FERDINAND– Ferdinand is preparing for its 27th Annual Christkindlmarkt, set for Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17. This beloved event, now a regional tradition, will bring the sights, sounds, and tastes of an authentic Bavarian Christmas market to Southern Indiana. Featuring over 200 vendors and a delightful mix of old-world charm and festive fun, the market promises a weekend of shopping, food, entertainment, and holiday spirit.
A hallmark of Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt is its authenticity, modeled after the centuries-old German tradition of Christkindlmarkts, which dates back to the 14th century. The market will take place at six locations around town, indoors and outdoors, and will showcase a variety of handcrafted treasures, folk art, antiques, regional foods, and seasonal decorations. Visitors will find booths offering wood carvings, basket weaving, pottery, floral arrangements, candles, chocolates, and more.
In addition to the artisan stalls, food lovers can savor authentic Bavarian specialties like bratwurst, pretzels, and roasted nuts paired with local wines and seasonal beverages. The market’s unique festival-style layout spans several venues, including the Ferdinand Community Center, the Tri-County YMCA Antiques Markt, Forest Park High School, the Ferdinand American Legion, Ferdinand Elementary, and the Monastery Event Hall. Free parking and shuttle services will be available between locations.
For those seeking entertainment, live performances will fill the weekend with holiday cheer. Highlights include the Marionette Theater, with captivating puppet shows at Forest Park, and live Glockenspiel performances featuring animated cuckoo clock scenes. A Reindeer Reserve Meet ‘N Greet at the Ferdinand Branch Library will allow children to meet one of Santa’s reindeer, and families can share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus himself, who will be on hand at the library on Saturday afternoon. The weekend will also feature appearances by Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas) and the Christkind (Christmas Angel).
Saturday evening offers a special treat with a seasonal concert at the Monastery Immaculate Conception Church. The Evansville Philharmonic Chorus and Youth Orchestra will perform traditional Christmas music starting at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free, and goodwill donations are accepted. On Sunday, a mass featuring German hymns will be held at St. Ferdinand Church at 10:00 a.m.
For those wanting to learn more about the area’s rich history, free tours of the Monastery Immaculate Conception will be offered on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will have a chance to explore the beautiful grounds and historic site.
The festivities kick off on Friday, November 15, with the annual opening ceremony. Bells will chime, choirs will sing, and children will light the way for Christkind’s grand arrival. The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. on the west hillside of the Monastery Immaculate Conception, known locally as the “Castle on the Hill.”
The Christkindlmarkt will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday. All events, including parking and shuttle services, are free to the public.
Ferdinand, Indiana, is conveniently located just one mile north of I-64 at Exit 63, approximately 45 minutes east of Evansville and an hour west of Louisville, Kentucky. For more information on the market, including vendor details, event schedules, and accommodations, visit www.visitduboiscountychristmas.com or www.ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com. For lodging and travel assistance, call 1-800-968-4578.
