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Christkind Scholarship Program

A woman dressed as a silver queen with a tall metallic crown and curly blonde hair, smiling and engaging with a young child wearing a light blue jacket on a busy street, while three other women in winter clothing watch and smile.

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is looking for our 2026 Christkind! This long-standing tradition is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and carry the honor of bringing a beloved German holiday tradition to Carmel, Indiana.

The Christkind is a well-known symbol of Christmas in German-speaking countries. As the tradition goes, the Christkind delivers Christmas presents and a Christmas tree to children on Christmas Eve without being seen.

The Carmel Christkind shares Christmas cheer with guests at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt by welcoming visitors, handing out candy and gifts, and taking photos with visitors. The Christkind also participates in special events, parades and media activities throughout the year.

Scholarship Prizes

Winners of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind Scholarship Program will receive scholarships in the following amounts:    

‍First Prize - $2,000

Two Runner-Ups - $1,000

2026 Application Deadline

Please submit your essay via the Scholarship Application Form by October 9, 2026.

A smiling person with curly blonde hair wearing a silver crown-like headpiece and a star-patterned outfit holds a small card that reads 'YOU ARE LOVED' with a candy attached, with blurred people and outdoor setting in the background.
Scholarship Requirements
  • High School and College students
  • Minimum 500 word essay by October 9, 2026
  • Panel Interviews
  • Submit 2-3 pictures of yourself
  • Commit to making twenty 2-hour appearances between Nov. 21 and Dec. 24
  • Must be available for the Opening Ceremony at 10:30 am on November 21, for other special events, and for media appearances
  • The two runner-ups may be asked to participate at special events and media appearances

2026 Essay Question

The Christkind plays an integral role during Christmas in German-speaking countries and is an important part of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Research the origin and history of the Christkind, and discuss why this tradition remains relevant today and into the future. Please submit by October 9, 2026.

Upload your Glühwein mug design below: File format should be JPEG, PNG, or PDF, and the file size should not exceed 10MB. Please limit your entry to two image files. If you have multiple design ideas for different mugs, please submit multiple times vs. attaching them all to one entry. 

Design Description: Provide a brief description of your Glühwein mug design. Include details such as the inspiration behind it, the colors, patterns, or any unique features.

Materials Used: List the materials you used or plan to use to create your Glühwein mug. For example: ceramic, glass, tin, etc.

Dimensions: Provide the approximate dimensions of your Glühwein mug, including height, width, and depth, if available. If you would like to base your design on the current boot mug shape, you can find a template on the first tab of this form. 

Contact Information: Leave your (or the designer's) name, phone number, email address, and mailing address.

Additional Comments or Remarks: Feel free to add any additional comments or remarks about your design that you think might be relevant or interesting.

Past Christkind Scholarship Winners
Lucille Everline, 2025 Christkind at Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Lucille Everline
Christkind 2025
Smiling woman with curly blonde hair wearing a silver crown and a white outfit with silver star decorations in front of a background of blurred warm lights.
Hannah Cooper
Christkind 2024
Young woman with long curly blonde hair wearing a silver crown and white outfit, smiling at the camera.
Sofia-Alexandra Colon
Christkind 2023
Person with long curly blonde hair wearing a silver ornate crown and a white outfit, smiling.
Megan Munson
Christkind 2022
Smiling young woman with long curly blonde hair wearing a white gown and ornate silver crown.
Annika Harshbarger
Christkind 2021
Smiling woman with long curly blonde hair wearing a decorative crown and a white outfit.
Kayla Gaerte
Christkind 2019
Smiling person with long curly blonde hair wearing a large ornate white crown against a warm orange background.
Kate Munson
Christkind 2018
Smiling woman with long curly blonde hair wearing a decorative white crown and white outfit against a dark background.
Macy Duncan
Christkind 2017
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10 CARTER GREEN, CARMEL, INDIANA

Between The Payne & Mencias Palladium & The Tarkington Theater

MARKET HOURS

Open November 21 - December 24.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

REGULAR HOURS

Monday Closed*

Tuesday Closed*

Wednesday 4 - 9 PM

Thursday 4 - 9 PM

Friday 12 - 9 PM

Saturday 12 - 9 PM

Sunday 12 - 8 PM

SPECIAL HOURS

Wednesday, Nov. 25, Noon - 9 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 26, Closed for Thanksgiving

Monday, Dec. 21, Noon - 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 22, Noon - 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 23, Noon - 9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 24, Noon - 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 25, Closed for Christmas

PHOTOGRAPHY IN PROGRESS

By entering and remaining at the Event and its properties, each attendee irrevocably grants Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc. and its designees permission, without compensation, to create photographs, videos, and audiomaterials, and/or otherwise capture, use, reproduce, and sublicense each attendee’s (including children’s) image, likeness, and/or voice for archival, educational, promotional, marketing, commercial, and any other purposes. Thank you for joining us for another exciting holiday season!