Carmel Tweaks Christkindlmarkt​ To Make Way For Record Crowds

CARMEL, Ind. – Thousands are flocking from all over the state to partake in holiday fun at Carmel's Christkindlmarkt and ice skating center, where visitors surpassed 48,000 people and sales exceeded $410,000 in the first five days, alone.

Coordinators have, therefore, made some adjustments to accommodate the growing crowds, including tweaks to ice rink ticket purchases, vendor booths, traffic control, and more.

For starters, visitors may now purchase any skating session for The Ice at Center Green for the same day they are present.

"This will allow families to shop and know that they have secured ice time for later that day," event facilitators said.

Signs will tell those waiting in line which sessions remain available, but skaters will still have to wait until immediately before their selected time to lace up. The ice capacity has also been adjusted from 150 to 200 skaters per session, allowing more people to access the resource throughout the day.

“We are very encouraged by the number of visitors to the market and the sales we are experiencing," said Maria Murphy, market master. "We are already reordering some of our most popular items. Visitors are truly enjoying the opportunity to get some unique authentic handcrafted gifts."

Murphy responded to visitors' requests for bottled water by making it available at the Groomsville Popcorn hut. She also had signs added to direct visitors to the Veterans Way Parking Garage — a move she hopes will alleviate traffic congestion along 3rd Avenue SW.

“We appreciate the feedback we received and have been able to make some initial changes to address specific issues," Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said. "Overall, we are thrilled with the outdoor winter activities that we have been able to create. Never before have so many people been drawn to our community and we have a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that makes Carmel a great place to live, work and enjoy life."

Brainard said a second Gluhwein booth has been added at the market's southeast end after coordinators saw visitors' enthusiastic response and resulting long lines.

“It is heart-warming to see the number of families and friends enjoying time together this winter at the market and skating on the ice," he said. "The memories being made will last a lifetime and many will create traditions around this venue that they will look forward to from year to year."

Image courtesy of the city's Christkindlmarkt page, where residents can see what to expect at the event.