Overview
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Twinkling lights, a dazzling bandshell, and a fairy-tale scene. In the heart of Mass Avenue’s Arts District, you’re invited to eat, drink, and be merry this holiday season as the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt returns to the enchanted Rathskeller Biergarten—Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 22. Experience an authentic winter market with traditional vendor huts featuring holiday wares and local handicrafts. You’ll also enjoy German food, live entertainment, and highlighted holiday celebrations from around the globe, including Krampusnacht, Sankt Nikolaus Fest, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and Hanukkah! It’s a feast for your senses.
Opening Weekend
Friday, November 29 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Saturday, November 30 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, December 1 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Week 2
Friday, December 6 | 4 – 8 PM
Saturday, December 7 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, December 8 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Week 3
Friday, December 13 | 4 – 8 PM
Saturday, December 14 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, December 15 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Closing Weekend
Friday, December 20 | 4 – 8 PM
Saturday, December 21 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, December 22 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Join us in spreading holiday cheer by helping with our Kinder Krafts hut and hosting vendors at our third annual Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt! Your support will make the event magical for everyone.
Sign up today and be part of the celebration!
Week 1: Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1
Week 2: Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8
Week 3: Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15
Week 4: Friday, December 20 – Sunday, December 22
Calling all photographers! Here’s your chance to create stunning holiday photos at Indianapolis’ beloved Christkindlmarkt.
Book a 3-hour time slot (4:00-7:00 PM) for just $100 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from November 26 to December 19, 2024, and host your mini or full sessions in a picture-perfect winter wonderland for your clients!
You’ll have exclusive access to the market, complete with twinkling lights, a cozy fireplace, and even a snow machine to add that perfect holiday touch. While the huts will be closed, the festive vibes and lights will be in full swing—perfect for capturing those cozy moments. Photographers are responsible for the logistics and marketing of their own photoshoots.
Book now and make this holiday season truly magical!
About Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration of African roots — observed by people of all faith backgrounds —that’s anchored by seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba aimed at helping build and reinforce community. Our special celebration and programming will include traditional music, ranging from drum circles to dance groups, as well as a performance by a storyteller who will share the culture and tradition of this special holiday.
History & Ways to Celebrate
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African festival, celebrated by people of all faith backgrounds, that uplifts culture and community. Made official in 1966, Kwanzaa brings families and communities together for seven nights (December 26–January 1) to celebrate Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith)
Kwanzaa brings together cultural traditions and practices from various cultures and peoples across the vast African continent, from throughout the African diaspora, and from traditions and values carried on within African American communities. The holiday was developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga, longtime activist and Professor of Africana Studies, as a specifically African-American holiday. Inspired by the first fruits festivals celebrated by some cultural groups in Southern Africa around the time of the December solstice, Kwanzaa centers itself on community, beauty, celebration, and looking toward the future with hope.
Popular symbols of Kwanzaa include a Kinara (candle-holder with seven candlesticks; one black, three red, three green, to represent the Nguzo Saba), Mazao and Mahindi (crops and corn, as part of the holiday’s harvest-festival roots), and a Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup, shared among the people celebrating together.)
About Krampusnacht
According to folklore, a mythical demon-goat arrives every year to scare and punish those who find themselves on the naughty list. With its long fangs, menacing horns, and a switch made of birch sticks, Krampus rules the night. Our Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) celebration dates back hundreds of years to the towns and villages of the European Alps, and is traditionally followed by the arrival of a kind-hearted gift giver (Sankt Nikolaus) who arrives the following day to reward those who’ve been good.
Krampusnacht includes family-friendly programming (3-6pm), with a special presentation by NoExit Performance — Indy’s most adventurous theatre company — with a tale from two “expert” storytellers uncovering the “truth” behind the myth of the goatman. The show will be followed by a visit from Krampus himself—from a safe distance of course! After that, stay for our evening programming (6-8pm) — it’s not for the faint of heart!
History & Ways to Celebrate
According to German and Scandinavian folklore, Krampus is the opponent of Sankt Nikolaus (also called St. Nicholas, which is how we get the name Santa Claus!)
