Carmel is just 30 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis, but at Christmas it feels a world away.
The aroma of warm Glühwein , sizzle brat , and crisp murphy pancakes mix with the sound of gay Christmas music and beautiful trice light is what depict millions of traveler toGermany ’s Christmas marketseach year . Yes , shoot the breeze those Christmas markets where they originated is a dreaming trip , but the eight - plus hr flying to get there may be less desirable . For an reliable German Christmas Market experience without bequeath the States , move around to Carmel , Indiana . The Christkindlmarkt , now in its 7th year , transports you to Deutschland — without the transatlantic flight .
Located just 30 minute of arc north of business district Indianapolis , the Carmel Christkindlmarktopens the weekendbefore Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve . While close on Thanksgiving Day , it ’s opened Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 4 atomic number 61 to 9 postmortem examination , Friday and Saturday from Noon to 9 pm , and Sunday from Noon to 8 pm . The grocery is open daily during the two weeks leading up to Christmas .
Drive Time:
2 hours from Cincinnati2 hour from Louisville3 60 minutes from Chicago4 hours from St. Louis4 hours from Detroit4.5 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 luminosity , the Christmas Pyramid is seeable from all areas of the market and sits alongside the expectant skating skating rink that invites visitant to take a whirl .
Under the Christmas Pyramid , you ’ll ascertain nine different type of Glühwein , several German beer , including Glühbier ( mulled beer ) , and a few non - alcoholic optionson the menu . young this yr is Feuerzangenbowle ( fire - tongs punch ) , a festive turn on Glühwein made by wake a rum - inebriate cone cell of bread set above the mulled wine . As the shekels melts , it caramelise , dripping into the drinkable and tincture it with boozy sweetness and a fragile caramel savour . Like in Germany , Carmel ’s Christkindlmarkt sell Glühwein in collectible mugs . Carmel ’s kisser is traditionally shaped like a iron boot , with a unique design that changes each year .
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Traditional wooden huts line the grocery store , offering plentiful food and gift options . Sampling all of the tasty kickshaw will take a few days — or a group of friends uncoerced to deal . The selection is an excellent representation of what you ’d find at Christmas market across Europe , let in wursts spilling out of their buns , mild pretzel the size of a pizza , pit - fume ham , gooey raclette sandwiches , spaetzle , Pisces sandwiches , crepes , Flammkuchen , freshly made Stroopwafels , Irish potato griddlecake , Belgian waffle , and more . fresh this class : Klöße , large potato dumpling . Grab a spot in one of the cozy gun barrel - shaped seating areas to savor your selection . The postponement for traditional Bavarian pretzels and raclette sandwiches produce longer throughout the eventide , so rules of order betimes .
For gifts and artisan items , shoppers can find out authentic spell like incense burners , nutcrackers , cuckoo filaria , candle arch , paper lanterns , ornamentation , Stein , Lebkuchen hearts , and intricate German lace and jewellery . A unique drinking chocolate selection , often find in Belgium , feature sweet treats shaped like everyday items — wrenches , bolt , Muriel Sarah Spark plugs , and even miniature tractor .
The market also features four trenchant areas for amusement and activities . In the Winter Pavilion , vocalizer and musician do Christmas favorites . The Werkstatt ( Workshop ) showcases craftsman from Germany demonstrating woodwork , woodturning , and glassblowing . home love beautify cookies , make ornament , lantern , and nose candy orb in the Kinderdecke ( Kids Corner ) . At the Spielhaus ( Playhouse ) , kid enjoy puppet and magic shows , theatrical role meet - and - greets , and even storytime with Santa himself . break the schedulefor daily natural process .
A few special events to note :
Keep an heart out for Christkind , who drift the market in her signature Au and blanched robes and gold crown . Similar to Santa Claus , she ’s know for leaving presents for children on Christmas Eve .
Our picks for:
One more matter to do out of doors : Walk or rag along the 20 - mileMonon Trail , which is accessible just steps from the Christkindlmarkt . The rail - to - trail route follows part of the railroad line line that once connect Chicago and Indianapolis . A myopic base on balls along the trail will bring you to unique outdoor games and climb country , shops , and restaurant .
One matter to eat : Raclette ! Bubbling Alpine cheese is scraped off a gargantuan wheel onto a soft baguet at the Christkindlmarkt ’s Raclette Chalet . Enjoy the traditional way or total bratwurst , prosciutto , or salami . The line can be tenacious , but it ’s worth the wait .
One thing to drink : Try one of nine alone Glühwein varieties , including Elderflower , Sugar Plum , and Baked Apple — each a delicious twist on the traditional spiced mull vino . In Germany , most markets offer a dim-witted red ink or white Glühwein , making the experience in Carmel really unique .
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
The office to stay : Just steps from the festivities , Hotel Carmichaelis the ideal base for your Christkindlmarkt visit . The hotel is part of Marriott ’s Autograph Collection and has an upscale , yet comfortable , feel with attractively name room . Enjoy the market place during the day , then warm up in the hotel before manoeuvre out for more evening entertainment . Unwind at the Adagio Lounge , featuring a cozy fireplace and grand piano . Traveling with kids ? Do n’t miss their Shirley Temple , dubbed the “ safe 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 .
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
