Flaming German cocktail among new offerings at Christkindlmarkt
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Fest
Ice rinks return for the holidays
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
With the return of cold weather, business at ice-skating rinks throughout northern Indianapolis is warming up. Several ice rinks, such as the Federal Hill Ice Plaza and The Ice Rink at Holliday Farms, are now open or opening soon and will offer communities an outdoor activity for the entire family.
N OBLESVILLE
The City of Noblesville recently opened the seasonal Federal Hill Ice Plaza, presented by Noblesville Parks and Recreation. The temporary ice rink in the Federal Hill Apartments parking lot at 196 Westfield Rd. opened Nov. 23. It will close for the season Jan. 6, 2025.
Several other events also will be presented throughout December in Federal Hill Commons, according to Noblesville Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Charlie Elliott and Recreation Program Coordinator Sarah Oakley.
“From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14, we will turn Federal Commons into the North Pole,” Oakley said. “So, we’ll have live reindeer and a craft station. We’re trying to get a toy shop in one of the coffee houses, and we’re going to have live elf actors and carolers. So, it’ll be a fun event and tie right in with the ice rink. We also have a Jingle Bell breakfast on the morning of the North Pole event.”
There also will be a chance to skate with the Noblesville Police Department Dec. 20.
“We’re definitely about having everybody down there,” Elliott said. “We’re excited to open full-time from Dec. 21 through Jan. 6. We’re hopeful it fills up for those days.”
Admission, including skate rental, is $11 for kids 12 and under and $13 for people 13 and older.
For more, visit noblesvilleparks.org/402/Ice-Skating.
N ORTH I NDY
The Ice Rink at Holliday Park will return for its third year Nov. 29 at 6363 Spring Mill Rd. and remain open until March 1, 2025.
“We are excited and look forward to welcoming skaters back for the third season of the Ice Rink,” stated Adam Barnes, executive director of the Holliday Park Foundation. “As this event becomes more sustainable every year, we are proud of the impact we can make by offering residents the ability to get out and relax in nature during the winter months, as well as expanding our educational and community programming to foster lifelong memories at Holliday Park.”
In its third season, the rink will offer familiar and expanded programming as well as new partnerships, including:
• Concessions: MASHCraft, a new food and beverage vendor, will offer classic concessions and elevated food options, including beer and wine.
Concessions will be available Friday through Sunday and during special events.
• Learn to Skate: Skating lessons for a variety of ages and skill levels on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Coffee Club: A skating lesson group for adults with complimentary coffee on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
• Learn to Play Hockey: Free, drop-in hockey lessons will be conducted by Our Hockey House on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m.
• 3-on-3 Pond Hockey: The Ice Rink can be rented for 3-on-3 hockey games on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with equipment provided by the renting party. Each session is limited to the first 20 players at $25 a person.
• School Programming: The Ice Rink will host a variety of opportunities for schools including field trips, half-price Fridays with any student ID, private rentals for PTO fundraisers, parties, sports groups and homeschool skate sessions on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Private Rink Rentals: The rink can be rented for $400 an hour.
Tickets are $14 online and at the door and include skate rental. Admission is free for children 4 and younger and students of any age receive a half-off entry on Fridays with their student ID. Season passes are available for $150. For more, visit hollidaypark.org/rink.
OTHER AREA ICE RINKS:
• Carmel:
The Ice at Carter Green: theiceatcartergreen.com Carmel Ice Skadium: carmeliceskadium.com
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt features German-inspired food, gifts and entertainment throughout the holiday season at Carter Green. The market is generally open from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 24. Attendees may also skate at the Ice at Carter Green within the market. For a full schedule of events and special hours, visit CarmelChristkindlmarkt.com.
WESTFIELD IN LIGHTS
Free winter-themed games, food vendors, retail merchants, live llamas and visits from Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer are just some of the activities sched uled for Westfield in Lights. The event returns from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St. The event culminates with the traditional Tree Lighting Celebration beginning at 5:50 p.m. on the main stage. Mayor Scott Willis and special guests will officially light the tree at 6 p.m., which signifies the kickoff to the holiday season in Westfield. During the event, Mrs. Claus will be at Something Splendid, 217 Mill St. for a picture and cookies.