While Sankt Nikolaus delivers gifts to good children, Krampus delivers punishments to the naughty ones. Those punishments can include “gifts” of switches or coal, a big scare, or worse– in some stories, Krampus has a big bag to carry naughty children away!
Krampus’ frightening appearance is a combination of religious and folk traditions. Many paintings and drawings feature his furry goat legs, monstrous devil-like face, and pointed horns. You can make your own Krampus mask at our Kids & Family Activity area.
December 5th (St. Nicholas Day Eve) is known as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night. On this night, there are parades and festivals dedicated to Krampus where people dress up in Krampus costumes and roam the streets to scare people (all in good fun!)
About Sankt Nikolaus Fest
All are welcome to enjoy this nostalgic visit with Christmas past. With a focus on family fun and making lasting memories, the Athenaeum Foundation brings traditional holiday favorites to ring in the season of joy. Since 1985, the Sankt Nikolaus book of names has kept the name and age of every child who has visited with St. Nikolaus. At check in, your child’s name is added for a personalized visit with St. Nikolaus himself!
Street parking is free on Sundays, so bring the whole family and enjoy a day of fun activities!
Please note Sankt Nikolaus Fest will be located outdoors at the Christkindlmarkt in 2024, not inside the Athenaeum building!
History & Ways to Celebrate St. Nikolaus
Sankt Nikolaus of Myra was a Christian bishop who lived in modern-day Turkey/Greece in the 4th century AD. After his death, he was made into the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants. December 6 is Sankt Nikolaus Day and marks the beginning of Advent, the season leading up to Christmas.
Over time, Sankt Nikolaus has become a Christmas icon. Depending on where you are in the world, he may have different names and different traditions connected to him. There are some things in common worldwide, though:
The Outfit: Sankt Nikolaus is depicted wearing long red robes, a white beard, and a pointed hat. At the Athenaeum, he will wear a bishop’s robes and mitre, carrying a golden staff.
The Animals: Sankt Nikolaus needs animal companions to help him travel and bring gifts. In some countries, he is said to ride a white horse. In America, Santa Claus has a sleigh with flying reindeer. In Germany, he rides a donkey!
The Celebrations: Around the world there are parades, singing, dancing, and all kinds of activities to make the day special. We invite you to celebrate with us!
Presented by Flores Law Group
In honor of Las Posadas and the commemoration of the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem, our special programming will include a variety of festive music taking you on a holiday journey, ranging from mariachi bands to Latin pop singers. Families can gather and connect over holiday activities including ornament building.
History & Ways to Celebrate Las Posadas
Las Posadas (December 16–24) is a celebration leading up to Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The holiday is commonly celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, and Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. “Las posadas” is Spanish for “the inns,” and is named so because it commemorates the journey taken by Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, in their search for safe lodging to give birth to Jesus.
Las Posadas is celebrated with nightly processions through the city or town, often led by children dressed as angels or by figures dressed as Mary and Joseph. The procession stops at different homes and asks the inhabitants for lodging for Mary and Joseph. The homeowner must refuse lodging, but gives out treats or refreshments to the parade-goers. Mass is held on each day of the festival, followed by singing, feasting, and the breaking of star-shaped piñatas. After Las Posadas, the celebrating continues on into Christmas and New Year, and concludes with Rosca de Reyes on January 6th, where figures dressed as the Three Wise Men visit homes and give gifts to children.
Traditions at Las Posadas include making and eating tamales, drinking atole (a sweet spiced masa-based beverage,) singing carols and litanies, and seven-pointed star piñatas to represent the star that led the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem. This holiday is so popular in Mexico that any holiday-related party is called a posada!
About Hanukkah at the Christkindlmarkt
Celebrating the ideals of Judaism and commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, our special Hanukkah programming is steeped in traditional music, including a special performance by at the renowned klezmer band, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation’s 65th Street Klezmorim. Guests will also enjoy holiday activities designed especially for families with kids of all ages. Don’t miss the holiday treats, as we’re bringing in some special sweet treats.
History & Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish eight-day wintertime celebration, marked by the lighting of menorah candles, special prayers and storytelling, and plenty of delicious food!
Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is a Hebrew word meaning “dedication,” and it’s named so because the holiday marks the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In the 2nd century BCE, Jerusalem and the surrounding area were ruled by an empire that enforced Greek-Syrian culture, language, and religion, and suppressed or destroyed the cultural traditions of others. The Temple in Jerusalem, long established as a center of Jewish worship, was forcibly taken and rededicated to the Greek god, Zeus.
The Maccabees, a group of Jewish soldiers and scholars, rebelled and fought to reclaim the Temple. When it came time to re-light the Temple’s Menorah (a candelabrum that should never go out) there was only enough fuel to keep it lit for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days– long enough to make more oil and keep the Menorah shining brightly.
To celebrate the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem, and the miracle of its restored Menorah remaining lit, Jewish people around the world light Hanukkah menorahs, hanukkiyahs, in their own homes and places of worship.
Because the miracle of Hanukkah centers around oil, fried foods like potato pancakes, latkes, and jelly-filled doughnuts, sufganiyot, are popular– but Jewish people come from all different kinds of backgrounds, so the foods at one Hanukkah table may be very different from another! Other symbols of Hanukkah include dreidels (spinning tops marked with letters of the Hebrew alphabet) and gelt (chocolate coins).
Available at the Rathskeller – Hut #14
Potato pancakes with sour cream or apple sauce.
Available at the Rathskeller – Hut #14
Potato pancakes topped with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onion.
Available at the Pretzel Haus – Hut #13
Our famous Rathskeller soft pretzel Christkindl size, served with spicy German mustard and beer cheese.
Available at the Rathskeller – Hut #14
A delicious combination of beef, sausage, bratwurst, sauerkraut, onions, and seasonings deep-fried in tasty breading. Served with three unique sauces for dipping pleasure.
Available at the Rathskeller – Hut #14
Chicken breast wrapped in ham and Swiss cheese then fried to golden perfection. Served with honey mustard sauce.
Available at the Raclette Hut – Hut #12
The Christkindlmarkt favorite, authentic Swiss Raclette cheese, warmed and served on buttered toasted French baguette.
Available at the Rathskeller – Hut #14
A classic authentic Weiss (white) brat or beer steamed and grilled. Served on pretzel roll and topped with our delicious sauerkraut and served with spicy mustard.
Available at the Rathskeller – Hut #14
Choose a combination of 3 authentic Weiss and/or Kielbassa. Served on pretzel roll and topped with our delicious sauerkraut and served with spicy mustard.
Available at the Rathskeller – Hut #14
Center cut pork tenderloin in tasty breading, deep fried and served on a toasted Kaiser roll. Served with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and dill pickle.
Available at the Rathskeller – Hut #14
Rathskeller scratch made holiday cookies.
Available at the ChocoHütte – Hut #10
A timeless classic made to sweeten your holiday spirits. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate-flavored drizzle.
Available at the Coffee & ButterBier – Hut #2
Let us introduce your newest holiday tradition, Warm ButterBier is an interesting interplay between the flavors of cream soda and butterscotch, with a sweet, frothy topping. It is not at all alcoholic, despite its name. Be warned: you may discover that ButterBier addiction is a very real phenomenon.
Available at the Raclette Hut – Hut #12
Fresh pressed hot honey crisp apple cider
Available at the Glühwein & Bier Hut – Hut #6
German Dornfelder wine steeped with orange peels and holiday spices.
Available at the Glühwein & Bier Hut – Hut #6
Available at the Cider Haus – Hut #4
Mulled Cider is a delicious holiday treat. This spiced and spiked concoction will warm you from the inside out!
Inspired by old-world apple wine, this tannic, dry cider was made especially for the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt in the traditional German style.
Available at the Glühwein & Bier Hut – Hut #6
A Sun King brown ale brewed with chocolate and coffee.
Available at the Glühwein & Bier Hut – Hut #6
Brewed with a medley of seasonal spices, milk sugars, molasses and vanilla beans, this Holly Jolly Ale provides a spice-forward nose, with delicious notes of sweet gingerbread.
