Discover The Magic Of A European Christmas Village At Indiana’s Most Enchanting Holiday Market

Tucked away in Carmel - one of the most beautiful small towns in Indiana - is a wonder-filled German Christmas market filled from top to bottom with holiday cheer (and all the unique gifts to give you could ever imagine). Known as Christkindlmarkt, this incredible annual tradition brings all the charm of a European holiday season right here to the Midwest. If you find yourself craving the joy of an old-school Christmas market in Indiana, look no further than this one - it's bound to become your new favorite family tradition.

The first thing you'll notice upon arrival is just how amazingly lit up it is.

Every little building, tree and archway is brilliantly alight, sparkling well into the night on most days of the week (except Mondays and Tuesdays).

Centered around an enormous ice skating rink, Christkindlmarkt celebrates all things European - particularly German.

And once you dive in to all the things there are to see, do, and experience, you'll find that this is your new favorite holiday tradition (I mean... at least I did). Let's explore!

Take, for instance, the ice skating rink. The rink is huge, beautiful, and perfect for a night out.

It's definitely the centerpiece of the event, and for excellent reason - it's not just fun, it's enchantingly photogenic and makes for an amazingly Christmassy atmosphere you'll feel as soon as you arrive.

Browse shops and eateries all centered around Germany and other German-speaking countries and cultures.

German food, drink, and delights prevail, so be sure to bring a hearty appetite. The whole market is all so impressive that in 2017 - the same year it opened in Carmel - Christkindlmarkt was rated the top Christmas market in the state of Indiana by Taste of Home Magazine.

It's also earned the distinction of being called the "best holiday market" by USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice awards for multiple years in a row.

From there, the accolades go on. So, what are you waiting for? This one-of-a-kind experience is amazing for the entire family.

Of course, nothing's stopping you from enjoying a nice solo outing, either.

This German Christmas market in Indiana makes for the perfect self-care evening out with yourself. I promise, it's pure magic with or without others with you in attendance - and that's saying a lot!

Events kicked off on November 18th and will be going through December 24th.

For more information about Carmel Christkindlmarkt, the best Christmas market in Indiana, be sure to visit its official website. There, you'll find a calendar of events and lots more details about what you can expect. Need a place to stay in Carmel? Our friends at VRBO have you covered.

What are your favorite winter traditions in Indiana? Are you planning to make Christkindlmarkt one of them? Let me know!