The Best Christmas Market in the U.S. Is in a Small Midwest Town-and It Has Bavarian Beer, Sausages, and Handmade Gifts

"Located about 25 miles north of Indianapolis, travelers will find the suburban town of Carmel. From Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, the town goes into holiday overdrive with its annual Christkindlmarkt. Modeled after those found across the pond, it's every bit as festive as its European siblings-not to mention, much more budget-friendly to get to. "We really want this to be a European-like Christmas market that is an authentic experience," said Christkindlmarkt acting CEO Julia Davis. "No passport required.""

"The market prides itself on its food and beverage offerings, for good reason. You'll likely smell the gooey, rich raclette before you see the stalls selling it-it's well worth the wait in line. The spätzle (egg noodles), grilled sausages, and schnitzel are all spot-on, too, quite comparable to what you'd sample at a holiday market along the Rhine River or nestled into the Alps. Got a sweet tooth? Indulge in a traditional chimney cake or syrupy stroopwafel."

"You'll need a drink to wash all that down, naturally, and you can indulge in a Bavarian beer or a glühwein (aka mulled wine) during the festivities. In Germany, mulled wine is typically ladled into commemorative boot-shaped mugs that can be kept as souvenirs. There's also hot chocolate that's served plain or with a little kick of spirits, to help chase the chill away."

Located about 25 miles north of Indianapolis, Carmel transforms from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve into a European-style Christkindlmarkt modeled on German holiday markets. Created by civic leaders in 2017, the event has grown to dozens of vendors, live music, and an open-air ice-skating rink. Food offerings include raclette, spätzle, grilled sausages, schnitzel, chimney cake, and stroopwafel. Beverage options feature Bavarian beer, glühwein often served in commemorative boot-shaped mugs, and spiked or plain hot chocolate. The market also offers last-minute holiday shopping with items such as beer steins, cuckoo clocks, and hand-blown glass.

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