The Midwest City with a Shockingly Authentic German Christmas Market
Carmel is just 30 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis, but at Christmas it feels a world away.
The aroma of warm Glühwein, sizzling bratwursts, and crisp potato pancakes mingling with the sounds of festive Christmas music and beautiful twinkling lights is what draws millions of travelers to Germany’s Christmas markets each year. Yes, visiting those Christmas markets where they originated is a dream trip, but the eight-plus hour flight to get there may be less desirable. For an authentic German Christmas Market experience without leaving the States, travel to Carmel, Indiana. The Christkindlmarkt, now in its seventh year, transports you to Deutschland—without the transatlantic flight.
Located just 30 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt opens the weekend before Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve. While closed on Thanksgiving Day, it’s open Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 4 pm to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from Noon to 9 pm, and Sunday from Noon to 8 pm. The market is open daily during the two weeks leading up to Christmas.
Drive Time:
2 hours from Cincinnati
2 hours from Louisville
3 hours from Chicago
4 hours from St. Louis
4 hours from Detroit
4.5 hours from Nashville
The Christkindlmarkt’s iconic centerpiece is a traditional Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas Pyramid). Towering 33 feet tall and filled with more than 3,000 lights, the Christmas Pyramid is visible from all areas of the market and sits alongside the large skating rink that invites visitors to take a spin.
Under the Christmas Pyramid, you’ll find nine different types of Glühwein, several German beers, including Glühbier (mulled beer), and a few non-alcoholic options on the menu. New this year is Feuerzangenbowle (fire-tongs punch), a festive twist on Glühwein made by igniting a rum-soaked cone of sugar set above the mulled wine. As the sugar melts, it caramelizes, dripping into the drink and infusing it with boozy sweetness and a slight caramel flavor. Like in Germany, Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt sells Glühwein in collectible mugs. Carmel’s mug is traditionally shaped like a boot, with a unique design that changes each year.
Traditional wooden huts line the market, offering plentiful food and gift options. Sampling all of the tasty treats will take a few days—or a group of friends willing to share. The selection is an excellent representation of what you’d find at Christmas markets across Europe, including wursts spilling out of their buns, soft pretzels the size of a pizza, pit-smoked ham, gooey raclette sandwiches, spaetzle, fish sandwiches, crepes, Flammkuchen, freshly made Stroopwafels, potato pancakes, Belgian waffles, and more. New this year: Klöße, large potato dumplings. Grab a spot in one of the cozy barrel-shaped seating areas to savor your selection. The wait for traditional Bavarian pretzels and raclette sandwiches grows longer throughout the evening, so order early.
For gifts and artisan items, shoppers can find authentic pieces like incense burners, nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, candle arches, paper lanterns, ornaments, steins, Lebkuchen hearts, and intricate German lace and jewelry. A unique chocolate selection, often found in Belgium, features sweet treats shaped like everyday items—wrenches, bolts, spark plugs, and even miniature tractors.
The market also features four distinct areas for entertainment and activities. In the Winter Pavilion, vocalists and musicians perform Christmas favorites. The Werkstatt (Workshop) showcases artisans from Germany demonstrating woodworking, woodturning, and glassblowing. Families love decorating cookies, making ornaments, lanterns, and snow globes in the Kinderdecke (Kids Corner). At the Spielhaus (Playhouse), kids enjoy puppet and magic shows, character meet-and-greets, and even storytime with Santa himself. Check the schedule for daily activities.
A few special events to note:
- November 30: Join the Lantern Procession led by Sankt Martin on horseback, as glowing handmade paper lanterns light up the market.
- December 6 (St. Nicholas Day): Meet Sankt Nikolaus and Knecht Ruprecht. Children can share a song or poem and receive a gift.
- December 11: Enjoy a German Sing-Along and participate in an Ornament Exchange by swapping wrapped ornaments.
Keep an eye out for Christkind, who roams the market in her signature gold and white robes and gold crown. Similar to Santa Claus, she’s known for leaving presents for children on Christmas Eve.
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One more thing to do outdoors: Walk or ride along the 20-mile Monon Trail, which is accessible just steps from the Christkindlmarkt. The rail-to-trail route follows part of the railroad line that once connected Chicago and Indianapolis. A short walk along the trail will bring you to unique outdoor games and climbing areas, shops, and restaurants.
One thing to eat: Raclette! Bubbling Alpine cheese is scraped off a giant wheel onto a soft baguette at the Christkindlmarkt’s Raclette Chalet. Enjoy the traditional way or add bratwurst, prosciutto, or salami. The line can be long, but it’s worth the wait.
One thing to drink: Try one of nine unique Glühwein varieties, including Elderflower, Sugar Plum, and Baked Apple—each a delightful twist on the traditional spiced mulled wine. In Germany, most markets offer a simple red or white Glühwein, making the experience in Carmel truly unique.
The place to stay: Just steps from the festivities, Hotel Carmichael is the ideal base for your Christkindlmarkt visit. The hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and has an upscale, yet comfortable, feel with beautifully appointed rooms. Enjoy the market during the day, then warm up in the hotel before heading out for more evening entertainment. Unwind at the Adagio Lounge, featuring a cozy fireplace and grand piano. Traveling with kids? Don’t miss their Shirley Temple, dubbed the “best ever” by twin 11-year-old kiddie cocktail experts. The secret: Stirrings Authentic Grenadine and Fabbri Amarena Cherries. Book several months out for the best rates.