There’s always something new and exciting to discover at the Market! Our line-up of unique entertainers, special cultural events and fun family programming guarantees that we have something for everyone to enjoy, whether you visit once, twice or every week we’re open. Our special events often take place throughout the Market, with stage entertainment happening on the main stage in our Winter Pavilion.
Join us as we kick off the 2025 Carmel Christkindlmarkt with our Opening Bell Ceremony on Saturday, November 22nd!
Starting at 11:30 a.m., enjoy live music from the Midwest Alphorn Retreat, meet our new Christkind, and take in the joyful atmosphere of Opening Day.
Be part of the tradition from the very first ring - it’s the perfect way to welcome the holiday season!
Join us at the Main Stage in the Winter Pavilion for a magical evening as we light the 2025 Christmas Tree! From 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., enjoy festive entertainment and family fun provided by the City of Carmel, including Silly Safari with live reindeer, a juggler, magician, and a special visit from Santa. The celebration continues with a featured stage performance by Indiana Ballet Conservatory at 6:00 p.m., followed by the official tree lighting countdown at 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Allied Solutions in partnership with the City of Carmel.
Join us for a heartwarming evening as we celebrate the German tradition of Sankt Martinstag with a new interactive Storytime experience inside the cozy Spielhaus!
Families are invited to hear the beloved tale of Saint Martin, a Roman soldier known for his compassion and generosity. A narrator will read from a beautifully illustrated oversized storybook, bringing the legend to life with audience participation and engaging questions that invite children to be part of the story.
Guests will also receive a recipe card for Weckmänner, a traditional sweet bread, and as they exit the Spielhaus, they’ll be offered one - as a nod to this cherished European tradition.
This event is free and family-friendly. Storytime sessions will begin every 15 minutes throughout the evening.
Sing in the Season at the 2025 Christkind ChoralFest!
Choirs of all ages will share the magic of the Market during this special holiday tradition. Each group will have the opportunity to perform for 15 minutes on our Main Stage for all Christkindlmarkt guests to enjoy.
Bring your holiday spirit, and be part of the enchantment!
Experience a beloved German tradition as Sankt Nikolaus and his companion Knecht Ruprecht arrive at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt!
Listen for their grand entrance at 5:30 p.m., then join us in the Winter Pavilion for a special presentation.
From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., visit the Spielhaus to meet our special guests in person!
In keeping with tradition, German-speaking children often recite a poem or sing a song for Sankt Nikolaus before receiving a small gift.
Viel Spaß! (Have fun!)
Sponsored by Indiana German Heritage Society.
Celebrate the season with a joyful German holiday sing-along—no German language experience required! All are welcome to join in the fun as we sing traditional carols together.
After the music, take part in our ornament exchange! Bring a wrapped ornament valued between $5–$10, place it in the exchange, and pick a new one to take home. It’s a heartwarming way to connect, share, and celebrate the spirit of the season!
In partnership with Indiana German Heritage Society.
Join the Carmel Jewish community as we celebrate the Festival of Lights with the lighting of the giant Menorah! This joyful Hanukkah tradition will bring together family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of light, song, and celebration.
In partnership with Chabad
Get ready for wintertime fun at the 5th annual Glühwein Gallop 5K Run/Walk! The event begins at 9:00 a.m., starting and ending at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Wear your wackiest, most festive costume and enjoy a complimentary Kinderpunsch, beer (21+), or Glühwein (21+) after the race.
Don’t miss your chance to win our costume contest! Finalists will be selected before and after the race by event staff. If selected, you'll receive a ticket inviting you to participate in the final judging at 10:20 a.m. at the Winter Pavilion. The winner will be chosen based on creativity & holiday spirit. Learn more about the Glühwein Gallop here.
This special day at the Market honors active and retired military members. Please join us at 12 p.m. for a ceremony in the Winter Pavilion that will celebrate members of the military. All military personnel can receive coupons for a complimentary hot chocolate from Urick Concessions and a complimentary sausage from Baked Cheese Haus. Coupons can be picked up at Guest Services Hut 41. Thank you for your service!