Carmel Christkindlmarkt announces special events for 2023

Photo provided

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt has a full season of special events lined up – including several brand new events for guests to enjoy.

New for special events this year, the Market will have Sankt Martinstag (Nov. 25), the Christkind Choral Festival (Dec. 9), and Christkindlmarkt’s Got Talent (Dec. 16).

Sankt Martinstag is a celebration meant to remind us all to live our lives with kindness and virtue, just like the day’s namesake, Saint Martin. (Photo provided)

Saint Martin is a historical and religious figure most notably remembered for giving his cloak to a person who was in need during the cold of winter. Sankt Martinstag is a traditional German celebration, and at this festival at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, families will carry illuminated paper lanterns and sing together as Sankt Martin leads the procession on horseback around the Market in a celebration that serves as a reminder to live life with kindness and virtue.

The Christkind Choral Festival will feature area choirs on the mainstage of the Winter Pavilion, where guests can enjoy their performances of various holiday tunes. Christkindlmarkt’s Got Talent is a cultural showcase, featuring acclaimed performers in a variety of German arts, including yodeling, singing, dancing and more.

“We are so excited to offer some new special events for our visitors this year,” Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO Maria Murphy said. “We are always looking to expand our cultural offerings, and with these new events, we know we’re bringing even more German culture to the residents of central Indiana and beyond.”

The full schedule of special events is as follows:

  • Sankt Martinstag – Nov. 25, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Studenten am Markt (Students at the Market) – Dec. 1, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Glühwein Gallop – Dec. 2, 9 a.m.
  • Sankt Nikolaustag – Dec. 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Christkind Choral Festival – Dec. 9, 4 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Military Appreciation Day – Dec. 10, noon to 8 p.m.
  • German Christmas Carol Sing-Along and Ornament Exchange – Dec. 13, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Menorah Aflame Hanukkah Service – Dec. 14, 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Bier Competition – Dec. 15, 7 to 8 p.m.
  • Christkindlmarkt’s Got Talent – Dec. 16, noon to 3:30 p.m.
  • A Gathering of Faiths – Dec. 22, 5 to 6 p.m.

For a full list of descriptions for these events, please visit CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com/events.

The Market opens for the season on Saturday, Nov. 18. To learn more about the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and see all the official hours, please visit CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com.