ZIONSVILLE’S CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE Registration is open for sponsors and parade participants for the family-friendly Christmas in the Village event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30. The parade steps off at 5 p.m. at Eagle Elementary and concludes at Old National Bank. Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the tree on the corner of Pine and Main streets at the conclusion of the parade. Register as a sponsor or a parade entry at zionsvillechamber.org under the ‘events’ tab. Questions can be directed to info@zionsvillechamber.org.
The Federal Hill Ice Plaza at 196 Westfield Rd. (Photo courtesy of the City of Noblesville)
COOKIES WITH CHARACTERS
The City of Fishers Parks Department presents the annual Cookies with Characters Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at the Ambassador House, 10598 Eller Rd, Fishers. Activities include decorating cookies, a visit from the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who and other Whoville fun and games. All parents and children, regardless of age, must be registered to attend. Children 2 and under are free to attend with registration. No walk-ups will be permitted. Registration is non-transferrable. To register, visit playfishers.com/583/ Cookies-with-Characters.
NOBLESVILLE’S NORTH POLE
Experience Santa’s village at Noblesville’s North Pole at Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14. Experience a visit with live reindeer, festive crafts, photo opportunities, elf training and more. Admission and activities are all free and vendors will have items for purchase. Attendees can also sign up for Breakfast with Santa at the Green Room. For more, contact Noblesville Parks & Recreation at 317-776-6350.
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT STUDIO
Fest
Fishers restaurant offers
‘Nutcracker’ cocktail experience
By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com
The classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” has been a Christmastime staple for more than 100 years, inspiring numerous adaptations and — now — signature cocktails.
Every Saturday, Sunday and Monday Nov. 30 through Dec. 23, HC Tavern + Kitchen in Fishers, 9709 E. 116th St., will celebrate the holidays and honor the classic ballet with its “The Nutcracker Suite” holiday pop-up.
HC Tavern General Manager Aaron Hutchinson said this is the second year the restaurant has hosted a holiday pop-up. Last year’s event was based on The Grinch — a Dr. Seuss character — and Hutchinson said it was so popular, they were turning people away some nights.
This year, he said, the restaurant’s terrace will feature over-the-top decor, including life-sized displays of favorite “Nutcracker” characters along with themed cocktails.
“We’re really transforming our terrace on our second level into a kind of a whimsical world where guests can come, enjoy the holiday ambience, have some cocktails and then hopefully enjoy some dinner or something at the bar, either before or after,” Hutchinson said.
He said the holidays are a busy time for the restaurant and the pop-up experience is an added value they are offering to customers.
“You have businesses doing holiday parties, you have families traveling and getting together and then, hopefully, people will come either before or after their meal and enjoy the ambiance (and) take some holiday pictures,” he said.
No reservations are required to attend the pop-up, but people can get onto a list if the space fills up before they arrive. Hutchinson said that last year, the response from customers was almost overwhelming.
“The team here experienced guests arriving hours early to get their name on the list,” he said. “And on nights we closed at 10 — at 9, they had to just turn the wait list off, because we
“Nutcracker”-themed cocktails will be featured during HC Tavern + Kitchen’s holiday pop-up experience, starting Nov. 30 and running through Dec. 23. (Photo courtesy of Huse Culinary)
would (have) a 2-1/2-hour wait for it.”
Hutchinson said some of the specialty cocktails for “The Nutcracker” pop-up include a toasty Nutcracker, which is essentially a s’mores old fashioned; a Sugar Plum Fairy made with rosè gin; and the Mouse King’s revenge, which is a bananas foster martini.
“We’ve got some really neat drinks that are on-theme for the holiday season,” he said. “I think it’s going to be really special and really going to transform the ambience of our loft space.”
For more, visit atthehc.com/ happenings.
NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCES
Various “Nutcracker” performances are planned during the holiday season. They include:
• Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, The Palladium, Carmel
• The Village Dance Studio, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center at Zionsville Community High School, 1000 Mulberry St.
• Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Dec. 13-15, STAR Bank Performing Arts Center, Zionsville
• Indianapolis Ballet, Dec. 19-22, Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, Indianapolis
• Ballet INitiative, Dec. 20-22, The Basile Theatre, Indianapolis
Presented by IU Health North Hospital
Holiday Events
CARMEL: HOLIDAY PORCHFEST
Holiday Porchfest will feature performers singing holiday classics beginning at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 in Midtown Plaza. Onsite vendors will offer warm beverages and snacks. Learn more at CarmelPorchfest.org.
NOBLESVILLE: REINDEER EXPRESS
The community can take an hour and fifteen-minute ride with Santa at the Nickel Plate Express in Noblesville this holiday season. The journey takes passengers on a round-trip ride from Noblesville to Arcadia, traveling through Cicero and over Morse Reservoir. The ride includes hot chocolate, a holiday cookie, holiday music and a chance to write a letter to the North Pole. For tickets, visit nickelplateexpress.com/winter-train-rides/ reindeer-express.
WESTFIELD: LETTERS TO SANTA
A Letters to Santa mailbox will be available with direct service to the North Pole at Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St. through Dec. 15. Mailboxes are also located outside Westfield City Services, 2728 E. 171st St.; Westfield Fire Department Headquarters/Station 81, 16901 Ditch Rd.; the Westfield Washington Public Library, 17400 Westfield Blvd. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope so Santa can reply promptly.
FISHERS: WINTER ART MARKETS
Fishers Arts Council’s Winter Art Markets at Sun King, 9713 District N. Dr., Suite 1220, return Dec. 5, 12 and 19, with markets running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each day is a different set of artists and artisans. and every evening includes fine art, books, toys, personal care items, jewelry and more.
CARMEL: SANTA SOIREE
Clay Terrace will present the Santa Soiree from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Village Green in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods. Guests can meet Santa, enjoy holiday beverages, listen to live music performances and watch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Carriage rides
will be available from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend the event. Learn more at clayterrace. com/events/santa-soiree-2.
ZIOSNVILLE: HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
The 13th Annual Carol of Homes — Holiday Home Tour will showcase six local homes festively decorated for the holidays Dec. 7 in Zionsville. The tour is tied together from home to home with Zionsville Community High School show choir performers singing traditional and modern holiday tunes. Tickets are $25 each. Learn more about the tour at holidayhometour.weebly.com
WHITESTOWN: WINTER MARKET
The Town of Whitestown hosts a monthly winter market at the Whitestown Community Recreation Center at the Whitestown Municipal Complex. The market is 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 14; Jan. 11, 2025; Feb. 8; and March 8. A variety of vendors will sell local products and foods. Learn more at whitestown.in.gov under the community tab.
NOBLESVILLE: COOKIE CRAWL
Explore the Downtown Square and gather cookies from local merchants during the annual Cookie Crawl charity event! Pre-order your cookie tin prior to Dec. 7 and pick it up Dec. 7th at Linden Tree. Walk around the downtown collecting cookies to fill your tin at participating businesses. A map will be given to you when you pick up the tin. Proceeds are donated to Fueled for School of Noblesville. For more, visit facebook.com/ events/486694984400003?_rdr.
WESTFIELD: HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Westfield High School Performing Arts students including concert band, symphonic band, wind symphony, percussion ensemble, New Waves Choir, Signature Sound Choir and Limited Edition Choir are part of the holiday festival at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at the WHS auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. Purchase tickets at westfield.band/ concerts.
This Week’s Market Magic!
