Imagine a Christmas Angel appearing from the Gothic doors of an old world monastery crypt.  Imagine a live Nutcracker waving a banner as he stands guard.  Imagine the resounding chords of trumpeters heralding in the season and a bell choir of nuns performing angelic tunes.

Better yet – don’t imagine – live it – during opening ceremonies for the 24th annual Christkindlmarkt to be held in Ferdinand, Indiana. 

Opening Ceremony

All who wish to experience the magic are invited to gather on the sloped, west side lawn of the majestically domed Monastery Immaculate Conception at 6:30 p.m. EST on Friday, November 19.  There, the Christkindl, or Christmas Angel, will appear (as she has done at Nuremberg, Germany’s Christkindlmarkts for over 500 years) and regale the assembled with her angelic, melodious voice.  Children will light the way as trumpeters herald in the markt, monks chant, choirs sing, and the Sisters of St. Benedict Bell Choir will perform.
​
This outdoor Christkindlmarkt Eve event is free and open to all who wish to live a little magic. The Sisters will be hosting their annual Monastery Baked Goods Bake Sale immediately following the 30 minute program.  In the case of rain, the opening ceremony will be held inside the monastic crypt.

Eve Dinner

Typically, one can enjoy a German buffet dinner with entertainment at 7:00 p.m. EST in beautiful St. Gertrude Hall at Monastery Immaculate Conception after the Eve Opening Ceremonies with dinner reservations required ($34). However, due to Covid, the dinner has been cancelled.

​Hopefully, the Eve Dinner will return in 2022.  Parties interested in reserving dinner tickets for the dinner in 2022 will be able to do so online at www.thedome.org/dinner or call 812.367.1411, ext. 7345 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. EST.  All proceeds benefit the Sisters of St. Benedict.
​
Parking is available on the grounds at Monastery Immaculate Conception. 

Call 800-968-4578 for information on the many dining options to enjoy!