Carmel Christkindlmarkt – Authentic German Christmas Market in Indiana!

Updated 11/2024

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt (“Market”) is a traditional European holiday market in Carmel, Indiana (north of Indianapolis). It is the most authentic German Christmas Market in the U.S. and has won Best Holiday Market for USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for the past four years. Individuals passionate about German culture and traditions built the Market into what it is today.

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt owes its creation and ongoing success to individuals passionate about preserving and celebrating German culture and traditions. Through their dedication, visitors to the market are treated to an immersive and authentic experience reminiscent of the beloved Christmas markets found throughout Germany.

The Christkindlmarkt is a seasonal open-air market that comes alive from mid-November until Christmas Eve. Admission to the Market is FREE!

The German term “Christkindlmarkt,” translates to “Christ child market” or Christmas market. Within this Market, numerous vendors, nestled in charming wooden huts, offer traditional German food, beverages, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Amidst the lively atmosphere, an outdoor ice rink beckons visitors to glide across its smooth surface, enveloped by the market’s enchanting live music and twinkling lights. This time-honored tradition is an experience worth adding to your holiday bucket list.

Vendors and Food

The Market vendors offer everything from food to handcrafted ornaments, decorations, home goods, and other gifts. While I’m typically food-focused, I love browsing all the hand-painted German ornaments and artisans; the talent put into these treasures is amazing! The German steins are all hand-crafted and painted – truly a work of art!

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a memorable family outing, the Market has entertainment and activities for all ages. From ice skating and kid-friendly activities to a dedicated Kinderecke (kid’s corner), there’s plenty to keep children entertained. In the evening, the Market is adorned with twinkling lights and offers a cozy ambiance. Visitors can enjoy ice skating under the stars and warm up with a cup of traditional Glühwein (a mulled hot wine) or a rich, creamy Belgian hot chocolate.

My Market Favorite Foods

• Sweet Treats: My Market favorites include schmalzkuchen (yummy German donuts), stroopwafels (perfect with a cup of coffee), Liege waffles (made with real sugar pearls), and chimney cakes (filled with fruit). I’m a huge fan of all things sweet!
• Savory Delights: When it comes to savory dishes, I highly recommend the kartoffelpuffer (a flavorful potato pancake), döner kebab (a popular German street food), kartoffelspieß (spiral-cut fried potatoes on a stick), and käsespätzle (a hearty, cheesy noodle dish). 
• Beverages Galore: For drinks, my top picks are Glühwein (a warming mulled hot wine), Bob’s Hot Chocolate (made with real Belgian chocolate), and a Rose & Lois latte (usually the Nutella latte). These beverages are the perfect way to complete your Market experience.

Picking the best food at the Market is tough because there’s so much to choose from. Raclette, Napoleon flatbreads, crepes, and Bavarian pretzels are all super popular. You’ll definitely want to come back multiple times to try everything delicious they have to offer.

New Carmel Christkindlmarkt mug designs are introduced every year. I recommend purchasing one of these unique mugs (many people collect them). At the Gluhwein Pyramid or throughout the market, you can enjoy a hot alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage served in your mug. Alternatively, you can purchase a mug for only $6 without a beverage.

Check out the Carmel Christkindlmarkt map and schedule here to plan your trip and the top vendors/activities you want to visit.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt Activities

The Werkstatt

At the Werkstatt hut, German artisans showcase their exceptional skills in woodworking and glassblowing. These talented individuals, flown in from Germany specifically for the Market, use techniques on the verge of extinction in our fast-paced, mass-produced world. Through their artistry, they entertain visitors with stories, discussions, and awe-inspiring creations. Their dedication preserves the cultural heritage.

Activities for Kids

Children and families can stop by the Kinderecke (“Kid’s Corner”) hut for free craft-making and holiday-themed German creations. Pick up a Kinder Club Passory for kids, collect stamps from different participating huts around the market, and turn your Passport in to Guest Services for a prize! Scavenger Hunts are available for all ages and are great for learning German trivia and facts.

At the Spielahus hut, family-friendly entertainment and the opportunity to meet characters and Santa are provided. Character appearances include fairy tale princesses, magicians, ballerinas, Christkind, Santa Claus, and Mrs. Claus.

Ice Skating at the Market

It wouldn’t be a Christmas market without ice skating! If you are like me, this might seem like a challenge, but have no fear – The Ice at Center Green is for all ages and skill levels! The rink is open when the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is open and continues through February. It is HIGHLY recommended that you reserve your ice skating in advance (online). While you can purchase admission at the gate, it is often sold out during busy times. Admission for ice skating is 90 minutes. Skaters can rent ice skates at the rink or bring their own. Check out the seasonal calendar here for daily hours of operation and to purchase tickets.

Live Music and Entertainment

The Winter Pavilion serves as the Market’s central stage and entertainment hub. It is located near the Pyramid. Live music and performances fill the pavilion throughout the day and evening. For a detailed schedule of these events, please refer to the daily schedule here.

The Kulturecke

Visit Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s on-site museum, the Kulterecke. This museum hut is operated by the Indiana German Heritage Society (IGHS) and includes exhibits that explore Indiana’s German-American history. Inside, docents are ready to answer your questions.

Special Events at the Market

The Market hosts special events every week or two, making them a must-see attraction. To ensure you don’t miss out, check the schedule and plan your visit around the events that interest you the most. Among the highlights are the Opening Ceremony, Sankt Martinstag, Indianapolis Colts Fest, Christkind ChoralFest, Sankt Nikolaustag, KulturFest, the German Sing-Along and Ornament Exchange, the Glühwein Gallop 5K Walk/Run, Military Appreciation Day, and the Bier Competition.

Tips to Know Before You Go:

• The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is located at 10 Center Green – Carmel, IN (between The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater)
• Check the hours in advance of visiting and download the Carmel Christkindlmarkt App.
• The Market is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Check the website for special hours of operation. The last day of the Market is December 24.
• Parking is free in Carmel, and parking garages are nearby. During busy times, the parking lots and street parking are often full, but with a little patience, a spot will usually open up.
• Admission into the Market is free; the only costs associated with visiting are for ice skating and purchases made at the vendor booths.
• No pets are allowed at the market.
• Complimentary transport wheelchairs for guests who find themselves in need of mobility assistance. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the First Aid Hut.

Pin It For Later!