|
CITY OF CARMEL NEWSLETTER - Dec. 12, 2025 |
|
Winter weather updates
The City of Carmel and our partners are preparing for upcoming winter weather and extreme cold temperatures beginning Saturday evening and through Sunday.
For the safety of event patrons, vendors, volunteers and staff, many events have been canceled or postponed.
We are expecting extreme low temperatures beginning Saturday, Dec. 13 and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 14.
📅 Saturday: Temperatures below 20°F (wind chill below 10°F) with continued drops throughout the day, reaching 8°F by 10 p.m. (wind chill -4°F).
📅 Overnight Saturday into Sunday: Temperatures around -2°F (wind chill -19°F), remaining dangerously low throughout Sunday.
⚠️ The Ice at Carter Green
The 7:30 p.m. Saturday session and all Sunday sessions have been canceled. Patrons who have already purchased tickets will receive an email regarding rescheduling/refunds.
⚠️ Holiday Trolley
Saturday, Dec. 13, the trolley service hours will be 2 - 7:30 p.m.
⚠️ Santa Saturdays
The Dec. 13 Santa Saturday event has been canceled.
⚠️ Carmel Christkindlmarkt
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt will close early on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., and will be closed Sunday, Dec. 14.
⚠️ Santa Tours
The Sunday, Dec. 14 Santa Tour (Dasher’s Drive/Northeast) has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5 - 8 p.m.
🌡️Confirmed Warming Centers for Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14
➡️Carmel Fire Department Headquarters, 210 Veterans Way
Available 24/7 by contacting:
- Division Chief Joel Heavner: (317) 431-7594
- Jessie Baker: (317) 703-5646
➡️College Park Church, 2606 W. 96th St.
Available overnight on Saturday and until 3 p.m. on Sunday
➡️Northview Church, 12900 Hazel Dell Pkwy.
Available Saturday 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
➡️Venture Church, 14501 Hazel Dell Pkwy.
Available Sunday 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt reclaims #1 Best Holiday Market in America by USA Today's 10Best
|
|
Congratulations to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, voted #1 Best Holiday Market in the USA Today's 10Best competition for the fifth time.
Candidates from across the United States were selected by a panel of experts and 10Best editors, and the public was invited to vote for their favorite market. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt has claimed the top spot in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and now 2025.
|
|
|
Chag Sameach! (Happy Holiday!) to everyone in our community celebrating Hanukkah.
|
|
|
3RD AVENUE SW
During the Christkindlmarkt's hours of operation, 3rd Avenue SW will be open to northbound traffic only. Signage will be in place to indicate the traffic adjustment.
🚌The free Holiday Trolley is now running!
The Holiday Trolley will run from 2 - 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Now through Dec. 20
Fridays 5 - 9 p.m.
Saturdays 2 - 9 p.m.
STREET DEPARTMENT UPDATES
The Carmel Street Department is committed to maintaining and improving our community’s infrastructure. You can find updates on Street Department projects in this newsletter but for the most up-to-date information, follow the Carmel Street Department on their Facebook page at this link.
1ST AVENUE NE
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1st Avenue NE will be closed to through traffic between Small Street and Stubbs Way for utility work. A detour route will be provided using Stubbs Way, 2nd Avenue NE and Small Street. Access to local properties along 1st Avenue NE will be maintained through out the project. The closure is expected to last through Friday, Dec. 19.
|
|
|
Legacy Rental Registration deadline is Jan. 31
Rental registration for all residential rental dwellings, as mandated by a City ordinance, is open.
This registration is the first step in establishing a mandatory permitting system for all residential rental properties in Carmel.
Properties existing prior to the Feb. 1, 2026 enforcement date (legacy dwellings) must be registered by Jan. 31, 2026. Registering by this date ensures a permit is issued, even if the dwelling is in a subdivision with more than the new 10% rental limit.
You may access the Rental Registration page at this link.
Questions? Visit the FAQ page at this link.
|
|
Be a good neighbor
The City of Carmel would like to remind all residents, property owners and business owners that it’s important to keep your sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Carmel is a city that embraces a spirit of walkability – whether that is for a walk to school, the grocery store or just to get out and exercise during these frigid winter months.
Help us continue this tradition of keeping our community walkable, no matter what the weather holds. Please shovel your sidewalks or arrange for others to help, so that your friends and neighbors can continue to make their way – safely – around the city.
The 'No-Bus Zones' created in 2021 has increased the number of students walking to school, even on snowy days. Residents, businesses and property owners within that roughly one-mile radius of schools should keep this in mind as they are maintaining sidewalks.
