Accessibility at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt

At the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, accessibility is important to us. Whether you’re visiting with mobility needs, traveling with a service animal, or planning ahead for a smoother experience, we want to ensure the Market is both welcoming and easy to access for everyone to the best of our ability.

Please use this guide to plan your trip to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. 

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Accessibility Services

To support a comfortable visit, the Market offers several accessibility-focused services:

• Wheelchairs available on-site (complimentary, limited quantity)
• Scooters permitted throughout the Market
• ADA-accessible shuttle service available

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Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is available in the parking garage located on 3rd Avenue SW in Carmel. From there, guests can make their way into the Market with a straightforward route into the event area.

For maps, seasonal updates, and additional visitor information, guests can reference the official FAQ page here: https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/faq

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ADA Shuttle Service

On Saturdays and Sundays, guests can use a regular shuttle service connecting the Market to designated parking areas, with pickups every 15 minutes. These shuttles are ADA-equipped and can transport wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers.

Shuttle Parking Location: Former CNO Financial Group campus, 535 College Drive, Carmel, IN 46032

To support a seamless experience during peak hours, these vehicles are equipped to carry mobility scooters and wheelchairs. For additional travel details and maps, please visit the official Shuttle Information page: 

https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/our-market/shuttle

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Wheelchair Rentals & Mobility Support

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt provides complimentary wheelchairs for guests who need mobility assistance. Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can inquire about transport wheelchairs at First Aid Hut #37. A valid form of ID is required to borrow a wheelchair. There is no time limit for use, but guests are kindly asked to return wheelchairs to First Aid before leaving the Market.

Important Wheelchair Information

• The complimentary wheelchairs are Medline Transport Wheelchairs.
• Are designed to be pushed by a companion (not easily self-propelled)
• Have a 300-lb weight capacity
• Features a 19-inch seat width

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Scooters & Mobility Devices

Mobile scooters are welcome at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Since evenings and weekends can be especially busy, scooter users may find weekday visits easier to navigate through crowds.

Additionally, guests are also welcome to bring seated rollators or personal mobility devices. This may assist those needing a seating option as well. 

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Seating at the Market

Seating is available, but limited, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Options include:

• Benches and tables throughout the Market
• Covered, heated barrel huts with seating (free to use). These heated seating huts are not reservable. Guests are asked to limit their time to approximately 30 minutes so others may enjoy them as well.

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Service Animals

While pets are not permitted, certified service animals are warmly welcomed and fully accommodated at the Market. Guests are encouraged to stop by Guest Services (Hut #41) to pick up a special bandana for their service animal, helping staff and volunteers easily identify working animals during the event.

Important note: Emotional support animals are not permitted at the Market.

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Things to Consider for Accessibility

We are continually working to make the Carmel Christkindlmarkt more accessible each year. While we’ve made progress, there are still a few aspects of the Market environment to be aware of when planning your visit.

• Brick pavers and curbs: The Carter Green grounds feature uneven brick pavers throughout the Market, as well as curbs in some areas. There are spots where bricks or concrete have recessed, along with rises greater than 1/2 inch. These uneven surfaces and elevation changes may make navigating the Market more difficult for wheelchair users or guests using mobility aids.
• Cable protectors: Because the Market is a temporary outdoor setup, you’ll notice cable protectors throughout the grounds. These cover electrical cords running to the huts and can create small raised bumps that may be challenging for wheelchair users or those with mobility aids.
• Outdoor heaters: Many of our outdoor heaters are intentionally designed to be tall for safety reasons. While this helps reduce fire risk, it can make it more difficult for guests who are seated or using wheelchairs to benefit from the heat fully.
• Tables: Most of the standing tables and barrel-style huts are not ADA-compliant, which may limit comfortable seating options for some visitors.

We share these details so you can plan and have the best experience possible. Our team continues to explore ways to improve accessibility, and we appreciate your understanding as we grow.