Special Events
Nov. 30, 7-8 p.m., Sankt Martinstag
Dec. 1, 12-8 p.m., Indianapolis Colts Fest
Werkstatt
Nov. 23-Dec. 1, Markus Wagner, Oberammergau Woodcarver
Kinderecke
Nov. 30, 4-7 p.m., Wooden Lantern Craft
Dec. 1, 12-8 p.m., Blue Horseshoe Ornament Craft
Spielhaus
Nov. 27, 12-3 p.m., Snow Sisters
Nov. 30, 12-5 p.m., Roz Puppets
Dec. 1, 12-6 p.m., Santa
Entertainment
Nov. 29, 7-9 p.m., Jennie DeVoe
Nov. 30, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Jay Fox & the Jammin’ Germans
Nov. 30, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Johnny Koenig
Dec. 1, 2-4 p.m., Johnny Koenig
November 23 - December 24
Feuerzangenbowle translates to “fire tongs punch.” (Photo by Roben Bellomo, Bellomo Studios, Carmel Christkindlmarkt)
Flaming German cocktail among new offerings at Carmel Christkindlmarkt
By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com
A flaming German cocktail traditionally served at festive social gatherings has debuted this year at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
To make Feuerzangenbowle, which translates to “fire tongs punch,” rum-soaked sugar is lit on fire and as it caramelizes it drips into a cup of Glühwein below.
Michael Nahmias, vice president of operations for the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, said Feuerzangenbowle tastes similar to Glühwein with a hint of rum.
“In general, though, the taste is sort of secondary to the experience,” Nahmias said. “This is the kind of drink that is often enjoyed at home with loved ones or maybe a group of friends that only gets together once a year.”
Feuerzangenbowle has been enjoyed in Europe since at least the 1700s but became more popular in Germany in 1944 after the film “Die Feuerzangenbowle” was released.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO Maria Murphy traveled to Wörgl, Austria, to work with a coppersmith on the design of kettles that can be used to make Feuerzangenbowle on a large scale at the Carmel festival, which runs through Dec. 24 at Carter Green.
Nahmias said the drink is typically served in smaller settings than the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, but organizers are taking steps to replicate the traditional experience of enjoying Feuerzangenbowle as much as possible.
“Obviously it’s difficult to bring that intimate, cozy vibe into a bustling market, but we’re doing everything we can to make it special,” Nahmias said. “Our Feuerzangenbowle will be served out of giant 40-plus liter copper kettles; you’ll see these types of stands scattered across Germany, and as far as we know, we’re the first to do it this way in the U.S. That’s a point of pride for us. We want people to
come to Carmel and have an experience that they can’t get anywhere else in the country.”
The Christkindlmarkt will serve Feuerzangenbowle in a commemorative mug. An extra shot of rum can be added upon request.
Nahmias said he doesn’t know if Feuerzangenbowle will become as popular in the U.S. as some other German-inspired beverages, but he is eager for Christkindlmarkt visitors to give it a try.
“Feuerzangenbowle is more of a niche drink. It doesn’t have the cultural resonance in America the same way that German beer or even mulled wine does,” Nahmias said. “Hopefully, it becomes another fan favorite. In general, though, I want every one of our visitors to leave the market having learned or experienced something new. Maybe they learn how to ice skate, maybe they gain a newfound love of polka music, or maybe they try a new drink and learn about a German comedy from 80 years ago.”
Learn more at Carmel Christkindlmarkt.com.
NEW OFFERINGS
In addition to Feuerzangenbowle, other new offerings at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt this year include:
• Knödel & Champignons – A vegan hut offering dumplings and sauteed mushrooms covered in a creamy garlic sauce.
• Zinnstadt – A pewter booth offering a variety of hand-painted German pewter ornaments and steins.
• Werkstatt Souvenirs – A gift shop next to the Werkstatt dedicated to the sale of items made by visiting German artisans, including handcarved figures, glass creations and more.
• Custom Glass Ornaments – A limited-edition Carmel Christkindlmarkt collectible ornament, glass-blown the traditional Lauscha way and hand-painted specifically for the market.
Gift Ideas
LOCAL SPIRITS
Indulge in the local spirit scene. St. Elmo Steak House’s cherry-and-vanilla infused bourbon and Indianapolis-made Barkeep Vodka, crafted from Indiana corn, are readily available at local retailers.