Presented by Digs Garden Center
Digs is excited to bring our fresh cut Christmas tree market to Athenaeum’s Christkindlmarkt. Visit our booth for real Christmas trees, handmade wreaths, and winter porch pots. Decorating with live greenery is not only environmentally friendly but also supports Indiana farmers and our local, small businesses! Shop sustainable and shop small at Digs Tree Market.
Located in the developing north mass district, Digs is Indy’s four season garden center. Digs winter tree market is open from Nov 24th through Dec 20th, located at 1302 Columbia Ave, Indianapolis. In the spring, summer and fall, visit us for annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, veggie starts, house plants, and more. Love spending time with plants? Our meandering pathways and vintage, recycled infrastructure is an urban oasis and must-see location for plant lovers. Come discover why Digs is Indy’s best hidden gem.
Presented by Coat Check Coffee
Warm up at Coat Check Coffee with freshly brewed coffee, delicious pastries, and our new ButterBier—a sweet treat perfect for the season! Don’t forget to pick up your official Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt mug here to make your visit complete.
Presented by The Athenaeum Foundation
The Kinder Krafts hut is a cozy crafting corner for kids and families to enjoy festive, hands-on activities! Drop by to cut out paper snowflakes, color winter scenes, make shrinky dinks, and explore new crafts each weekend—perfect for a fun, creative break at the Christkindlmarkt!
Presented by MJ’s Baking Boutique
Treat yourself to delicious cupcakes, cookies, and even a “decorate your own cookie” pack at MJ’s Baking Boutique!
Presented by Ash & Elm Cider
Whether it’s a warm cup of Mulled Cider or a can of the German-Style Apfelwein you’re going to want to sip one of Ash & Elm’s fine ciders.
Presented by The Athenaeum Foundation
Warm up with our iconic market beverages, including a special glühwein imported from Germany and signature beers from local favorites Guggman Haus Brewing Co. and Sun King Brewery. Don’t forget to pick up your official Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt mug here to fill with festive glühwein! Must be 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages on-site.
Presented by J&K Sweet Shop
Enjoy a variety of warm, roasted nuts and other delightful sweet treats.
Presented by Brewies Dog Treats
Celebrate the season with Brewies Dog Treats! Here at Brewies, we partner with Indiana breweries to transform their spent grains into delicious, all-natural treats that your pups will love. As an Indiana-based business, we’re passionate about sustainability and supporting local brewers while creating a unique product that’s both eco-friendly and pet-approved. Stop by our booth at Christkindlmarkt to stock up on all your holiday dog needs with Brewies Dog Treats!
Presented by Timberjack Co.
Explore Timberjack Co.’s collection of unique gift items. Perfect for adding a local, rustic touch to your home or finding a special gift!
Presented by Wax Traditions
Handmade German wax ornaments lovingly made by Linda Frank. Each ornament is a one of a kind work of art.
Presented by Best Chocolate in Town
Indulge in the best chocolate in town with rich hot chocolate and an array of delicious, chocolatey treats!
Presented by Ghostly Preservations
Presented by Penn & Beach
The smell of the holidays are in the air. Wait…thats just a Penn & Beach candle! Stop by the Candle Haus for all those smell good gifts.
Presented by Clay Sweet Clay
Clay Sweet Clay is an artisanal brand based in Indianapolis, specializing in handmade polymer clay jewelry and accessories. Merging contemporary, boho-chic, and nature-inspired designs, our solo artisan crafts unique and timeless pieces. Each item is meticulously handcrafted, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship. Our brand is currently expanding to include fabric items such as pouches and tote bags, which will be a perfect complement to our jewelry collection, adding even more versatility and style for our customers.
Presented by Knot & Arrow
Knot & Arrow specializes in crafting distinctive sterling silver jewelry, ranging from rings, earrings, necklaces, and more.
With a focus on minimalistic designs, each piece exudes elegance and simplicity.
Committed to ethical practices, we meticulously select gemstones from sustainable sources, and offer inclusive sizing to ensure every customer finds their perfect adornment.
Presented by Baked Cheese Haus
MELTY. CHEESE. That’s all we really need to say about that!
