Did you know we travel to Germany to immerse ourselves in German traditions and culture, enabling you to experience authentic German customs at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt?
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is an authentic holiday market that brings the magic of Germany to Carmel, Indiana. Featuring an array of authentic German food, beverages, unique gifts, and experiences, the Market immerses visitors in a festive holiday atmosphere. To ensure authenticity, Market team members have dedicated themselves to understanding German culture, forming close ties with German vendors, and incorporating traditional elements throughout the Market.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO Maria Adele Rosenfeld and VP of Cultural Programs Sandra Richardson are in Germany this month to meet with potential vendors or artisans and to bring back their experiences and ideas. This ensures that the Market in Carmel offers a truly authentic German experience, making it the best German Christmas market in the United States.
In their roles, they travel to Germany each year to meet with artisans, vendors, and craftsmen, ensuring a high-quality selection of handmade products and partnerships that contribute to the Market's authenticity. These efforts throughout the year result in a market that captures a traditional German Christmas celebration.
This trip to Germany has included meeting local artisans, exploring new treats, experiencing vendors' hometowns firsthand, and sharing friendships and cultural exchanges. Join us through our blog as we share these experiences!
This week's itinerary has taken us through various locations, including:
The Museum Naturalienkabinett in Waldenburg, Germany. It is one of the oldest natural history museums in the country. Within this museum lies the Historical Natural History Cabinet, a fascinating collection of curiosities from the Baroque period of science and collecting. This museum-within-a-museum showcases how German museums engage young visitors through scavenger hunts, making German history and traditions more interactive. Sandra is eager to incorporate some of these fresh ideas into the Carmel Christkindlmarkt scavenger hunt!
During a visit to Schloss Waldenburg (Waldenburg Castle) in Waldenburg, Sandra discovered that the castle had undergone a restoration process, transforming it from its previous use as a hospital. As a native of Germany, Sandra has memories of visiting her grandparents during their time as patients in the castle. The restored features of the 13th-century castle possibly inspired the history section of the Market's Kulturecke!
In Saxony, they checked out the German sports scene. FC Erzgebirge Aue, based in Aue-Bad Schlema, is a prominent German football club. Afterward, they enjoyed Döner kebabs, a culinary addition introduced to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt last year.
In Plauen, a visit to woodworker Anja Werner leads to discussions of her coming back to the Market this year with an exciting demonstration. We can’t wait for you to see the old Erzgebirge toy she will bring and hear the story behind it!
In Chemnitz, Germany, a trip to the Klaffenbach Water Castle unveiled the artistry of German artisans at Kunsthandwerkermarkt, an artisan market. Surrounded by a moat, this Renaissance castle offers cultural exhibits and hosts events. They met a talented couple at the market who craft custom rings on a lathe using a blend of metal and wood.
In Dresden, Sandra reunited with childhood friends for an afternoon immersed in traditional German culture and cuisine. Dresden is home to the oldest officially recognized Christmas market in the country—the Dresden Striezelmarkt. Established in 1434, the market attracts an astounding two million visitors annually. During their trip, Maria and Sandra are also scheduled to meet with the organizers of the Dresden Striezelmarkt.
Be sure to check out our social media to see more highlights from the trip, and stay tuned for more blogs about all we’re learning - and bringing back! - from our trip.
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