Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt Returns: Two-Day Old‑World Holiday Market in Ferdinand, Nov. 15–16, 2025

Ferdinand’s long‑running Christkindlmarkt returns for a two‑day celebration of holiday crafts, music and regional food on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15–16, 2025. The market fills the Ferdinand Community Center and surrounding streets with more than 200 vendors, free live entertainment and guided tours of the historic Monastery Immaculate Conception, turning the small Dubois County town into an old‑world Christmas village for visitors across the region.

Organized by the Ferdinand Tourism Commission with support from local volunteers and the Sisters of St. Benedict, the Christkindlmarkt celebrates the town’s German heritage and draws shoppers, families and collectors seeking handcrafted gifts, antiques and seasonal fare. The market’s timing—mid‑November—invites early holiday shopping alongside traditional Advent customs adapted for a Hoosier audience.

Event essentials and schedule

Christkindlmarkt Eve, Friday, Nov. 14 — 6:30 p.m. opening ceremony at the Monastery Immaculate Conception. The candlelit arrival of the Christkind Angel, trumpeters and traditional music lead into a Sisters’ bake sale and an advance plated dinner with live piano ($35; tickets required).
Saturday, Nov. 15 — Markt runs 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. at the Ferdinand Community Center and nearby streets. Over 200 booths offer handmade crafts, antiques, art, Christmas wares, regional food and wine. Free live entertainment, monastery tours and the Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas Pyramid) audio tour are scheduled throughout the day.
Saturday evening, Nov. 15 — 7:00–8:00 p.m.: free concert in the Monastery Immaculate Conception Church featuring the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus and Youth Orchestra.
Sunday, Nov. 16 — Markt runs 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. with continued shopping, food and family activities, plus ongoing monastery tours and the Christmas Pyramid display.

What to expect and highlights
The market blends sensory, old‑world charm with small‑town warmth. Visitors can expect twinkling lights along Bavarian‑style storefronts, the scent of mulled wine and baked goods, and vendors selling everything from heirloom ornaments to handcrafted wooden toys and fine art. With more than 200 booths, the Christkindlmarkt is notable for its scale: it’s one of the largest holiday markets in the Midwest that keeps a distinctly traditional, community‑run feel.

Notable features:

Monastery tours: Free guided tours of the Monastery Immaculate Conception allow guests to view historic spaces and learn about the Benedictine sisters’ role in Ferdinand’s cultural life.
Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas Pyramid): A seasonal display with an accompanying audio tour that traces the German origins of the market tradition.
Local food and wine: Regional producers and community food booths offer German‑inspired dishes, baked goods and seasonal beverages alongside Indiana specialties.
Family programming: Activities and performances geared toward children run throughout the weekend, making the market accessible for multi‑generational visits.

Practical tips for attendees

Admission to the market and most events is free. The Friday Eve dinner requires advance tickets ($35). Visitors are advised to reserve seats early through the Ferdinand Tourism Commission or the Monastery’s event line.
Parking: Free parking is available around town, with a complimentary shuttle service operating between lots and the market area. Arrive early Saturday morning to secure closer spots and avoid the midday crowd.
Timing: For quieter browsing, plan a Saturday morning arrival at 9:00 a.m. or a Sunday mid‑afternoon visit. Saturday evening draws large crowds for the concert; arrive early for seating in the Monastery church.
Cash and carry: Many vendors accept credit cards, but smaller booths may prefer cash. Bring a tote or small cart for purchases—unique finds, antiques and glass ornaments are common.
Accessibility: Portions of the market and monastery tours are accessible, but visitors with mobility needs should contact event organizers in advance for specifics.

Context and community impact
The Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt grew from a desire to honor the town’s German roots and to create a community event that supports local artisans and nonprofits. The event brings an economic boost to Dubois County during the early holiday season and showcases the work of local makers alongside regional vendors. For a town known for its Bavarian‑inspired architecture and a monastery that anchors community life, the market reinforces Ferdinand’s role as a cultural destination in southern Indiana.

What this means for readers
For shoppers hunting unique holiday gifts, families seeking a festive weekend outing, or travelers building a seasonal road trip through Indiana, the Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt offers a concentrated dose of traditional holiday atmosphere without a long drive to a major city. With free admission, extensive vendor offerings and free monastery tours, the market is positioned as an accessible, memorable start to the holiday season.

For the latest schedule updates, ticket reservations for the Eve dinner, and on‑the‑ground logistics, visitors should check the Ferdinand Tourism Commission event page or contact the Monastery Immaculate Conception before travel.