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LIFESTYLE LETTER
It’s hard to believe 2025 is coming to a close. December always seems filled with laughter, cheer and joy. One of the reasons I love the holidays so much is the rich sense of tradition. As I look back on my own childhood, I’m reminded of so many magical moments — the kind I now hope to recreate for my own children, friends and family.
Growing up, my family liked to have a little fun with gift giving. I’ll never forget the year all I wanted was a watch. I opened present after present, but no watch. Finally, I was handed a huge, heavy box. Certain it couldn’t be what I’d hoped for, I opened it to find a massive rock inside. Beneath the rock, however, was a tiny wrapped box — and inside was the very watch I’d wished for! My family got such a kick out of watching my reaction, and our home was filled with laughter that day.
In this edition, we highlight a variety of holiday gift options, what to expect at this year's spectacular Christkindlmarkt, a couple of special drinks to try and what a group of passionate volunteers are achieving with a 100-year-old streetcar that helped put Carmel on Indiana's map nearly a century ago. The interurban railroad was an electric passenger train that linked Carmel to cities that were too far to travel by horse and buggy. The line was built through Carmel in 1903. Now, a local group is making sure others in the future can learn about and enjoy that special history.
My hope for you this season is to experience laughter, joy and love.
ANDREA KULSRUD, PUBLISHER @CARMEL.CITY.LIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Andrea Kulsrud | andrea.kulsrud@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Melvie Gonzales | melvie.gonzales@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Colton Howard, Julie Brown Patton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Roben Bellomo/Bellemo Studios, Briana Richardson, Janie Jones
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Christkindlmarkt 2025 Season Lineup
Carmel Hosts Acclaimed Holiday Market With Authentic German Food, Artisans, Musicians, Beloved Event Traditions
Pondering Holiday Gift Ideas?
Santa Soiree, Treasures And Gift Cards Help Recipients Celebrate Season In Style
Rescuing Indiana’s Interurban Trolleys
Carmel Resident And Other Volunteers
Beloved History Via America's Original Streetcars
Old-World holiday charm is found in Carmel each year at the Christkindlmarkt. Two new culinary additions to the 2025 market are handbrot (oven-baked meat, cheese or vegetable roll) and käsekuchen (authentic German cheesecake).
Diwali: Beautiful new Indian Heritage sculpture, unveiled by Carmel Redevelopment Commission and the Narla family. 2: Northside Window & Gutter Cleaning leaves windows crystal clear so winter sunshine gets through beautifully. 3: Students from Carmel Clay Schools Work-Based Learning Program are interning with City of Carmel staffers.
Kayla Beier, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, founder/owner and nurse practitioner of Endurance Mental Health & Wellness, announced two new colleagues joined the practice at 581 S. Rangeline Road, Ste. B2. Ashley Hamilton, PMHNP-BC, (shown here on left) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who expanded the team's psychiatry services to pediatric and adolescent patintes. Sidney Johnson (on right) is the new office administrator. Their services include general psychiatry, psychotherapy and medical weight loss.
Carmel Hosts Acclaimed Holiday Market With Authentic German Food, Artisans, Musicians, Beloved Event Traditions
Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc. (CCI) representatives have a stellar event, entertainment and set of vendors teed up for the eighth Carmel Christkindlmarkt season now through Dec. 24. Notably, this magical, local event has been voted the Best Holiday Market in USA Today’s 10Best competition at least four different years. This designation honored Carmel's Market over other Christmas villages and popular holiday markets in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Washington, D.C., Georgia, Illinois and Michigan.
In 2025, Carmel Christkindlmarkt attendees can enjoy 50 authentic German food and artisan vendor huts, nine cherished traditional events, an ice rink, a brand-new free shuttle service and more than 150 hours of live music spanning a variety of genres, including a Grammy-winning polka artist.
The Market also features the only Glühwein pyramid in the United States, standing 33 feet tall with more than 3,000 lights.
As an expected quarter million visitors descend on the city, a free shuttle service is being debuted to alleviate parking challenges. The ADA-accessible service will be available to all patrons on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Market season, using two buses with a combined capacity of 69 people. Organizers indicate every 15 minutes, Market shuttles will pick up visitors at a
parking lot on CNO Financial Group's former campus, 550 College Drive, and drop them off at the Market’s entrance on 3rd Avenue.
“We welcome visitors back to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt,” says Julia Davis, acting CEO of CCI. “Our free shuttle service will make it even easier for our visitors to gather, whether it be to experience the Market for the first time, or to enjoy their traditional annual visit. The holidays are about making memories together, and we're so proud to continue to provide a special place for people to do just that.”
Authentic food, drink and handmade gifts sourced from Germany and German-speaking countries, exclusively available
“WE AIM TO ENRICH LIVES BY BRINGING A 'REAL
MARKET' TO VISITORS AS BEST AS WE CAN.”
NAHMIAS
—MICHAEL
at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, will be sold by vendors at 50 festive wooden huts throughout the Market’s footprint.
The 2025 Market will feature several returning crowd-favorites, including:
• Raclette Chalet: Voted the best food vendor by visitors in 2023 and 2024, a hut serving traditional Swiss-German Raclette sandwiches with melted cheese scraped over fresh bread.
• Frankenmuth Clock Company: A vendor showcasing legendary Black Forest cuckoo clocks from Hönes, Trenkle and Schneider.
• Perlkönig: A renowned German manufacturer of unique, high-quality and affordable fashion jewelry, sold nowhere else in the United States.
• Das Pretzel Haus: Authentic Ditsch German pretzels and the popular “Jotünn,” a Germanic Giant pretzel.
• Christkindlmarkt Souvenirs: Including the 2025 edition of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s collectible boot mug, designed by a local 12-year-old.
• Knödel & Champignons: A vendor selling the very best authentic German comfort food, including dumplings, sauteed mushrooms with creamy garlic sauce, red cabbage and frikadellen, a delectable German meat dish.
• Glühwein Pyramid: Under the first 33-foot-tall Glühwein Pyramid in the United States, visitors can warm up with Glühwein (mulled wine), select German beers or Kinderpunsch (non-alcoholic mulled punch).
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt General Market hours for 2025 are: Mondays
and Tuesdays closed; Wednesdays and Thursdays 4-9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 12-9 p.m.; and Sundays 12-8 p.m.
Dates with special hours during the 2025 season are Dec. 15 and 16: 4-9 p.m.; Dec. 22 and 23: 12-9 p.m.; Dec. 24: 12-4 p.m.
In addition to food and gift vendors, 150plus hours of live musical performances are scheduled at the Market’s Winter Pavilion. Artists include: Mollie B, an award-winning vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and polka performer; Duke Tumatoe, a renowned blues guitarist, songwriter and vocalist; Johnny Koenig, a “polkastar” and recognized force in the genre; Mike Schneider Band, a returning favorite, singing German and Christmastime favorites; and Alex Meixner,
a Grammy-winning polka artist known for his modern twist on traditional folk music.
The Christkind ChoralFest will be held Dec. 3, as a local favorite featuring rotating performances from choirs of all ages. Sankt Nikolaustag will occur Dec. 6 during which children can meet St. Nikolaus and participate in craftmaking in the Kindereke. On Dec. 10, a German Sing-Along and Ornament Exchange will happen. A festive Glühwein Gallop 5K race will starts and finishes at the Market on Dec. 20, complete with a costume contest. Additionally, Military Appreciation Day to honor active and retired military members is slated for Dec. 21.
For a full Carmel Christkindlmarkt online schedule and helpful vendor map, visit CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com
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In time for holiday gatherings or gifts is the brand-new Danielle's Popcorn at Clay Terrace. Beyond their retail offerings, the shop's team specializes in catering services perfect for presents, weddings, corporate events and special occasions of all kinds. They also provide virtual fundraising opportunities ideal for athletic teams, faith-based organizations and performing arts groups.
Danielle's Popcorn fun flavors include caramel apple, cheddar cheese, dill pickle, kettle corn, sweet heat, movie theater butter, Dani Mix (caramel and cheddar together) and With Love (a mix of pink vanilla and caramel). Several packaging sizes are available, including party packs.