❄️Many residents may not realize that the City is responsible for plowing the streets and our many trails and pathways, but it is the responsibility of residential property owners to clear their own sidewalks of all snow and ice within 72 hours of a major snowfall. If you own a business, the timeline is by noon the day after the snow event.
❄️Paved paths that are located along City roadways are cleared by the Carmel Street Department as soon as possible after City streets are cleared. In most cases, they are cleared along with the adjacent section of roadway.
It should be noted that the Street Department does not clear trails outside of normal business hours and depending on the depth of snow, it may take up to 2-3 days to clear the paths. Additionally, in some areas, trails are not cleared on both sides of the roadway.
❄️Trails and greenways are cleared by the Carmel Clay Parks Department, which begins clearing operations shortly after the end of the snowfall. Trails in Carmel are cleared but are not salted. No salt is used due to the threat of killing vegetation along the trails, causing injury to the paws of our pets and the potential damage to the asphalt.
|
|
What's the 311?
This new service reflects the City of Carmel’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness for the community.
Access the service here, or download the mobile app for iPhone and Android devices.
|
|
|
Safety Spotlight
To help keep our community safe and informed, we've added a new section with safety tips from various City departments. Each edition will feature quick, useful tips from the Carmel Police Department, Carmel Fire Department and other City teams, from seasonal advice to everyday best practices.
|
|
From Carmel Utilities
🎄Carmel residents have the opportunity to make this holiday season truly green by recycling holiday lights instead of throwing them away. The community can recycle used and unwanted holiday lights by taking them to White’s Ace Hardware & Garden Center at 731 South Range Line Rd. now through Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
|
Holiday Schedule
♻️🗑️Please note Republic Services Trash & Recycling will be on a one-day delay for Thursday and Friday customers.
Christmas Day – Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
New Years Day – Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Residential pickup will be delayed by one day due to these holidays.
Thursday’s service area will be serviced on Friday.
Friday’s service area will be serviced on Saturday.
Carmel Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24 until it reopens on Tuesday, Dec. 30. It will also be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
|
|
This month's focus is Preventing Food Waste.
Now that you know more about preventing food waste, why not take the Food Waste Quiz for a chance to win a prize?
The Climate Action Advisory Committee makes recommendations for implementing the Carmel Climate Action Plan (CAP). This newsletter item helps achieve the public education strategy in the CAP.
|
|
International Winter Festival tonight at 7 p.m. at
the Gazebo
Warm up at the Carmel Gazebo with free hot cocoa and coffee, a glowing fire and heaters all around. Celebrate the season by singing international carols with the community!
This year, there are six trees decorated with ornaments representing the heritage and culture of our sister cities in Kawachinagano, Osaka, Japan; Jelgava, Zemgale, Latvia; Cortona, Arezzo, Italy; Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India; Rueil-Malmaison, Hauts-de-Seine, France and Seiffen, Saxony, Germany. This year, the sister cities trees will be joined by trees decorated with ornaments representing China, Egypt, Greece and Ukraine.
|
|
|
Hanukkah Celebration
Join the Carmel Clay History Museum for a family-friendly Hanukkah celebration!
Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Carmel Clay History Museum
211 1st Street SW
|
|
Menorah Aflame
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt and Carmel Jewish Community in partnership with Chabad will host the Menorah Aflame event on the first evening of Hanukkah.
Sunday, Dec. 14, 5 - 5:45 p.m.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Carter Green
Please note that this event may be canceled due to weather.
Visit Carmel Christkindlmarkt's website for up-to-date information.
|
|
Last weekend to write your letter to Santa
The magic of the holidays has officially arrived in Carmel and to help families prepare for the season, the City has installed four custom-made mailboxes around town, offering a direct, express delivery service straight to Santa and his elves at the North Pole. Now through Sunday, Dec. 14, children are encouraged to write their letters, include a name and return address and drop them into one of these special mailboxes to guarantee Santa receives their message before Christmas.
Mailbox Locations
- Arts & Design District - next to the The Carmel Arts Council Children's Art Gallery (40 W. Main St.)
- Midtown Plaza - outside of Sun King (351 Monon Blvd.)
- City Center - North of the Veterans Way/Hanover Place stop sign
- Indiana Design Center - at Santa's House (200 S. Range Line Rd.)
|
|
|
Experience Holiday Magic
Now through Dec. 31, enjoy more than 20 seasonal attractions around Hamilton County and Indianapolis including the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
Learn more about the Holiday Adventure Pass from Hamilton County Tourism and Visit Indy, at this link.
