CARMEL, Ind. — A family favorite holiday event is returning to Carmel this month.
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt will open Nov. 18 and run through Christmas Eve.
The holiday celebration will feature an ice rink, new vendors throughout the market, shows and more.
For the first time ever, the popular Werkstatt workshop will feature glassblowers from Thuringia, Dec. 6-10.
New huts are also opening this year:
- Speisekammer - Shop a wide variety of specialty oils, vinegars and loose-leaf teas.
- Holzbildhauer - Werkstatt artist and wood carver Joachim Seitfudem will operate this hut, selling nativities, small figurines and other art from the Oberammergau.
- Perlkönig - The popular jewelry vendor is returning to the market after a year away. Peruse an array of jewelry from the renowned German designer, Perlkönig.
- Räucherschinken Haus - “Prague Ham,” pit smoked ham cooked over an open wood fire; a custom smoker was built just to smoke ham on site at the Market.
- Trüffel & Mehr - Specialty chocolate truffles, as well as chocolate shaped like tools, cars, cameras and more.
Other new food options are also opening this year:
- Döner Kebab - German-style Döner Kebab; rotisserie-style meat shaved onto bread and served with toppings.
- Herzhafte Suppen - New soups will be available at this hut.
- Stroopwafels - Das Schokoladenhaus will be offering fresh Stroopwafels this year with a caramel filling.
“We are so excited to have new entertainment options for families this year, and to bring in glassblowers from Lauscha for our guests to watch at work,” said Maria Murphy, CEO of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. “We are always looking for ways to enhance the experience of our visitors while maintaining a dedication to authenticity, and we know these new offerings will do just that.”
Here is the full schedule of special events:
- Sankt Martinstag – November 25, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Studenten am Markt (Students at the Market) – December 1, 12 to 4 p.m.
- Glühwein Gallop – December 2, 9 a.m.
- Sankt Nikolaustag – December 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Christkind Choral Festival – December 9, 4 to 7:30 p.m.
- Military Appreciation Day – December 10, 12 to 8 p.m.
- German Christmas Carol Sing-Along and Ornament Exchange – December 13, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Menorah Aflame Hanukkah Service – December 14, 6 to 7 p.m.
- Bier Competition – December 15, 7 to 8 p.m.
- Christkindlmarkt’s Got Talent – December 16, 12 to 3:30 p.m.
- A Gathering of Faiths – December 22, 5 to 6 p.m.
For learn more about each event, click here.
Families will be able to enjoy the fun for free Wednesday through Sunday every week until the big day.
Here's the schedule:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday and Thursday: Open 4-9 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: Open noon-9 p.m.
- Sunday: Open noon-8 p.m.
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
There will also be new barrel dining rooms that feature a fireplace and spot to warm up, sit down and enjoy food.
For more on the market, click here.