At WE LIKE INDY, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is a highlight of the holiday season. For years, we’ve attended this German-style Christmas market and it never fails to impress. Downtown Carmel transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, live music, handcrafted gifts, and authentic German cuisine. The 2025 edition promises to be bigger and better, making it a must-visit for families, couples, and groups of friends.
November 22 – December 24, 2025
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday & Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Special Hours:
November 26: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 15 & 16: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 22 & 23: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 24: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt 2025 offers a full schedule of festive events. Highlights include:
Opening Ceremony – Nov 22, 11:30 AM: Live music from the Midwest Alphorn Retreat and the first appearance of the Christkind.
Christmas Tree Lighting – Nov 22, 3:00–6:45 PM: Entertainment, magic shows, acrobats, Silly Safari with live reindeer, and Santa visits. The evening concludes with the grand tree lighting at 6:30 PM.
Sankt Martinstag – Nov 26, 4:00–6:00 PM: German storytelling at the Spielhaus with traditional Weckmänner recipe cards for kids.
Christkind ChoralFest – Dec 3, 4:30–9:00 PM: Choir performances of holiday songs for a magical festive atmosphere.
Sankt Nikolaustag – Dec 6, 5:30–7:30 PM: St. Nicholas and Knecht Ruprecht visit the Winter Pavilion.
German Sing-Along & Ornament Exchange – Dec 10, 7:30–9:00 PM: Join in singing German carols and exchanging ornaments (value $5–$10).
Holiday Market Collectibles & Craft Workshops: Daily opportunities to create your own ornaments and Christmas crafts.
For the full schedule, visit Carmel Christkindlmarkt Schedule.
Over 50 handcrafted wooden huts line the streets, offering:
Hand-carved nutcrackers, wooden toys, and music boxes
Collectible Bierkrüge and Christmas mugs
Festive ornaments and holiday decorations
Food lovers can indulge in authentic German treats: bratwurst, pretzels, roasted almonds, mulled wine, and seasonal desserts. Don’t miss the 2025 boot mug, a limited collectible item that every visitor should have.
The Carter Green outdoor ice rink is a highlight for visitors of all ages. Families will enjoy:
Santa visits and festive photo opportunities
Ice skating lessons for beginners
Romantic evening skating for couples
Fun for groups of friends with nearby food and drink stations
Additionally, kids can enjoy the Spielhaus, a cozy space for storytelling, crafts, and games, creating a perfect holiday experience for families.
Morning:
Arrive and stroll through the market, exploring handcrafted gifts
Grab a warm pretzel or bratwurst
Afternoon:
Attend a special event such as Sankt Martinstag or a craft workshop
Take family photos with festive decorations
Evening:
Ice skating at Carter Green
Enjoy live music or a choir performance
Finish with a festive dessert or mulled wine from a market vendor
Enhance your market visit with a meal at:
Carmel Bistro: Cozy, European-inspired dishes
Bazbeaux Pizza: Perfect for families with creative pizzas
Slapfish: Casual, fresh seafood for groups
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Romantic fine dining for couples
Families: Visit weekdays for smaller crowds and kid-friendly activities
Couples: Evening visits for romantic lighting and music
Friends: Weekend evenings for lively entertainment, drinks, and food
Parking: Arrive early to secure convenient parking or use nearby garages
At WE LIKE INDY, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is more than a market—it’s a holiday tradition. From handcrafted gifts and German treats to ice skating, music, and festive events, it captures the true spirit of Christmas in Indiana.
Whether you’re visiting for family fun, a romantic date, or a group outing, this market offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars for November 22 – December 24, 2025, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Photos by We Like Indy Team.
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