INDIANAPOLIS — It is opening weekend for one of the biggest holiday traditions in central Indiana .

Carmel was packed on Saturday for the annual Carmel Christkindlmarkt. There were lines of people ready to enjoy the food, drinks and reindeer.

"It's magical," Purdue student Tristan Burt said.

"I noticed the tree lighting's tonight, so I decided, 'hey, they have reindeer, why not? Let's go pet a reindeer,'" said Mary Mount, another Purdue student and Burt's girlfriend.

Mount and Burt were at the market for the first time. Mount was excited for the popular food options, and Burt looked forward to the tree lighting.

Organizers said about a quarter of a million people are expected at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt every year. At the lighting ceremony for the tree, people gathered shoulder to

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