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CITY OF CARMEL NEWSLETTER - Dec. 26, 2025 |
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City of Carmel 2025 Year in Review
The City of Carmel is pleased to share its 2025 Year in Review, celebrating a year of tremendous progress and community partnership. As we look toward the opportunities of 2026, we invite the public to reflect on our shared accomplishments.
The full review of the year can be found here.
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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 current information, follow the Carmel Street Department on their Facebook page at this link. |
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Comprehensive safety for every community member
The City of Carmel is dedicated to your total safety, which is why our Police and Fire Departments include experts trained in mental health crisis intervention to ensure every resident receives compassionate, specialized care when they need it most. 🧠❤️🩹
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Carmel Fire Department is here to help. If you ever feel overwhelmed or in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—24/7, free and confidential.
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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.
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Holiday Schedule
♻️🗑️Please note Republic Services Trash & Recycling will be on a one-day delay for Thursday and Friday customers.
New Years Day – Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
Residential pickup will be delayed by one day due to the holiday.
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 on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
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See what Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has to offer!
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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.
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❄️Winter Break fun
It's officially Winter Break for Carmel Clay Schools and Carmel has plenty of ways to burn off that holiday energy without resorting to another six hours of screen time.
The great outdoors
Hours of operation:
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.
Sensory Skate Day: Jan. 14
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The Magnificent Monon: Take a walk or bike ride along the Monon Greenway between City Center and Main Street to see the holiday lights before they’re gone for the season.
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Carmel Clay Parks: Check out Carmel's parks and greenways. They are always open and ready for walkers, joggers and little feet!
Indoor entertainment
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The Monon Community Center: Kids can enjoy the indoor pool, indoor playground or the gymnasium while adults can enjoy a much-needed coffee, indoor swim or fitness activity.
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Midtown Plaza: Grab a seat by the outdoor heaters or duck into one of the surrounding restaurants for everything from a toasty gourmet coffee to savory tacos and sweet treats.
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The Museum of Miniature Houses: A hidden gem in the Arts & Design District that fascinates kids and adults alike—plus, it’s delightfully climate-controlled.
Shop local
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Dining: From Bub’s Burgers on Main Street to the food-hall vibes of Midtown, there are plenty of spots where "kid-friendly" doesn't mean "boring for parents."
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Retail therapy: Use the break to explore the local shops in the Arts & Design District, City Center and the Village of WestClay. It’s a great time to spend those gift cards!
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Gallery stroll: Visit Carmel's Arts & Design District and enjoy galleries filled with art ranging from contemporary painting and sculpture to intricate jewelry and wood work.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Commemoration
Monday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.
Tarkington Theater
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Festival of Ice
Jan. 16 and 17
Arts & Design District, Ice at Carter Green
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Carmel Winter Games
Saturday, Jan. 24
Ice at Carter Green
More details to come!
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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.
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Joyce Winner West Branch reopening Jan. 5
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The Sensory Shoppe open on Carmel Drive
🌟A new shop at 99 E. Carmel Drive is now open and its mission is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for neurodivergent children and adults. The Sensory Shoppe celebrated its grand opening Dec. 1 and, in addition to selling sensory-friendly products, hosts events and classes.
Learn more about The Sensory Shoppe at this link.
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Carmel Clay Schools Support Staff Hiring Event
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🎼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!
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City of Carmel offices are closed Friday, Dec. 26 for the Christmas holiday and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 for New Year's Day.
City Council (Claims only meeting) - Tuesday, Dec. 30, 8 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.
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Left to right: Shannon Minnaar, Ryan Locke, Teresa Ayers, Matt Snyder, Adam Aasen, Rich Taylor, Jeff Worrell, Dr. Anita Joshi, Tony Green.
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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.
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