Carmel Christkindlmarkt unveils 2026 lineup of vendors, artisans & live music

Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc. (CCI) has unveiled the event schedule and vendor list for the ninth Carmel Christkindlmarkt season. In 2026, attendees can look forward to 60 authentic German vendor huts – including two new booths – over 160 hours of live music, nine visiting German artisans, seven cherished traditional events and an expanded free shuttle service. The Market will officially open on Nov. 21 and run through Dec. 24.

The Market’s free shuttle service is back by popular demand, with expanded capacity to alleviate parking challenges for the over a 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. Every 15 minutes, Market shuttles will pick up visitors at a parking lot on CNO Financial Group’s former campus (550 College Drive) and drop them off at the Market’s entrance on 3rd Avenue.

“We are eager to welcome visitors back to the Market and create joyful spaces where they can make memories that become traditions,” CCI CEO Jason Adamowicz said. “The Carmel Christkindlmarkt team has been preparing year-round for this event, making intentional updates such as selecting new vendors, expanded shuttle service and more. All of this is done with the goal of creating a magical Market experience for every one of our guests.”

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 60 festive wooden huts throughout the Market’s footprint. The 2026 Market will feature two new vendors and several returning crowd-favorites.

New vendors

• Ino Schaller Papiermaché – Discover traditional German papier-mâché figurines made in Meilschnitz, Germany. These charming handcrafted pieces are perfect for adding a little German tradition to your holiday collection.
• Brathaus – Serving traditional German bratwurst, including Nürnberger Bratwürste and Käsekrainer, along with ham and bean soup. This is the first-ever vendor to serve Nürnberger Bratwürste at the Market, providing yet another delicious taste of Germany.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s traveling artisan program is also returning for the 2026 season. From Nov. 21 through Dec. 24, a rotation of nine artisans will travel from Germany and take up residence in the Werkstatt (Workshop). There, they will showcase their crafts – from woodworking to glassblowing – during live demonstrations. Visitors are welcome to meet the artisans, share stories, swap tricks and tips, and feel inspired by this opportunity for cultural exchange.

“In a world where so much is mass-manufactured, we remain committed to preserving the traditions behind what people see, taste and experience at Carmel Christkindlmarkt,” Adamowicz said. “Our stringent authenticity and quality requirements for vendors, performers and artisans are what make our Market one of the most authentic German Christmas market experiences in the U.S.”

In addition to vendors and artisans, over 160 hours of live musical performances are scheduled at the Market’s Winter Pavilion throughout the 2026 season. Artists include:

• Alex Meixner – a Grammy-nominated polka artist known for his modern twist on traditional folk music.
• Duke Tumatoe – a renowned blues guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist.
• Johnny Koenig Band – a “polkastar” and recognized force in the genre.
• Midwest Alphorns – an unforgettable ensemble of 12-foot-long Swiss alphorns, performing beloved German cultural songs and Christmas favorites.
• Mollie B – Award-winning vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and polka performer.

CCI will also host seven special events in 2026, which have quickly become beloved traditions:

• Opening Ceremony (Nov. 21) – Celebrate the new Market season with the ringing of the inaugural opening bell and live music.
• Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 21) – Experience the magic of the Christmas tree at Carter Green as it lights up for the first time.
• Sankt Martinstag (Nov. 25) – A cozy celebration honoring the timeless story of St. Martin’s kindness.
• Sankt Nikolaustag (Dec. 5) – Bring the kids to meet St. Nikolaus and participate in craftmaking in the Kindereke.
• German Sing-Along and Ornament Exchange (Dec. 9) – Join in singing German carols and swap ornaments with other visitors.
• Glühwein Gallop 5k (Dec. 12) – 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 2026 lineup of performances, events and activities can be found at carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/schedule.

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is made possible each year by the City of Carmel and the support of generous sponsors, including Tom Wood Porsche and Ascension St. Vincent, which operates the Market’s first aid hut.