Many European cultures during the 4 week advent leading up to Christmas celebrate with a tradition of holding outdoor holiday markets. In France it's known as Marché de Noël and in Germany Christkindlmarkt. This weekend marks the introduction of the German tradition and old world charm to Carmel, Indiana. Earlier this week a friend and I were able to attend a preview of some of the vendors, sample absolutely delicious German candies, desserts and pastries as well as view the location and the construction of the outdoor ice rink. Everything we sampled was absolutely delicious! Especially the chocolate from Xchocol'art and the Walking Waffles! Where is this German Winter Wonderland going to be located? It is fittingly constructed in the green between the Palladium and the Tarkington Theatre where the Carmel Farmer's Market is found in the summer.
 |
| Alphorngruppe "Alpentraum" (German for "Group of Alphorns" and "Dream of the Alps") |
 |
| Fresh, made to order crepes. yummmmm. |
 |
| Zionsville Train Depot will feature new and pre-owned trains on display |
 |
| The Quirky Feather will have delicious gingerbread houses and other treats and hot drinks. |
 |
| Kits & Kaboodle will have authentic Steiff stuffed animals and mini music boxes. |
 |
| Fill a collectors beer stein (only 5,000 made) with one of the beers offered at the market. (Photo cred.: Liz Biro) |
 |
| Groomsville Popcorn will be on hand with tasty popcorn treats and gifts as well as special commissioned gingerbread cookie/ornaments from a traditional German baker. |
 |
Mulled wine to be served in special red boot mugs from Winzerwald Winery
|
Our family and friends are particularly excited about the outdoor ice rink. They're a hockey family so that goes without saying, but for us, since moving from West Lafayette, we haven't had an outdoor rink so close to us to visit on a regular basis. Even better news about the rink than its proximity is that even when the Christkindlmarkt has closed for the holiday season the ice will still be open. That's right! The Ice at Center Green will be open November 18-March 11. To allow for everyone to have an opportunity to skate, skate sessions are limited to 1.5 hrs. Session costs are $6 for everyone Wed.-Thurs. and $9-adults, $6-10 yrs and under Fri.-Sun. Skate rental is $3. For more information regarding skating visit www.TheIceAtCenterGreen.com
This is not a celebration to be missed and will be a wonderful time for the whole family! Concerned about parking? A trolley will be making regular stops around the route from 3rd Avenue near the Palladium to Monon Greenway and back throughout the weekend. The Christkindlmarkt opens this Saturday, November 18th and runs through Christmas Eve, December 24th. It will be open Wednesday-Sunday with hours of operation Wed.-Thurs 4-9 pm. and Friday-Sunday 1-9 pm. Christkindlmarkt will be closed on Thanksgiving. For further details about Christkindlmarkt including pet and alcohol policies visit www.CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com
Bundle up and get outside this weekend and experience a European tradition at the Carmel, Indiana Christkindlmarkt!
Love,
Molly
