Each year, during the third full week of November, the town of Ferdinand, Ind., becomes a German getaway. With heady aromas of specialty Bavarian fare and various displays of unique artisan works, the Indiana town reconnects with its German roots at its annual Christkindlmarkt. Since the original celebration began in early 14th-century Germany, Christkindlmarkt festivals have become popular staples in towns throughout the world. Ferdinand is known to host one of the most authentic in the U.S., and was even voted one of 2012’s Top 100 Events in the Nation by the American Bus Association.
Sponsored by the Tourism Division of the Chamber of Commerce and the Dubois County Visitors Center, Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt, Nov. 17 and 18, features more than 150 booths where browsers can sip wine and dine on regional foods while shopping for handmade toys, folk art, ornaments, and other giftware. All vendors are located indoors at six different sites throughout town, including the Ferdinand Community Center, Forest Park High School, the Tri-County YMCA Antiques Markt, the Ferdinand American Legion, the Hilgeman Auction House Antiques Markt, and the St. Ferdinand Spiritual Life Center.
“The Town of Ferdinand has been so supportive,” says Diane Hoppenjans, president of the Ferdinand Tourism Commission. “We continue to grow with the help of town officials and staff, the chamber members, the schools, the Sisters of St. Benedict, the church, and community volunteers. Mix that with quality hand-crafted items, great food and wine, and live entertainment, and the spirit of a German Christkindlmarkt comes alive!”
For more information on Christkindlmarkt, check out our Guide.