SPORTS TICKETS
Give the gift of excitement with tickets to a professional sporting event. Hamilton County soon will feature several new teams. In addition to the Indy Fuel Hockey, the Indy Ignite Volleyball and Fishers Freight Football will call the new Fishers Event Center home. The Indy Mad Ants also will soon play in Noblesville. Find ticket options at:
• indyfuelhockey.com/tickets
• provolleyball.com/season-tickets
• fishersfreightfootball.com/tickets
• fortwayne.gleague.nba.com/ticket-central
GIFT CARDS
Give the gift of choice this holiday season with a gift card! Many local businesses are offering special deals. Consider a gift card to Indiana State Parks for outdoor adventures or to a local restaurant like Wine & Rind, Joe’s Butcher Shop, Bub’s Burgers, or Anthony’s Chophouse. For a culinary treat, check out Huse Culinary’s gift card offer: a 20 percent bonus on purchases of $125 or more.
Fest
CANADIAN BRASS
SAT NOV 23 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DIONNE WARWICK
SUN NOV 24 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
HOME FREE: ANY KIND OF CHRISTMAS TOUR
TUE DEC 3 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES: WWII TIKI XMAS CANTEEN
THU DEC 5 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE FOUR PHANTOMS: HOLIDAY SHOW
FRI DEC 6 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
JANE LYNCH’S A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS
SAT DEC 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
MATTEO BOCELLI: A NIGHT WITH MATTEO THU DEC 12 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2024
FRI DEC 13 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
JON MCLAUGHLIN & FRIENDS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
SAT DEC 14 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
MAC MCANALLY
FRI JAN 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
LET’S SING TAYLOR: A LIVE BAND EXPERIENCE CELEBRATING TAYLOR SWIFT SAT JAN 11 AT 2PM & 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
YESTERDAY AND TODAY: THE INTERACTIVE BEATLES EXPERIENCE SAT JAN 18 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE EVOLUTION OF JONI MITCHELL STARRING LAUREN FOX FRI JAN 24 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
HEART OF AFGHANISTAN FEATURING THE FANOOS ENSEMBLE SAT JAN 25 AT 8PM || THE TARKINGTON
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS SUN JAN 26 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE KINGS OF QUEEN SAT FEB 1 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
PETER SAGAL: HOST OF NPR’S WAIT WAIT...DON’T TELL ME! FRI FEB 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
FOLSOM PRISON EXPERIENCE: LEGENDARY 1968
JOHNNY CASH CONCERT SAT FEB 15 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH STEVE WARINER FRI FEB 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
SEASON PARTNER
KALANI PE’A: GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER SAT FEB 22 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DON WAS & THE PAN DETROIT ENSEMBLE FRI FEB 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THE STEPCREW FRI MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BROOKLYN CHARMERS: A STEELY DAN TRIBUTE FRI MAR 7 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE &PALMER FRI MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
DUSTBOWL REVIVAL:A LAUREL CANYON RETROSPECTIVE FRI MAR 21 AT 8PM | THE TARKINGTON
THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS SUN MAR 23 AT 7PM | THE TARKINGTON
GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES SUN MAR 23 AT 5PM | THE PALLADIUM
LANG LANG FRI MAR 28 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
EMMYLOU HARRIS THU APR 3 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SAT APR 5 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG
UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND & SOLDIERS’ CHORUS WEDS APR 9 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN SAT APR 12 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BACHELORS OF BROADWAY: GENTLEMEN OF THE THEATRE SUN APR 13 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM
ITZHAK PERLMAN IN RECITAL THU APR 17 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
MICKY DOLENZ OF THE MONKEES: AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES FRI APR 25 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
BLACK VIOLIN SAT APR 26 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
OUR PLANET LIVE: A NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES WITH DAN TAPSTER TUES, APR 29 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES THU MAY 1 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM
CELEBRATE THE SONGBOOK: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SAT MAY 10 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM
