One of my bucket list items (and I have tons) was to visit a real Christkindlemarkt. However since life is putting off my plans to get to Europe any time soon, I decided to take in one in the States.
HISTORY
From my understand, Christkindlmarkt is a traditional German Market started in the Middle Ages and means "Christ Child Market" after Chrsitkind who was the gift giver on Christmas Eve. Sort of like Santa Clause for the States. The market is filled with food, drinks, gifts, music and so much more!
In 2017, the City of Carmel, Indiana, founded their own Christkindlmarkt and it has been a tradition every since. There is over 50 vendors set up in small wooden huts outdoor surrounding a real ice skating ring.
The market holds Werkstatt (workshop) so German artisans can feature their talents and you get to watch as items are being made. There is plenty for children as well with Kinderecke (kids corner) where they can make crafts and lots of wonderful memories. They may even find their favorite fairy tale character or Santa in the Spielhaus (playhouse). The city of Carmel has over a half a million visitors annually for this event and has won many awards over the years.
In the middle of the market grounds you will find the Gluhwein Pyramid which is inspired by the German Christmas decoration called "Weihnachtsyramide." It stands 33 feet tall with over 3,000 lights and has moving parts. Carmel is said to be the first to bring this large structure to the States.
After exploring the market, there is also a Holiday Trolley that will take you around the city entertainment districts free of charge so you can expand your experience outside of the market without having to worry about parking.
MY EXPERIENCE
I knew nothing about Carmel and this is my first visit to Indiana. I was impressed overall with the city. It is well maintained and decorated with bits of Christmas all about town. I parked in the Veterans Way Garage which was free and only about a block from the Market. There was plenty of open parking so make sure to leave the ones marked for residents empty.
I loved that there was a huge world map hanging from a fence at the entrance and everyone got to grab a sticker and place where you are from on the map.
In total, I spent half a day eating, drinking and enjoying the entertainment all through the market. There was plenty of shops which I grabbed gifts from and loved everything it had to offer. This was opening day and it was packed. There was a few other places I would have liked to try but the lines was just way to long to stand in the cold. It was about 40 degrees out so it was fine while moving but cold just standing. The city did have outdoor heaters everywhere so that was a nice touch to how much thought goes into planning this event.
Price wise was a little high but to be expected nowadays. They did take cash as well as cards so feel free to bring both. If you are planning on drinking the you must have ID and can't leave the market square until the drink is empty.
SHOPS
Frankenmuth Clock Company - This company is Legendary Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks from Hones, Trenkle, and Schneider. This clocks was so beautiful and well crafted. I really wanted one but I knew I wouldn't be able to stand a cuckoo clock making noise all the time. These mini versions was running around $30-$40.
Die Backerei- Is an authentic German bakery that makes a lots of treats. I purchased the bacon roll but can't tell you what it is made of. I just heard bacon and went with it. It really was good. I warmed it up the next day for breakfast. I could taste the bacon and a crust like a croissant and made cheese and potato. Not really sure and I did try and look it up but couldn't find anything to tell me what it was made of.
FOOD
For my meal, I went with a German Spatzle ($14) by Kasespazle which is egg-based noodles, cheese and roasted onions. This was really good. Almost like a traditional mac and cheese but the noodles was bigger and the onions gave it a nice crunch.
My dessert was the Chimney Cakes from Baumstriezel and is a cylindrical, freshly baked treats covered with cinnamon. Hot out of the oven, it kept my hands warm and had a similar taste of a cinnamon bun.
It was getting pretty chilly by the time I was ready to leave so I grabbed a hot chocolate ($11) from Bob's Belgian which is a gourmet hot chocolate with real pulverized Belgian Chocolate, homemade whipped cream topping and a cookie. I will be honest the price was high for a hot chocolate since you can get a beer for $6 but after one drink, I can say it was the best hot chocolate I have ever had and well worth every cent.
In the end, I'm glad I went and enjoyed the spirit of Christkindlmarkt. I recommend anyone interested to go and enjoy this market until December 24. Grab some gifts, partake in the entertainment, warm up with a nice hot drink and enjoy the wonderful food. And don't forget to grab your 2024 Boot Mug souvenir to remember the your time visiting the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
