Submitted
Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc. (CCI) has announced the event schedule and vendor list for the eighth Carmel Christkindlmarkt season.
In 2025, attendees can look forward to 50 authentic German food and artisan vendor huts, over 150 hours of live music spanning a variety of genres – including a Grammy-winning polka artist – nine cherished traditional events, an ice rink, and a brand-new free shuttle service. The Market will officially open on Nov. 22 and run through Dec. 24.
The debut of a free shuttle service will alleviate parking challenges for the over quarter million visitors expected to visit the Carmel Christkindlmarkt this year. The ADA-accessible service will be available to all patrons on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Market season, utilizing two buses with a combined capacity of 69 people. Every 15 minutes, Market shuttles will pick up visitors at the CNO Financial Center, located at 550 College Drive, and drop them off at the Market’s entrance on 3rd Avenue, significantly decreasing the amount of time it takes for patrons to access the Market’s magic.
“We are counting down the days until the tree at Carter Green is lit and we can welcome visitors back to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt,” said Julia Davis, acting CEO of CCI. “Our free shuttle service will make it even easier for our visitors to gather, whether it be to experience the Market for the first time, or to enjoy their traditional annual visit. The holidays are about making memories together, and we are so proud to continue to provide a special place for people to do just that.”
Authentic food, drink and handmade gifts sourced from Germany and German-speaking countries, exclusively available at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, will be sold by vendors at 50 festive wooden huts throughout the Market’s footprint. The 2025 Market will feature several returning crowd-favorites, including:
- Raclette Chalet – Voted the best food vendor by visitors in 2023 and 2024, a hut serving traditional Swiss-German Raclette sandwiches with melted cheese scraped over fresh bread.
- Frankenmuth Clock Company – A vendor showcasing legendary Black Forest cuckoo clocks from Hönes, Trenkle and Schneider.
- Perlkönig – A renowned German manufacturer of unique, high-quality and affordable fashion jewelry, sold nowhere else in the U.S.
- Das Pretzel Haus – Authentic Ditsch German pretzels and the popular “Jotünn,” a Germanic Giant pretzel.
- Christkindlmarkt Souvenirs – Including the 2025 edition of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s collectible boot mug, designed by a local 12-year-old.
- Knödel & Champignons – A vendor selling the very best authentic German comfort food, including dumplings, sauteed mushrooms with creamy garlic sauce, red cabbage and frikadellen (a delectable German meat dish).
- Glühwein Pyramid – Under the first 33-foot-tall Glühwein Pyramid in the U.S., visitors can warm up with Glühwein (mulled wine), select German beers or Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic mulled punch).
“We take immense pride in our vendor selection,” said Michael Nahmias, CCI’s vice president of operations. “Each year we try to blend ‘new’ concepts with familiar favorites, all with the goal of creating an authentic experience that you won’t find anywhere else in America. Most of our visitors will never have the opportunity to visit Germany, so we aim to enrich lives by bringing a ‘real German market’ to them as best as we can.”
In addition to food and gift vendors, over 150 hours of live musical performances are scheduled at the Market’s Winter Pavilion throughout the 2025 season. Artists include:
- Mollie B – an award-winning vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and polka performer.
- Duke Tumatoe – a renowned blues guitarist, songwriter and vocalist.
- Johnny Koenig – a “polkastar” and recognized force in the genre.
- Mike Schneider Band – a returning favorite, singing German and Christmastime favorites.
- Alex Meixner – a Grammy-winning polka artist known for his modern twist on traditional folk music.
CCI will also host nine special events in 2025, which have quickly become beloved traditions:
- Wundernacht (Nov. 19) – Get exclusive first access to the Market at this 21+ ticketed event.
- Opening Ceremony (Nov. 22) – Celebrate the new Market season with the ringing of the inaugural opening bell and live music.
- Tree Lighting Ceremony ( 22) – Experience the magic of the Christmas tree at Carter Green as it lights up for the first time.
- Sankt Martinstag (Nov. 26) – A cozy celebration honoring the timeless story of St. Martin’s kindness.
- Christkind ChoralFest (Dec. 3) – A local favorite featuring rotating performances from choirs of all ages.
- Sankt Nikolaustag (Dec. 6) – Bring the kids to meet St. Nikolaus and participate in craftmaking in the Kindereke.
- German Sing-Along and Ornament Exchange (Dec. 10) – Join in singing German carols and swap ornaments with other visitors.
- Glühwein Gallop 5k (Dec. 20) – A festive 5k race that starts and finishes at the Market, complete with a costume contest.
- Military Appreciation Day (Dec. 21) – A special ceremony honoring active and retired military members.
A full schedule of the Market’s 2025 lineup of performances, events and activities can be found at this link.
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is made possible each year by the support of generous sponsors, including Ascension St. Vincent, which operates the Market’s first aid hut, the City of Carmel and Tom Wood Porsche.
“Tom Wood Porsche is proud to support Christkindlmarkt, a beloved tradition that brings our community together to celebrate culture, heritage and the holiday season,” said John Moses, Tom Wood Porsche’s general manager. “Partnering with events like this allows us to give back to the community that has supported us for so many years, and we are thrilled to be part of such a festive and meaningful experience.”
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt will be open from Nov. 22 through Dec. 24. General Market hours for 2025 will be:
- Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED
- Wednesday & Thursday: 4 to 9 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: noon to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: noon to 8 p.m.
Dates with special hours during the 2025 season are:
- 26: noon to 9 p.m.
- 15 & 16: 4 to 9 p.m.
- 22 & 23: noon to 9 p.m.
- 24: noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, including the full Carmel Christkindlmarkt schedule and vendor map, please visit CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com.