Also at Clay Terrace, join a magical evening filled with holiday cheer and festive fun for all ages at their Santa Soiree on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4-6 p.m. Enjoy a four-piece Elf Band; roaming entertainment, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony; photos with Santa, a giant snow globe or the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who; face painters; plus beer, wine and hot cocoa provided by Kona Grill. This special event will be held in the Village Green (east side of Dick’s Sporting Goods).
Other gift options from Clay Terrace retailers span gift cards from the recently opened new studio, StretchMed Carmel; innovative AI glasses from Sunglass Hut; exclusive, handcrafted Miyabi Hisho artisan knives at Sur La Table; imaginative new jewelry charms from available at Pandora; cozy blankets and cushy pillows from LoveSac; or curated, high-end cosmetics, skin care and fragrances from Bluemercury.
For updates to retailers' specials during the holidays, hop to ClayTerrace.com
For distinctive, timeless European-inspired wardrobes and styles for women, consider allowing the expert stylists at Fringe & Form clothing boutique to assist with selections. Located in the vibrant core of Carmel City Center, styling appointments can be scheduled online to treat oneself or someone special. Or, step into the holiday gift season with the boutique's shoes and boots.
Michele Jenae Dieckmeyer, owner and purposeful wardrobe coach at Fringe & Form, says they can unlock everyone's true style potential with their color, shape and style analysis. Gift cards are available, too.
While thinking fashionably, remember that Hey Little Diddle Child in Carmel City Center has designer clothing from sustainable, ethical brands for children up to 7 years old. There's also Hey Little Diddle Baby for infant gift bundles, as well as sibling and family gifts.
“I’ve found that giving gifts is transformative. It makes me better. It clarifies my thinking and allows me to do better work,” says Seth Godin, entrepreneur, dotcom business executive, author and one of the world’s most sought-after speakers.
Looking for toys? Kits & Kaboodle Classic Toys shop at Carmel City Center has items made from wood and sustainable materials designed to withstand years of exploration and play. From puzzles and games for the whole family to building sets, pretend play and crafts, this shop also offers a selection of gift items for tweens to adults.
A full range of handcrafted and handpainted pottery, including tableware, baking items, serving pieces and decorative home pieces can be secured at Out of the Blue Polish Pottery & Gifts, also located at Carmel City Center.
For a truly personalized gift, a custom stationery studio, Oliver’s Twist, is located in the United Fidelity Bank Building in Carmel City Center.
For a complete list of the Center's retailers, go to CarmelCityCenter.com.
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Carmel Resident And Other Volunteers Give New Life To Beloved History Via America’s Original Streetcars
Before the internet existed, vehicles, interstates, trains and trolleys were kingpins of connections. Indiana once boasted the nation's largest interurban electric railway, linking rural communities to downtown Indianapolis. Now, volunteers comprising The Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. restore these historic trolleys to interactive museumlike treasures.
Noblesville-based Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. is a registered 501(c)(3)nonprofit, with Cameron Nichols presiding. He says, "We exist to spark imagination in people of all ages to experience the art, science, culture, technology and economic empowerment of Indiana’s world-renowned electric railway industry from the 20th century."
During September, the group was awarded a $100,000 Heritage Support Grant from Indiana Historical Society officials to complete the operational and cosmetic restoration of Union Traction Interurban No. 429 as part of the Electrify 429 campaign. The Impact Grant will bring the 1925-built electric railway car to 95% completion, readying the century-old electric train for passenger service as Indiana's only original, operable interurban still within the state.
Carmel resident and the group's vice president, Austin Mace, says this railcar once ran through Carmel between 1925 and 1940, traveling north to Noblesville and Kokomo.
Austin adds, "The best part of being involved with this effort is shining light on a rich, often untold, part of Indiana’s history that most people are unfamiliar with. It's also a tangible, visceral way to experience history, as our ambition is eventually to enable people to ride this history."
The grant is funding critical interior and structural work, including windows, seats, flooring, lighting, roof restoration and exterior paint, transforming the already-operational car into an immersive exhibit where Hoosiers can experience this historic form of transportation for the first time in more than 80 years. The organization is raising a 15% match of $15,000 to amplify donor impact and complete the project by fall 2026.
