The 2022 Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind essay contest is officially open for the 2022 Market season.

This contest provides a unique opportunity for a female high school or college student to participate in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt as the iconic Christkind, and winners are also awarded scholarships.

This year's essay prompt invites applicants to explore the traditions of Christmas cuisine. The essay question and qualifications can be found here: https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/christkind-contest. Applications are due by Oct. 11, 2022, at 11:55 p.m.

The Christkind is a well-known symbol of Christmas in German-speaking countries. As the tradition goes, the Christkind angel delivers Christmas presents and a Christmas tree to German children on Christmas Eve without being seen. At the Market, the Christkind greets guests, participates in photo opportunities with visitors, engages with the media and more.

The first-place winner gets to represent the Christkind on-site at the Market and receives a $1,000 scholarship. The second-place winner receives a $500 scholarship, and the third-place winner receives a $250 scholarship. Winners will be announced in October.

Visitors can meet the first-place winner starting on the Market's opening day, Nov. 19, 2022.