This Midwest Christmas Market Is the Best in the U.S.

Each winter across Europe, Christmas markets take center stage in fabled destinations such as Amsterdam and Vienna. But you don’t have to go overseas to experience a truly continental Christmas market—head to Indiana instead. 

Located about 25 miles north of Indianapolis, travelers will find the suburban town of Carmel. From Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, the town goes into holiday overdrive with its annual Christkindlmarkt.  Modeled after those found across the pond, it’s every bit as festive as its European siblings—not to mention, much more budget-friendly to get to.

“We really want this to be a European-like Christmas market that is an authentic experience,” said Christkindlmarkt acting CEO Julia Davis. “No passport required.” 

Back in 2017, civic leaders created Christkindlmarkt to bring a German-style holiday market home to the Hoosier State.  In less than a decade, it has grown to include dozens of vendors, live music, and even an open-air ice-skating rink. 

The market prides itself on its food and beverage offerings, for good reason. You’ll likely smell the gooey, rich raclette before you see the stalls selling it—it’s well worth the wait in line. The spätzle (egg noodles), grilled sausages, and schnitzel are all spot-on, too, quite comparable to what you’d sample at a holiday market along the Rhine River or nestled into the Alps. Got a sweet tooth? Indulge in a traditional chimney cake or syrupy stroopwafel.

You’ll need a drink to wash all that down, naturally, and you can indulge in a Bavarian beer or a glühwein (aka mulled wine) during the festivities. In Germany, mulled wine is typically ladled into commemorative boot-shaped mugs that can be kept as souvenirs. There’s also hot chocolate that’s served plain or with a little kick of spirits, to help chase the chill away.

If you’re in need of last-minute holiday shopping, Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt is the perfect spot. From beer steins and cuckoo clocks to hand-blown glass ornaments and wooden nutcrackers, it’s hard not to splurge on traditional holiday crafts and gifts when perusing the more than 20 retail stalls. What’s more, you can watch artisans from Germany create treasures in real time during demonstrations at the market’s werkstatt, or workshop. 

Towering above all the fun is an authentic Glühwein pyramid, a giant, rotating Christmas-themed structure. The one at Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt is the first of its kind to be brought to the U.S. The 33-foot-tall wooden tower is festooned with thousands of twinkling lights and is guaranteed to delight even the Grinchiest of guests. 

Beyond the Christkindlmarkt, it’s easy to plan a winter wonderland weekend in Carmel. The Monon Greenway, a brightly lit pedestrian path, connects the city’s Arts & Design District and Midtown.

Both areas have a wide range of boutiques, including Silver in the City where you can browse jewelry, home goods, and other fun finds, while Lily + Sparrow Boutique focuses on high-end comfort wear and accessories. Juniper on Main’s cozy dining room serves up elevated fare inspired by the coastal South. And when you’re ready for a long winter’s nap to dream of sugar plum fairies, check into the Hotel Carmichael. Just steps from all the fun, the boutique inn has 122 chic rooms and suites.

“We’ve welcomed guests from Europe, Asia, and South America who specifically planned their visit around Christkindlmarkt,” said Jamie Hopwood, the general manager of the Hotel Carmichael. “Many of them have shared that they were drawn to the authenticity and cultural experience, and they appreciate having a luxury hotel just steps away from the festivities.”