Presented by The Rathskeller
World famous Rathskeller soft pretzels, Christkindl size, served with spicy German mustard and beer cheese.
Elizabeth Lee is a musician and singer-songwriter, local to the Indianapolis area. She typically performs in a trio with her dad, Bobby Pugh & bass player, Jason McKay. The group is known for their soothing, relaxing vibes and eclectic mix of cover songs and original music.
At Your Door Productions has been Indy’s premier Dickensian caroling company for over 25 years. Each holiday season, our carolers can be seen at community events, private parties, workplace events, and more bringing holiday spirit to life with lively Christmas carols and the sounds of the season. Each of these performances is done by a quartet of professional singers in authentic period garb.
Rob Dixon, a dynamic jazz musician and educator, brings his impressive talents to the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt. Originally from Baltimore, MD, and raised in Atlanta, Dixon honed his skills under the mentorship of Atlanta Symphony clarinetist Charles Bradley. A graduate of Hampton University and an alumnus of the Jacobs School of Music, Dixon studied with the legendary David Baker.
Dixon’s career flourished in New York City, where he collaborated with jazz icons like the Count Basie Big Band, Tony Bennett, and Dakota Staton. Since moving to Indianapolis in 2003, he has performed with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and The Headhunters, among others. Dixon leads the Indianapolis Jazz Collective and serves as Artistic Director for Indy Jazz Fest. He’s a dedicated educator, mentoring young talent through the Jazz Futures program and teaching at IUPUI and Earlham College. Audiences can find Dixon regularly performing across Indianapolis.
Indy Polkamtion, led by Bob Klemen, affectionately known as “Polka Bob,” is a lively polka band with 30 years of experience igniting festive spirits with classic polka tunes. Rooted in Slovenian and Macedonian heritage, Polka Bob’s journey began at age six, studying accordion under 1950s TV musician Walter Brown. The band’s polished performances have graced prestigious events, including Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration and gatherings for state dignitaries. Known for their upbeat renditions and joyful energy, Indy Polkamtion is dedicated to the timeless tradition of polka music, ensuring every performance is a celebration that gets the crowd moving.
– Our programs strive to feature a wide variety of styles including: choral standards, Broadway & Pop selections, sacred and spiritual music, multicultural choral music spanning Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Bulgarian and English.
– We specialize in a variety of musical styles and repertoire, from Renaissance motets to contemporary American music.
– We collaborate with other organizations such as: New World Youth Orchestra, Indianapolis Arts Chorale, Fishers Chamber Players, Circle City Ringers and DePauw University Chamber Singers and Composer Dan Forrest.
– VOCE has performed at many local venues including, The Fishers Arts Walk, The Switch Theater in Fishers, St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, The Carmel Christkindlmarkt and Athanaeum Christkindlmarkt and more.
Epiphany Dance Collective is an African dance company based in Indianapolis. This dynamic group of adult and teen performers has been cultivating West African dance since 2010. Through quality artistic performances, Epiphany Dance Collective entertains, educates, and preserves African traditions.
The Fort Wayne Tanzer is a vibrant local German dancing troupe based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bringing lively performances to the community since 2012. Our troupe celebrates German culture through energetic and colorful dance routines, showcasing traditional moves and music. We’re passionate about sharing the joy of German dance with audiences of all ages.
Jay Fox & the Jammin’ Germans consists of all full time pro-musicians. Along with Jay on accordion, vocals, yodeling, cowbells and schuhplatting, the female singer vocalizes on all styles of music with lead and backup vocals and also performs on cowbells and schuhplatting. The drummer also is a schuhplattler and vocalist along with percussion.
The 65th Street Klezmorim is a traditional klezmer ensemble and the house band for the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC). This ensemble is directed by Dr. Shawn Royer and was founded by Cantor Emeritus Janice Roger in 1996. The Klezmorim performs regularly for celebratory events, worship services, and music festivals, and presents interactive educational concerts at schools and universities.
