the Winter Pavilion for special storytelling sessions, where little ones can enjoy delicious sweet bread while listening to tales of generosity and light. Kids can also create their very own lantern to take home with our Kindereke Lantern Craft — perfect for carrying the spirit of St. Martin’s lantern walk!

• December 3 - Christkind ChoralFest (5:30-7:30 pm)
  Seven participating choirs of all ages will rotate through 15-minute performances on the main stage, singing a selection of festive songs. Come watch the choirs or simply enjoy beautiful background music as you walk and shop the Market.

• December 4, 12 - Duke Tumatoe (7-9 pm)

• December 5-6 - Johnny Koenig (7-9 pm)
  Experience the vibrant sounds of “Polkastar” Johnny Koenig, a recognized force in the Polka genre and a band leader since age 15, Johnny combines tradition with high-energy performances.

• December 6 - Sankt Nikolausstag (5:30-7:30 pm)
  Bring the kids to the East Patio of the Winter Pavilion for a special meet & greet with St. Nikolaus himself, who will be handing out chocolates and mandarin oranges tucked inside a wrapped Christmas boot. Little ones can also enjoy a delightful Kindereke Craft to take home as a keepsake.

• December 10 - German Sing-Along and Ornament Exchange (7:30-9 pm)
  Join a festive evening of German carols and holiday cheer. No German language experience is required. Then, swap ornaments by bringing a wrapped ornament to put in before selecting a new one to take out. Ornaments should be $5-10 in value.

• December 13 - Mike Schneider Band (7:30-9 pm)

• December 14 - Mike Schneider Band (12-1:30 pm)

• December 19-20 - Alex Meixner (7-9 pm)
  The Grammy-winning polka artist is known for electrifying performances, dynamic accordion skills, and modern twist on traditional folk music.

• December 20 - Gluhwein Gallop 5k (9-11 am)
  This festive race travels the Monon Trail and past the shops along Main Street and Rangeline Road. Complete with a costume contest, this event is sure to be a highlight of the season.

• December 21 - Military Appreciation Day (12-8 pm; ceremony 12-12:30 pm)
  This special day honors active and retired military members. Please join a ceremony in the Winter Pavilion that will celebrate members of the military at 12 pm.

• December 21 - Alex Meixner (12-2 pm)

• December 24 - Christmas Eve - final day
  This is your last chance to experience the magic of the Market until it returns in 2026.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Special hours:

• November 26 - 12-9 pm
• December 15-16 - 4-9 pm
• December 22-23 - 12-9 pm
• December 24 - 12-4 pm