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.
Check out the Special Events below to see how you can participate!
New in 2024 - experience a night of Market magic that you won’t want to miss at this adults-only (21+) event! This exclusive, ticketed experience will include complimentary food and drink samples from our food vendors, specialty cocktails from outside partners, unique photo opportunities, and special entertainment. Plus, get the first chance to shop merchandise from our gift huts. Tickets are available at general admission and VIP levels. To learn more about being a sponsor, email our sponsorship team. Learn more about the event on our Wundernacht webpage.
Ring in a new season at the Market with our inaugural opening bell at noon on November 23! Starting at 11:30 a.m., enjoy music from the Midwest Alphorn Retreat, meet the new Christkind, and take in the festivities.
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s Sankt Martinstag celebration serves as a reminder to live life with kindness and virtue. At this traditional German festival, families carry illuminated paper lanterns and sing together as Sankt Martin leads the procession on horseback around the Market. Make your own lanterns in the Kinderecke starting at 4 pm and join the Laternenumzug (lantern procession) at 7 pm.
This event is supported by a grant from The International Center's Festival Fund, Indiana Members Credit Union and Indy Eleven.
Kick off the holiday season with us at the inaugural Indianapolis Colts Fest and join us to celebrate the Colts’ expansion into Germany and Austria! Snap festive photos in a Colts-themed Santa's sleigh, craft your own Horseshoe ornaments, and enjoy special appearances from Blue and the Colts Cheerleaders throughout the afternoon. Plus, make it a day of Colts holiday cheer and don't miss the Watch Party excitement as the Colts face the Patriots in their 1 p.m. matchup down the Monon Trail at Midtown Plaza.
Choirs of all ages are invited to participate in the magic of the Market at the 2024 Christkind ChoralFest. Choirs will perform up to three holiday songs for Market guests to enjoy during this special event.
Sankt Nikolaus and Knecht Ruprecht are coming to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt! Listen for their arrival at 5:30 p.m. and join us in the Winter Pavillion for a special presentation. German-speaking children traditionally recite a poem or song for Sankt Nikolaus before receiving a present. Visit the Spielhaus between 6 and 7:30 p.m. to meet our special guests yourself! They would love to hear more poems or songs. Each child will receive a customary present. Viel Spaß!
Sponsored by Indiana German Heritage Society.
Join us in the Winter Pavilion for KulturFest, a jaw-dropping cultural showcase that will leave you amazed! On our main stage, see performances in various German arts, such as yodeling, singing, dancing, and more.
Join us for this festive sing-along featuring German carols — no German language experience required! Then, swap ornaments in our ornament exchange by bringing a wrapped ornament to put in and selecting a new one to take out. Ornaments should be $5-10 in value.
In partnership with Indiana German Heritage Society.
Visit Germany right here in the heart of Indiana! School groups are invited to hear a special talk from our President and CEO Maria Adele Rosenfeld, followed by a chance to explore the Market. Participants will receive a free Kinderpunsch and have an opportunity to immerse themselves in German culture as they visit the Spielhaus, Werkstatt, Kinderecke and more.
Registration for the 2024 StudentenFest is now closed. Registration is required for schools to attend.
Get ready for wintertime fun at the 4th annual Glühwein Gallop 5k Run/Walk! This event starts at 9:00 a.m., and the race begins and ends at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Wear your wackiest costume and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate, beer (21+), or Glühwein (21+) after the race. 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 at Guest Services. Thank you for your service!
Supported by IDVA Event Sponsorship Program (ESP).
Calling all Indiana pros and home brewers! The Carmel Christkindlmarkt Bier Competition is a unique and festive opportunity to have your best brew judged by a panel of experts, with an award ceremony right here at the Market. Registration will open on October 20, 2024.