Holiday Festival

If you’re looking for a holiday experience that feels straight out of Europe, make plans to visit the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. This award-winning market brings the warmth, food, and traditions of a German Christmas village right to Carmel, Indiana. The 2025 market runs November 22 through December 24, offering six weeks of holiday cheer, artisan gifts, and live entertainment. Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Indianapolis A Taste of Germany in Indiana Step into a European-style Christmas village on Carter Green. 50 wooden huts line the walkways. The air smells like roasted nuts and fresh pretzels. Strings of lights glow. Music fills the Winter Pavilion. It feels festive the moment you arrive. Can’t-Miss Foods and Treats Come hungry. Stay cozy. These returning favorites headline 2025: Raclette Chalet – Watch melted cheese scraped fresh onto rustic bread for an unforgettable Swiss-German sandwich. Knödel & Champignons – Indulge in dumplings, sautéed mushrooms, creamy garlic sauce, red cabbage, and frikadellen. Das Pretzel Haus – Home of the famous “Jotünn” Germanic Giant pretzel. Glühwein Pyramid – Warm up under America’s first 33-foot-tall Glühwein Pyramid with mulled wine, German beer, or Kinderpunsch (a kid-friendly punch). Christkindlmarkt Souvenirs – Don’t miss the new collectible boot mug, designed by a local 12-year-old. Every bite and sip brings you closer to the spirit of a true German Christmas. The Schnitzel & Sauerkraut Hut offers Kartoffelspieß - spiralized potatoes deep-fried on a stick. Additionally, they serve schnitzel and sauerkraut, a traditional German dish featuring breaded and fried pork accompanied by sauerkraut. While variations of these street foods exist worldwide, this version is authentic to Germany. Shopping Worth Your Time This isn't generic holiday shopping. These are handcrafted gifts with stories behind them. Browse hand-carved ornaments, wooden toys, and music boxes. Find jewelry from Perlkönig, a German maker whose designs aren't sold anywhere else in the U.S. Pick up an authentic Black Forest cuckoo clock from Frankenmuth Clock Company. The kind that becomes a family heirloom. You'll leave with meaningful gifts and the satisfaction of supporting artisans who still craft items the traditional way. Live Music Every Week Over 150 hours of performances fill the 2025 season. The lineup blends traditional polka, blues, and holiday classics: Mollie B – Award-winning vocalist and crowd favorite Alex Meixner – Grammy-winning polka artist with modern energy Johnny Koenig – The self-proclaimed "polkastar" Duke Tumatoe – Blues guitar legend Mike Schneider Band – Beloved for German standards and Christmas songs Grab a drink. Enjoy the show. Sing along if you know it. Special Events in 2025 These traditions bring extra sparkle. Mark your calendar: Wundernacht (Nov. 19) – 21+ ticketed preview night with exclusive first access. Opening Ceremony & Tree Lighting (Nov. 22) – The opening bell rings and Carter Green lights up. Sankt Martinstag (Nov. 26) – A cozy lantern celebration of kindness. Christkind ChoralFest (Dec. 3) – Choirs of all ages perform. Sankt Nikolaustag (Dec. 6) – Meet St. Nikolaus and craft in the Kinderecke. German Sing-Along & Ornament Exchange (Dec. 10) – Bring an ornament to trade. Glühwein Gallop 5K (Dec. 20) – Festive race and costume contest. Military Appreciation Day (Dec. 21) – Ceremony honoring service members. Check the Market website for the full schedule and performance times. Family Favorites on the Plaza The Market is built for families. Look for the Kinderecke (kids’ crafts and make-and-take fun). Explore cultural displays. Watch artisans at work in the workshop spaces. Characters and story moments pop up throughout the season. Explore the Kinderplatz (Children’s Plaza) There’s so much to experience at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt beyond food and shopping, especially for families with children. The Kinderplatz offers a variety of free educational and fun activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy: Werkstatt (Workshop): Watch German artisans create incredible art pieces in real time. The Werkstatt, which received its own dedicated space in 2022, continues to grow each year, featuring crafts like woodworking and glassblowing. Kinderecke (Kids Corner): Families will find endless free fun in the Kinderecke. Children can craft, write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, and participate in other festive activities. SPIELHAUS (Play House): This meet-and-greet space is perfect for children to meet a variety of beloved characters, including princesses, Santa, Sankt Nikolaus, and even enjoy puppet shows. Kulturecke (Culture Corner): Discover Indiana’s rich German American history in this museum exhibit created in partnership with the Indiana German Heritage Society and the Indiana Historical Society. Ice Skating at The Ice at Carter Green Skate in the center of the action at The Ice at Carter Green. Glide under the lights, then warm up with Glühwein or hot cocoa. Check the rink calendar for season dates, session times, rentals, and special theme nights. Related Article: Ice Skating in Indianapolis | Indoor & Outdoor Ice Rinks 2025-26 Ice Skating Season: Nov. 22, 2025 – Feb. 1, 2026 Hours Wed–Thu: 4:00–9:00 p.m. Fri–Sat: 11:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Sun: 11:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Closures & Notes Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays for private rentals Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (limited hours) Check the Calendar for special events and any hour updates. Plan Your Visit Location: 10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN—right by The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater. It’s easy to find, and you’ll know you’re in the right place as soon as you see the lights. 2025 Dates and Hours: 2025 Market Dates: November 22–December 24 General Hours: Mon–Tue: Closed Wed–Thu: 4–9 p.m. Fri–Sat: 12–9 p.m. Sun: 12–8 p.m. Special Hours: Nov. 26: 12–9 p.m. Dec. 15–16: 4–9 p.m. Dec. 22–23: 12–9 p.m. Dec. 24: 12–4 p.m. Tips for visiting Carmel's Christkindlmarkt Before you head out, here are a few tips to make your trip as enjoyable as possible: Use the shuttle. It’s free, frequent, and drops you at the entrance. Arrive early. Weekends get busy, especially at dusk. Layer up. Indiana winters can be brisk. Bring a little cash. Most vendors take cards, but cash speeds small buys. Check the schedule. Performances and event times can change. Find more tips and FAQ on at carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/faq. Why You Should Visit This is more than a market. It’s a shared tradition. Eat well. Shop beautifully. Skates on or not, you’ll feel the holiday spirit the moment you step onto Carter Green.

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