More people, more sales, more local businesses . . .
Preliminary numbers released Thursday show the Carmel Christkindlmarkt enjoyed another successful run during its second annual season of offering one of the biggest and best German-themed holiday markets in the United States. The 26-day run drew a record 328,000 people, up from an estimated 150,000 in 2017, and total market sales revenue of $2,233,652, up from $1,389,000 in 2017.
In 2018, the Market attracted visitors from 45 states and 84 of Indiana’s 92 counties. CEO and Market Master Maria Murphy attributed the growth to off-season moves made to expand the market grounds, the addition of more huts, more food and beverage options and a greater diversity of the offerings made for shoppers and consumers.
“The Christkindlmarkt team is thrilled with the results of the 2018 market. Our number one goal was to hear and respond to the feedback of our guests in 2017,” said Murphy. “I believe that we did so and feedback from our 2018 guests confirms this. We look forward to improving the market every year.”
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, whose vision created the Christkindlmarkt, applauded the results as a boon to the local economy and an important part of building the quality of life for residents of the city.
“Our market is becoming an annual tradition and a destination holiday event for families from all of the country,” said Brainard. “Amenities such as this are a key reason why Carmel is on the map when it comes to identifying the best places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S.”
There were a number of new features this season, including the Gluhwein Pyramid, Kinderecke children’s activity center, a German-style grill hut and special fire-pit tables in an area where most of the food was sold.
“Our nonprofit Christkindlmarkt board will continue to work with Maria to make more changes for 2019 to enhance the visitor experience and help our dedicated local vendors have successful holiday sales,” said Dan McFeely, President of the Board. “We heard many positive comments this year, not only from tourists and local residents, but also our local business community, which also benefitted from the tens of thousands of visitors that came to Carmel.”
A complete market report will be presented to the Carmel City Council after the close of the fiscal year in April. But for now, here are some numbers of interest:
- Ice skating – 19,809 skaters during the Market (16,709 last year).
- Sponsorships – $24,000 in corporate sponsorships ($5,000 last year).
- Local business involvement – 29 central Indiana businesses (12 last year); 15 of those were Carmel businesses; and seven were new businesses launched to participate in the Market.
- Gluhwein – 30,000 cups of Gluhwein were sold.
- Hot chocolate – 26,000 cups
- Pretzels – 11,500 sold
- Beer and Gluhbier (including SunKing’s ‘Kringlebock’) – 5,400 sold
- Raclette cheese sandwiches – 10,000 sold.
Click here to learn more about Carmel Christkindlmarkt. You can also follow the Christkindlmarkt on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.