Indy Polkamtion, led by Bob Klemen, affectionately known as “Polka Bob,” is a lively polka band with 30 years of experience igniting festive spirits with classic polka tunes. Rooted in Slovenian and Macedonian heritage, Polka Bob’s journey began at age six, studying accordion under 1950s TV musician Walter Brown. The band’s polished performances have graced prestigious events, including Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration and gatherings for state dignitaries. Known for their upbeat renditions and joyful energy, Indy Polkamtion is dedicated to the timeless tradition of polka music, ensuring every performance is a celebration that gets the crowd moving.
Jennifer Mlott, a multi-talented musical sensation hailing from the heartland of America, Indianapolis, Indiana, has established herself as a rising star in the world of music. With her powerhouse vocals, an impressive list of accomplishments and a heart dedicated to giving back, Jennifer’s journey is a remarkable tale of talent, passion, and purpose and has firmly established her as an international award-winning singer-songwriter.
“The Liederkranz German Band was originally founded by Jeff Westfall as the “”Liederkranz Brass Band”” in 2014. Since its inception, the band has established itself as one of the premier musical ensembles for authentic German culture in Indianapolis.
From Bock season to Weihnachtssaison (Christmas season), the Liederkranz German Band plays at some of the best German-American celebrations across central Indiana. The Liederkranz German Band is an all-volunteer ensemble.”
DysFUNKtion Brass started in 2015 as a wild idea for a completely unique ensemble to compete in an Indianapolis battle of original bands. The crew progressed pretty well through that experience and penned an incredible collection of original music and brass-line covers. We decided that this ensemble had a message to deliver and we wanted to scratch out our own spot in the Midwest music scene. Since then the band has been performing regularly at bars, restaurants, street festivals, and corporate events around Indiana and Ohio.
Jennifer Mlott, a multi-talented musical sensation hailing from the heartland of America, Indianapolis, Indiana, has established herself as a rising star in the world of music. With her powerhouse vocals, an impressive list of accomplishments and a heart dedicated to giving back, Jennifer’s journey is a remarkable tale of talent, passion, and purpose and has firmly established her as an international award-winning singer-songwriter.
Rob Dixon, a dynamic jazz musician and educator, brings his impressive talents to the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt. Originally from Baltimore, MD, and raised in Atlanta, Dixon honed his skills under the mentorship of Atlanta Symphony clarinetist Charles Bradley. A graduate of Hampton University and an alumnus of the Jacobs School of Music, Dixon studied with the legendary David Baker.
Dixon’s career flourished in New York City, where he collaborated with jazz icons like the Count Basie Big Band, Tony Bennett, and Dakota Staton. Since moving to Indianapolis in 2003, he has performed with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and The Headhunters, among others. Dixon leads the Indianapolis Jazz Collective and serves as Artistic Director for Indy Jazz Fest. He’s a dedicated educator, mentoring young talent through the Jazz Futures program and teaching at IUPUI and Earlham College. Audiences can find Dixon regularly performing across Indianapolis.
The Fort Wayne Tanzer is a vibrant local German dancing troupe based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bringing lively performances to the community since 2012. Our troupe celebrates German culture through energetic and colorful dance routines, showcasing traditional moves and music. We’re passionate about sharing the joy of German dance with audiences of all ages.
Jay Fox & the Jammin’ Germans consists of all full time pro-musicians. Along with Jay on accordion, vocals, yodeling, cowbells and schuhplatting, the female singer vocalizes on all styles of music with lead and backup vocals and also performs on cowbells and schuhplatting. The drummer also is a schuhplattler and vocalist along with percussion.
Mariachi Sol Jalisciense is a dynamic mariachi band that brings the vibrant traditions of Mexican music to life. With powerful vocals, lively rhythms, and skilled musicianship, they capture the heart of mariachi, performing classic songs that celebrate Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Perfect for festive gatherings, their performances are filled with energy, passion, and the authentic spirit of Jalisco.
At Your Door Productions has been Indy’s premier Dickensian caroling company for over 25 years. Each holiday season, our carolers can be seen at community events, private parties, workplace events, and more bringing holiday spirit to life with lively Christmas carols and the sounds of the season. Each of these performances is done by a quartet of professional singers in authentic period garb.
