Bitter cold causes Christkindlmarkt to close CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) – Sometimes, there can be a bit too much winter weather, even for a man-made winter wonderland like the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. The attraction, which draws nearly half a million visitors every season, was empty on Thursday. O rganizers preemptively decided to close based on the forecast, which saw temperatures dropping into the teens during the evening hours.  While snow and icicles add an authentic winter look to vendor stands like The Walking Waffle Company, Carmel Christkindlmarkt tells News 8 it considers closing when ambient temperatures drop below 20 degrees, and make it potentially dangerous for staff and volunteers to spend hours outside. “It is winter in Indiana, so, you are going to be in cold weather no matter what,” said Shelby Lorch, owner of The Walking Waffle Company. “I wouldn’t want them to close, but I understand why it needs to happen.” The extreme cold can also cause equipment used by vendors and Christkindlmarkt staff to stop working. Lorch’s own refrigerators can’t stay at the proper temperature if it’s too cold outside, which has forced her to throw out ingredients for her Belgian Liège waffles.  The cancellation comes with a cost. Every day is valuable for vendors like Lorch, who says The Walking Waffle Company makes as much during the roughly six-week run of the Christkindlmarkt as it does during the 22-weeks period selling at the Carmel Farmers Market.  “If we’re going to cancel I would rather it be a weekday,” Lorch said.  The Christkindlmarkt told News 8 this upcoming weekend is typically its busiest.  “Seeing the markets, going ice skating is definitely a good option, even in the cold weather,” Lorch said. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt plans to be open on Friday during its normal hours from noon until 9 p.m. Officials said with temperatures above 20 degrees and a sunny day expected, they are hopeful people will bundle up, and visit for its full range of events and activities. ...read more read less