Have you ever wondered what happens at the Carmel Christmas Market when it's not open? The Market is only open from mid-November through December, but the Market team behind it works year-round to make it a success. An incredible amount of work goes into prepping, marketing, and ensuring the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is ready for those busy weeks of the season.
Here's a look at some of the things that go on behind the scenes:
- Marketing and Public Relations: Throughout the year, the marketing team engages in various activities to promote the Market effectively. Their responsibilities include creating engaging content for social media and the Market's website, networking with potential media partners, and more. Additionally, they prepare press releases, media kits, and monthly newsletters to keep visitors and stakeholders informed. The team is also responsible for handling giveaways, event announcements, and media interviews to generate publicity and recruiting sponsors and donors to support the market's initiatives.
- German Experience and Authenticity: The core of the mission of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is to bring an authentic German holiday experience to Carmel. Months of planning and coordination go into selecting and scheduling vendors, artisans, and entertainers, focusing on creating a dynamic and diverse lineup. The team even travels to Germany to learn from other Christmas markets and meets with artisans, ensuring that the Carmel Christkindlmarkt embodies the spirit of a true German Christmas market.
- Event Coordination and Logistics: Various staff members arrange and carry out every detail of the Market. This includes managing vendors and performers, organizing events and educational and cultural programs, and participating in community events. The team also ensures the safety of visitors and works with the City of Carmel, local businesses, and partner organizations to manage other logistical aspects. In 2023, the Market presented 61 entertainers and hosted 92 family-friendly events.
- Market Preparation and Equipment: The team is hard at work even when the Market is not in full swing. They diligently strategize Market operations for the coming year, planning and preparing for upcoming events and ensuring the readiness of physical assets. This includes introducing new features, such as the barrel rooms in 2023. The team also undertakes the crucial task of recruiting and training volunteers and staff members, ensuring the Market is always ready to welcome visitors.
- Gift and Collector's Item: The team thoughtfully selects each season's Market collectibles, including the highly sought-after annual Glühwein boot mugs and hand-painted Bier steins.
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is more than just a market; it's a source of joy for thousands of people each year. The team behind the Market is essential to making it a success year after year - it truly is a team effort, all year round.
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