Carmel, Indiana Is Hiding a Christmas Market and Culinary Charms

"A German-inspired, open-air holiday market in Carmel that has become a major seasonal attraction since its 2017 founding by Maria Adele Rosenfeld; it aims for authenticity by importing products and recipes directly from Germany and features more than 60 booths selling traditional crafts like nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks alongside hearty German foods. The market centers on a festive plaza with a central ice rink, live German music, a ceremonial bell-ringing moment, and an atmosphere that can feel like a Hallmark movie when snow falls—aromas of cinnamon, chocolate, cheese, and grilled meats fill the air while visitors browse handcrafted ornaments, alpaca socks and other Bavarian-style goods." - Wendy Pramik