The Fort Wayne Tanzer is a vibrant local German dancing troupe based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bringing lively performances to the community since 2012. Our troupe celebrates German culture through energetic and colorful dance routines, showcasing traditional moves and music. We’re passionate about sharing the joy of German dance with audiences of all ages.
Jay Fox & the Jammin’ Germans consists of all full time pro-musicians. Along with Jay on accordion, vocals, yodeling, cowbells and schuhplatting, the female singer vocalizes on all styles of music with lead and backup vocals and also performs on cowbells and schuhplatting. The drummer also is a schuhplattler and vocalist along with percussion.
Sweet Tunes is a family band hailing from Fishers, Indiana. Band members consist of Mik the Music Man (Dad) on keys and vocals, Karey (Mom) on percussion and vocals, Emily (Daughter) on drums and vocals, and Luke (Son) on trombone, harmonica and vocals. Together they perform fun family performances of music from the 40’s through today! They also specialize in holiday performances such as St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, Halloween, and Christmas where the music is as fun as their costumes! Their on-stage family vibe is fun and friendly and enjoyed by all. Sweet Tunes is often described as a modern-day “Partridge Family!”; bus not included!
– Our programs strive to feature a wide variety of styles including: choral standards, Broadway & Pop selections, sacred and spiritual music, multicultural choral music spanning Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Bulgarian and English.
– We specialize in a variety of musical styles and repertoire, from Renaissance motets to contemporary American music.
– We collaborate with other organizations such as: New World Youth Orchestra, Indianapolis Arts Chorale, Fishers Chamber Players, Circle City Ringers and DePauw University Chamber Singers and Composer Dan Forrest.
– VOCE has performed at many local venues including, The Fishers Arts Walk, The Switch Theater in Fishers, St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, The Carmel Christkindlmarkt and Athanaeum Christkindlmarkt and more.
Indy Polkamtion, led by Bob Klemen, affectionately known as “Polka Bob,” is a lively polka band with 30 years of experience igniting festive spirits with classic polka tunes. Rooted in Slovenian and Macedonian heritage, Polka Bob’s journey began at age six, studying accordion under 1950s TV musician Walter Brown. The band’s polished performances have graced prestigious events, including Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration and gatherings for state dignitaries. Known for their upbeat renditions and joyful energy, Indy Polkamtion is dedicated to the timeless tradition of polka music, ensuring every performance is a celebration that gets the crowd moving.
Elizabeth Lee is a musician and singer-songwriter, local to the Indianapolis area. She typically performs in a trio with her dad, Bobby Pugh & bass player, Jason McKay. The group is known for their soothing, relaxing vibes and eclectic mix of cover songs and original music.
The Shawn Royer Jazz Quartet is based in Indianapolis and is comprised of professional jazz musicians. Dr. Shawn Royer is a Yamaha Performing Artist and Vandoren Artist Clinician who plays clarinet, saxophone, and flute. In addition to performing jazz regularly as a solo artist, Shawn also directs the Swing Shift Indy Big Band and the 65th Street Klezmorim.
Opening Weekend
Friday, November 29 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Saturday, November 30 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, December 1 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Week 2
Friday, December 6 | 4 – 8 PM
Saturday, December 7 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, December 8 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Week 3
Friday, December 13 | 4 – 8 PM
Saturday, December 14 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, December 15 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Closing Weekend
Friday, December 20 | 4 – 8 PM
Saturday, December 21 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, December 22 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Entrance into the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt is FREE. There are costs if you choose to purchase items from one of the vendor huts.
The Athenaeum is located at 401 E. Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Entry for the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt is located on the corner of Cleveland St & Michigan St.
The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt is an outdoor rain or shine event. The Market will only shut down in the event of severe weather. We will post about any Market closure on the Athenaeum Christkindlamrkt page of our website and our social media outlets.
Parking is in our new Block 20 Garage located right next door to the Athenaeum. Pre-purchase your parking by clicking here.
Yes, handicap parking is available in the Block 20 Garage.
Credit cards are accepted at all Huts. Cash is accepted at select Huts.
Tobacco products are not permissible while visiting the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens and pipes.
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