Submitted
The holidays are more magical than ever in Indiana. Old-world holiday charm returns to Carmel at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt (pronounced Chris-t-Kindle-Mark-t) opening Nov. 16.
Find the Carmel Christkindlmarkt at Carter’s Green, between The Palladium and the Tarkington Theatre. Locals know this as the location of the Carmel Farmers Market in the summer.
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt opens Saturday, Nov. 16 and will remain open through Tuesday, Dec. 24. It will be closed each Monday and Tuesday (except for Dec. 23 and 24), as well as on Thanksgiving Day. Hours of operation are 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and noon to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Monday, Dec. 23, the Christkindlmarkt will be open from noon to 9 p.m., and from noon to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Beneath the twinkling lights, browse more than 50 wooden huts selling authentic products imported from Germany, like wooden toys, nutcrackers, music boxes, ornaments and more. Don’t miss the collectible items like the boot mug and Bierkrüge for adult beverages.
While you’re shopping, sip a hot mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot cocoa. Come hungry to enjoy a German pretzel, Bratwurst, Lebkuchen (German cookie), Raclette (melted cheese served on bread) and Stollen (dried fruit bread).
What is a Christkindlmarkt?
Christkindlmarkt are holiday markets traditionally found in Europe, dating back to the Middle Ages in Saxony, Germany. The markets are a winter tradition with holiday food, drink, gifts and decorations. Here you’ll find hand-crafted wooden toys, artwork and more.
Glühwein Pyramide
This traditional decoration is the only one like it in the United States, standing more than 33 feet tall with more than 3,000 lights and weighing 10 tons. Enjoy more than 10 varieties of warm beverages, ranging from mulled wine to beer and children’s’ punch. Purchase a collector’s mug to take home with you.
The Ice at Carter’s Green
Inside the perimeter of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is an outdoor ice skating rink, the Ice at Carter’s Green. Bring your own skates or rent on-site and glide through a winter wonderland. The ice rink will be open past the holiday season to enjoy all winter long. Beginning in 2018, reservations must be made online. Skate sessions last 75 to 90 minutes.