Holiday Events in Carmel
If you're looking for a way to get into the season, you don't need to look far. There are many joyous and jolly events heading to our great City of Carmel.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt and the Ice at Center Green
First is the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, bringing German tradition to life a little closer to home. The Grand Opening for 2019 is on November 16. The Christkindlmarkt offers a variety of traditional German gifts and toys such as nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, steins, advent calendars, glassware, and much more.
Food offerings include spaetzle, sausages, waffles, German beers and wines, and a variety of other holiday fares.
Watch for the Christkind as she frequents the market, welcoming visitors. Live music will be featured, including the historic alphorns. Wood demonstrations will be given. If you have a yearn to ice skate, log in to the Ice at Center Green website and schedule some rink time - rent your skates or bring your own.
The Christkindlmarkt, 10 Center Green, will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays Nov. 16 to Dec. 24. It will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Special hours of operation are noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 23 and noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 24.
Holiday at Center Green
Holiday at Center Green (formally known as Holiday on the Square) is the perfect kickoff to the season, with the holiday lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, live reindeer and other animals to pet from Silly Safaris, holiday entertainment and children's activities.
There will be live performances onstage from local entertainers including Blair Clark, members of the Actors Theatre of Indiana, members of the Civic Theatre, the Indiana Ballet Conservatory, the Carmel Symphony Brass Quartet, the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble and the Carmel Middle School Choir.
Come see your neighbors and friends and get in the holiday spirit November 23, 2019, 3:30 p.m.
The official Carmel tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Holidays in the Arts District
Holidays in the Arts District is December 7 from 2 - 5 p.m. in the Arts & Design District along Main Street. Experience the wonder of the holidays in the Arts & Design District with elves and reindeer, carolers, trolley rides, a visit from Santa, special activities and more surprises! This event is free and open to the public.
The Holiday Trolley
Enjoy your holiday shopping! Ride the festive Carmel Holiday Trolley as you shop unique, local boutiques and galleries in our Arts & Design District, Indiana Design Center and City Center. Riders will receive free gifts (while supplies last) and that warm glow that comes from knowing you have supported our local merchants.
2019 Dates
November:
Friday, 29, 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, 30, 2-9 p.m.
December Friday, 6, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, 7, 2-9 p.m. Friday, 13, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, 14, 2-9 p.m. Friday, 20, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, 21, 2-9 p.m.
*FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC* For more information, call (317) 571-2787
Holiday Home Tour
The 23rd Annual Holiday Home Tour will feature six homes of a variety of styles from historic to mid-century modern to new construction. All of the homes are in and around the Carmel Arts and Design District. On Saturday, December 7, attendees may tour the homes from 11am-5pm. Both tours are walkable and self-guided.
Tickets are $30 presale and for members. $35 at the door. Patrons may park in one of the City garages or on the street. Maps to the homes will be available at the Monon Depot.
*This event is the largest fundraiser for the Carmel Clay Historical Society.
Holiday PorchFest
On December 14 from 3 to 6 p.m., tune in to the holiday version of Carmel PorchFest, east of Rangeline Road on 2nd Ave NE between 3rd Street NE and 5th Street NE. Be entertained by college A Cappella groups, a free Smores station and plenty of vendors serving warm drinks and snacks. There is also a best decorated porch contest for the houses in the event area.
