Christkindlemarkt (generally “Christmas Market” in the U.S.) is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany, but are now held in many countries. 

The first traces of Christmas markets in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire go back to late medieval sales fairs and—often one-day—markets, which gave citizens the opportunity to stock up on meat and winter necessities at the beginning of the cold season. In the 14th century, the custom arose of allowing craftsmen such as toy makers, basket weavers and confectioners to set up stalls under the name "Saint Nicholas market" to sell the little things that children received as Christmas gifts

Over time, the tradition spread throughout the German-speaking world. Several Indiana towns celebrate a form of Christmas Markets. Here we feature a few of these colorful markets.

Carmel, Indiana:  https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/

Brown County Christkindl Market, Nashville, Indiana: https://browncountychristkindlmarket.com/

Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt, Indianapolis, Indiana: https://athenaeumindy.org/events/christkindlmarkt/

Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt, Ferdinand, Indiana: https://www.ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com/#/

[Art by Pixel Art Foundry, Etsy]

Jasper, in the southern Indiana County of DuBois, holds an annual festival the first full weekend in August. This festive event brings together locals and tourists alike to celebrate German culture, cuisine, music, and more. The festival includes a tour of historical buildings and a Spirit of Jasper train ride. The Strassenfest is famous for its mouth-watering German cuisine, which includes Bratwurst, Schnizel, Sauerkraut, and more. It's an opportunity to interact with locals and learn more about the region's vibrant German heritage.

https://visitduboiscounty.com/celebrate-german-traditions-and-experience-the-jasper-strassenfest/

The Freudenfest, meaning “festival of fun”, is a non profit organization that originated in 1976 by volunteers who envisioned holding a “family fun day.” The mission then is the same today, “to provide a high quality festival that celebrates the richness of our German Heritage community through people having a fun day with their family and friends”.Musik, Games, Food, Bier und Wein, and more. The festival is held annually in Oldenburg, Indiana.

https://www.freudenfest.com/