CONTINUED >
"This transformative grant brings us to reintroducing Hoosiers to the electric railway system that once defined our state's development," says Jakob Stage, Hoosier Heartland's treasurer and chief mechanical officer. "When passengers step aboard No. 429, they'll experience the same elegance and innovation that moved nine million Hoosiers annually at the system's peak in the early 1900s."
Union Traction Company No. 429 was built in 1925 by the St. Louis Car Company as one of Indiana's premier interurbans, until the electric railway system vanished in 1941. The railcar survived decades as a gravel pit office and in storage before being saved by preservationists.
In addition to Cameron, Austin and Jakob, the group's board of directors are: Lavonne Stage, secretary and collections manager; Matthew Kertes, member-at-large; Michelle Yerkeson, volunteer services manager/safety coordinator; Aaron Hutchinson, community outreach coordinator; and Matthew Kertes, company store manager.
To support this initiative, look online for scheduled dinners, evening outings, educational sessions and special events at HoosierTrolley.org or register for their email list. Cameron says their current restoration site is temporary while they develop a permanent museum site and electric heritage railroad on which to operate the interurban collection, host community educational programs and exhibits.
Although these volunteers don't yet offer regular tours, they host open houses announced on social media and through their email list. Seeking interesting holiday gifts for train- and trolley-loving enthusiasts? This group offers an online store with branded coffee, ceramic campfire mugs, Happy Trolleydays ornament, themed shirts, 'Back Home Again In Indiana' wooden ornament, hooded sweatshirts and wooden trolley train whistles.
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Carmel! Stroll through festive Christkindlmarkt, discover one-of-a-kind gifts in the Arts & Design District, Indiana Design Center, Carmel City Center, and Midtown, glide across the outdoor rink at the Ice at Carter Green, hop aboard the Holiday Trolley, and make joyful memories all around Carmel’s Central Core.
A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.
• 2 oz dark or spiced rum
• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 whole egg
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Dash of vanilla extract
Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon
Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.
Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon. Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.
A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.
INSTRUCTIONS:
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda
Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.
DECEMBER 6TH
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Carmel Winter Farmers Market
Six Eleven | 9:00 AM
It's the organizer's third year in the location at 611 3rd Avenue SW, and they have expanded the market to 60-plus vendors, offering produce, great breakfast options, fresh milk, a wide variety of meat and other items to feed the freshest and best that Indiana has to offer. The market runs through noon every Saturday through March 2026.
6TH
St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church Of Carmel | 4:00 PM
Join an evening of community, prayer, auctions, raffles, food, drinks, witnesses from volunteers and stories from homeowners. Proceeds support three core missions: transforming lives (Rebuild My Church: the Service-Retreat Experience); service with the local community (Repairing Homes, Renewing Communities local service program); and teaching sustainable practices (Sunny Day Fund, EV Edition: transitioning BF to EV fleet).
DECEMBER 12TH
Carmel City Hall
Join Carmel city representatives in proudly honoring Sister Cities' partnerships with a special display of beautifully decorated trees in the gazebo by City Hall. Each tree represents one of Carmel's Sister Cities, symbolizing the city's connections around the world. After enjoying the Sister Cities trees, take a Christmas Tree Walk from City Hall to the festive trees by the fountain.
CONTINUED
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DECEMBER 13TH
Snow Ball
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Of Carmel | 6:00 PM
At the Snow Ball there are spectacular costumes, savory food and dances to whisk participants off their feet. Dance the night away at 4000 W. 106th St. #120 and share a meal with friends and fellow dancers. Call 317.769.3099 with questions.
DECEMBER 14TH
Princess Tea
Feinstein's At Hotel Carmichael | 12:00 PM
A magical afternoon filled with tea and treats fit for royalty await. Dress up as a favorite princess to enjoy a delightful tea party with special appearances from beloved princess characters. Guests will be served selections of scones, finger sandwiches, seasonal desserts and tea. Check-in starts at noon and the tea begins at 1 p.m., concluding at 3 p.m.
DECEMBER 18TH
Holiday Run
Athletic Annex Carmel | 5:00 PM
'Tis the season for a holiday run to celebrate the season together with a 30-minute run or walk, food, drink and festivities. The event, hosted by this speciality running store, starts at 14405 Clay Terrace Blvd., Ste 130. For questions, dial 317.689.7556.
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