An extensive poll by USA Today’s 10BEST travel media group has named Carmel Christkindlmarkt the No. 1 winner in the 2019 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Holiday Market in North America. Now in its third year of operation, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt has garnered national awareness as one of the most authentic German-themed markets in America.
This announcement places the Market on top of an impressive list of other holiday markets. Click here to read the full story.
Brainard
“We are thrilled to get this recognition for our Christkindlmarkt, which we have designed to be the most authentic of its kind anywhere in America,” said Mayor Jim Brainard, who conceived the idea after seeing similar markets while traveling in Germany. “We took special care to send our Market Master to Germany to personally order the hand-crafted items that are featured in our huts because it was important for us to make sure our Christkindlmarkt was like none other.”
The Christkindlmarkt opened in 2017 and in 2018 drew more than 325,000 visitors. This year, more huts were added along with more German food options and a new Indiana German Heritage Museum that describes German heritage and influence in popular holiday traditions such as the Christmas tree, gingerbread house and glass ornaments.
“We have really worked hard to partner with several community groups to put on a Christkindlmarkt that is not just about shopping and ice skating but also about education and bringing a taste of Old World music and the arts to our patrons,” said Maria Murphy, Market Director. “This honor shows us that we have created a fun and festive experience for our visitors and the residents of Carmel and we can’t wait to continue expanding and improving the Market for years to come.”
Here is the complete list:
- Carmel Christkindlmarkt
- Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt
- Georgetown Christmas Market
- Old World Christmas Market
- Mifflinburg Christkindl Market
- European Christmas Market
- Downtown Holiday Market
- Vancouver Christmas Market
- Christmas Village in Philadelphia
- Kerstmarkt (Holland)