3 Hours From Chicago—The ‘Best Christmas Market’ In The US, And it Has Wooden Huts, Potato Pancakes, and Hot Glühwein Served in Boot Mugs

We are currently in that time of the month when everything feels more festive, thanks to the charming [European Christmas markets](https://secretchicago.com/holiday-markets-in-chicago-to-visit-2025/) that pop up throughout various parts of the city. If you’re seeking a more adventurous outing , a little further from Chicago—about three hours to be exact—you can visit an enchanting village recently voted the best in the country by readers of USA Today: Indiana’s Carmel Christkindlmarkt. While knowing German is a bonus , it’s not required to visit the whimsical cultural attraction. Visit Indiana’s Carmel Christkindlmarkt --------------------------------------- You’ll find more than 50 wooden huts decorated with garlands, twinkle lights, and ornaments, perfect if you’re in need of nutcrackers, hand-painted ornaments, a cuckoo clock, or want to taste authentic German bites, such as raclette sandwiches, pretzels, knodel, traditional wursts, and kartoffelpuffer. Stay warm with one of the seven varieties of gluhwein (mulled wine) , including cherry and blueberry flavors, served in souvenir boot mugs; hefeweizen and pilsner beers; and the signature gluhbier, served hot. Indiana’s Carmel Christkindlmarkt has live entertainment throughout the season , including polka artists, choirs, and German artisans who travel from Europe and are on hand in the Werkstatt to demonstrate wood carving and glass blowing. Kids will have a blast at the Kinderplatz with activities like cookie decorating, letter writing to Santa, and ice skating. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt kicks off this weekend and runs through December 24. Source: https://secretchicago.com/indianas-carmel-christkindlmarkt-best-in-the-country-usa-today/