The Carmel Christkindlmarkt opens its 2026 season with a morning Opening Ceremony and an evening Tree Lighting Ceremony on Carter Green. In the morning, families can hear live alphorn music, meet the Christkind and watch the first ring of the bell that opens the market.
In the evening, performances lead up to remarks and the countdown that lights the market’s Christmas tree. Both ceremonies take place at the Winter Pavilion. During the day, kids can catch a Christmas puppet show in the Spielhaus and make a clothespin ornament in the Kinderecke, and a carol sing-along fills the Spielhaus in the evening.
Looking for more free things to do? Browse our monthly list of free events in Indianapolis.
2026 Dates:
- November 21, 2026 | Opening Ceremony, 11:30 a.m. to noon
- November 21, 2026 | Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6 to 6:45 p.m.