The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is back, transforming Center Green into a festive European-style holiday market filled with lights, music and seasonal treats.
A cherished Carmel tradition, the market offers handcrafted gifts, German food, glühwein and family-friendly activities, making it a must-visit.
Open Nov. 23 through Dec. 24, the market is expected to bring in nearly 500,000 visitors. Last year alone the sales totaled $9.1 million. New food, drink and gift offerings this year include:
- Feuerzangenbowle: a flaming, German cocktail traditionally enjoyed with friends and family at home. The experience includes the ceremonial lighting of the sugar cone.
- Knodel and champignons: a vegan hut offering dumplings and sauteed mushrooms in garlic sauce.
- Zinnstadt: a pewter booth offering hand-painted German ornaments and steins.
- Werkstatt souvenirs: a gift shop dedicated to the sale of items made by visiting German artisans, including hand-carved figures, glass creations and more.
- Custom glass ornaments: limited-edition Carmel Christkindlmarkt collectible ornaments with blown glass and hand-drawn paintings.
Founded as a nonprofit in 2017, Christkindlmarkt received national awards in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 for best holiday market.
In addition to their new offerings, staples of the market will return including:
- Kinderplatz: the children’s plaza with free educational activities for kids of all ages.
- Werkstatt: a workshop for visitors to see German artisans at work.
- Kinderecke: a kid’s corner for children to write letters to Santa, decorate cookies and more.
- Spielhaus: a playhouse for meet-and-greets with characters and puppet shows.
- Kulturecke: a culture corner for visitors to learn more about German history.
The market is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12-9 p.m. and Sundays from 12-8 p.m. Special events and days take place throughout the run. For a complete list, visit carmelchristkindlmarkt.com.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