Santa Saturdays
Santa will not be at the Santa House on Saturday, Dec. 13, due to extremely cold temperatures.
Dec. 20, 2 - 5 p.m.
|
Santa Tours adjusted due to weather
Santa and his friends from the Carmel Fire, Police and Street departments make their final tours in the southwest this evening. The Sunday, Dec. 14 Dasher's Drive tour will take place Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Click on the image to view the Santa Tracker.
|
|
Christkindlmarkt
Now through Dec. 24
Wednesday, Thursday, 4 - 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, noon - 9 p.m.
Sunday, noon - 8 p.m.
The Christkindlmarkt will operate under the following schedule this weekend due to extremely low temperatures.
- Friday, Dec. 12, regular operating hours: noon - 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 13 - noon to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 14 - CLOSED
Special Hours the week of Dec. 15:
- Monday, December 15: 4 - 9 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 16: 4 - 9 p.m.
Special Hours the week of Dec. 22:
Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23: noon - 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec 24: noon - 4 pm
|
The Ice at Carter Green
The 7:30 p.m. Saturday session and all Sunday sessions have been canceled. Patrons who have already purchased tickets will receive an email regarding rescheduling/refunds.
Now though Feb. 1, 2026
Wednesday, Thursday, 4-9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays for private rentals.
Closed on Christmas Day.
Limited hours Dec. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sensory Skate Days: Dec. 11, Jan. 14
|
|
|
Carmel Green Initiative Earth Day Art Contest
🌏🎨Celebrate our Earth through art! Carmel Green Initiative invites youth in grades kindergarten through 8th grade to enter the 2026 Earth Day Art Contest.
This community education program has been a great success with more than 5,400 youth from 29 schools and scout troops participating since the contest first launched in 2010.
Submission packets available: Jan. 5 - Feb. 6
Submission deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5 p.m.
Exhibit dates: Mar. 27 - Apr. 1
Award ceremony: Sunday, Apr. 19, Carmel Clay Public Library
Contest information is available at this link.
Pictured below are the 2025 Earth Day Art Contest winners. You can view these and more past winners at this link.
|
|
|
Carmel High School DECA hosts Inclusive Career Development Conference
Carmel DECA—a business club at Carmel High School is hosting an intellectual disability career development conference designed to support students and young adults with diverse learning and developmental needs and would like to invite families and community members who may benefit from these career resources.
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2 - 5 p.m.
Carmel High School – Main Cafeteria: Door 7
520 E. Main St.
|
|
|
Enjoy 2nd SaturDate at Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery
🎨Glass artist Liz Perr-McColm will fill her sleigh with fused glass pieces to create a special ornament or magnet at the next 2nd SaturDate event at Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 1 - 5 p.m.
22 N. Range Line Rd.
This event is free and open to the public.
|
|
|
Carmel Planetarium hosts Season of Light
🪐The Carmel Planetarium will host a multimedia presentation that celebrates the world’s most endearing holiday customs including candy canes, candles, Yule logs, holly wreaths, gift giving and merry-making. Learn about the changing seasons, winter constellations, star phenomenon and much, much more! Season of Light is suitable for audiences of all ages, so bring the entire family to this multicultural holiday planetarium event.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m.
Carmel Planetarium
520 E. Main St.
Purchase tickets to the Carmel Planetarium
|
|
|
🎼Holiday features
From beloved classics to festive musical celebrations, our local theatres, symphonies and dance companies are ready to share in the holiday spirit.
Below are a few of the fantastic holiday performances coming up. For the most complete list of events, showtimes, ticket information, and venue details, please be sure to check the official websites listed below. Don't miss out as many of these popular shows sell out fast!
|
|
|
City Council - Monday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m.
Plan Commission - Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m.
Board of Public Works - Wednesday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.
All public meetings take place in the Council Chambers in City Hall, unless otherwise indicated. Public meetings are broadcast live on Carmel TV and YouTube.
To view archived Government Meetings with Closed Captioning, visit the City's video archives.
|
|
|
###
About the City of Carmel, Indiana
A thriving community acclaimed for its distinct amenities, robust business environment and excellent schools, the City of Carmel was named the #2 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Highly regarded by its residents as a safe community offering an exceptional quality of life, Carmel is home to an award-winning parks system and a wealth of cultural options. Carmel is built for big dreams. Find out more at www.carmel.in.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
