Happy Tuesday, Hamilton County. In today’s edition: New on-road safety tech, The Nutcracker performances, a holiday pops concert, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

New on-road safety tech: Carmel Police Department has implemented Pursuit Alert, becoming the first in the state to notify Waze users within 1.5 miles of responding patrols, in nearly 90 percent of patrol vehicles — read the full story.

Preparing for growing crowds: Fishers has approved a $98,700 contract with A&F Engineers to study traffic around the Fishers Event Center, examining 116th Street, USA Parkway, IKEA Way, and Lantern Road to manage growth — learn what the study covers.

Shaping a livelier city core: Westfield is using social media to court developers to overhaul downtown, seeking mixed-use projects, green space, and architecture after unveiling a November vision for Main Street and Grassy Branch — see what’s planned for downtown.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Donate new toys to Riley Children’s Hospital
• Run for donuts and animal rescues
• Kids enjoy cocoa and festive crafts
• Enjoy sensory-friendly skating at The Ice Ribbon
• Enjoy free three-day Carmel Christkindlmarkt
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

City news you can use: Carmel’s roundup: the city’s new rental ordinance opens registration and pushes enforcement to Feb. 1, 2026, with “legacy” rentals permitted if registered by Jan. 31 despite a 10% cap per subdivision. Plus: holiday fun (Skate with Santa, Donut 5K, planetarium show), letters to Santa boxes, and a holiday lights recycling drive. Get all the details.

Food scene highlights: Two new spots officially opened: Marrakesh Moroccan Cuisine & Bar and upscale Japanese Okonori, which celebrated with a bluefin tuna cutting. Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt made Midwest Living’s Top 11 and runs through December 24. Epicurean Indy’s indoor Holiday Night Market hits The Stutz on December 19. Tous Les Jours is moving into Westfield. Read the full story.

Cold-night pint plan: Lean into malty, toasty pours at Bier Brewery Noblesville, where the lineup skews German and winter-friendly. Think Munich Dunkel, Night Lager (schwarzbier), Dunkelweizen, and John’s Porter. Their sprawling biergarten has fire pits, so you can sip, stay warm, and feel like a human marshmallow without leaving Hamilton County.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🩰 The Nutcracker: 3 Magical Performances by 3 Ballet Groups @ Carmel Clay Public Library | Wednesday (12/10) at 5:30pm – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade mall madness for real holiday magic, this is it. Three local ballet groups spin The Nutcracker their way, so pick a favorite, compare interpretations, or make it a trilogy, then hum Tchaikovsky home.

🎶 German Sing-Along + Ornament Exchange @ Carmel Christkindlmarkt | Wednesday (12/10) at 6:30pm – Warm up those vocal cords, we’re singing German carols with full holiday cheer, no German required and yes, you can fake the umlauts. Afterward, join the ornament exchange, bring a wrapped $5 to $10 treasure, leave with something new, and probably a better story.

🎲 Christmas Bingo Night (Bingo for Brailee) @ Winsupply of Westfield | Thursday (12/11) at 4:00pm – Feel like shouting bingo for a cause that hits home? Swing by Winsupply of Westfield for a Christmas Bingo night benefiting Brailee, where a donation of any amount is your ticket, your good deed, and an excuse for cheer. Can’t make it, donations still welcome.

✂️ Drop-In Craft @ Carmel Clay Public Library | Friday (12/12) at 9:00am – A low-stress craft stop for the 2 to 5 crowd, with colorful paper, crayons, and glue, all supplied. Swing in, make a masterpiece, and head out before nap time. No tickets, just patience, wipes, and snacks saved for before or after.

🎸 Live Music with Steve Honeycutt @ Pebble Brook Bar & Grill | Friday (12/12) at 5pm – Ease into the weekend with Steve Honeycutt’s smooth live tunes, good food, and that cozy neighborhood-bar vibe. Grab a seat, order your favorite drink, and settle in for a laid-back evening that hits all the right notes. Reserve ahead if you want the best spot—this one fills up fast.

This weekend

🍩 Donut 5K Holiday Run/Walk – 19th Annual @ Ascension St. Vincent – Sports Performance | Saturday (12/13) at 8:00am – Lace up and earn your carbs at Carmel’s 19th annual holiday trot. The Indy area’s biggest donut-fueled 5K serves donuts mid-race and at the finish, welcomes walkers, then heads to Upland Brewing for age-group awards, pints, and support for local animal rescues.

🎬 A Christmas Story @ Flix Brewhouse | Saturday (12/13) at 12:15pm – Relive the timeless tale of Ralphie, his impossible Christmas wish, and the world’s most overprotective adults. Settle in with a pint and snacks as this beloved holiday classic serves up nostalgia, laughs, and just a touch of festive chaos. A perfect midday escape—no leg lamps included, unfortunately.

🛍️ Winter Market @ Beauty Aligned | Saturday (12/13) at 2:00pm – Carmel’s holiday market is your sanctioned afternoon of sparkle, sampling, and shameless self-gifting. Expect Orangily’s bubbles, beauty deals, Nowadays’ new holiday flavor, Nomination charm bracelets, hair tinsel, and $50 mini photo sessions, plus sweet treats and cozy vibes. Ugly sweater or holiday best, your call.

🎄 Remodeling Workshop: Interior Christmas Light Installation @ HER Home Design Boutique | Saturday (12/13) at 8am – Level up your holiday décor with a hands-on lesson in crafting magazine-worthy interior lighting displays. You’ll learn pro techniques, clever tricks, and festive design tips that’ll make your home sparkle like you actually planned ahead this year. Perfect for DIY lovers and holiday hosts who want that wow moment.

🎼 Holiday Pops: Spirit of the Season presented by IU Health @ Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts | Sunday (12/14) at 6:00pm – Trade the mall parking lot for Carmel Symphony’s holiday fix, from The Snowman and The Nutcracker to Chanukah sparkle, Sleigh Ride, and a cameo by St. Nick. Don Farrell narrates, and at the evening show sings, while the one-hour matinee packs activities and caroling.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/10 German Sing-Along + Ornament Exchange @ Carmel Christkindlmarkt – 6:30 pm
• 12/10 Samantha Fish and more @ Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts – 6:30 pm
• 12/11 Now That’s Funny with Abi Sanchez @ Feinstein’s – 6:30 pm
• 12/13 That ’90s Band @ Joe’s Grille – 9 pm
• 12/14 Holiday Pops: Spirit of the Season @ The Palladium – 1 pm
• 12/14 Franc D’Ambrosio – Holiday Cheer @ Feinstein’s – 6:30 pm
• 12/17 Murder at the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party @ Nickel Plate Express – 5:30 pm
• 12/17 Christlindlemarkt @ Carmel Christkindlmarkt – 6 pm
• 12/18 Carmel Jazz Fest Holiday @ Fork + Ale House – 6 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: James Embry (Keller Williams Indpls Metro N)

2023 custom ranch in gated Chatham Hills on a quiet cul-de-sac, clad in brick and cement siding, with a covered porch and an open deck with motorized screens over landscaped grounds. Inside, soaring ceilings and plank floors frame a gourmet kitchen that flows to the dining area and great room with gas fireplace.

Main level adds a private office, laundry with utility sink, and a primary suite with two walk-in closets and spa bath. The lower level brings a family room, rec and exercise zones, a wet bar, 9 foot ceilings, egress windows, another bedroom, two baths, and trails.

Take a peek inside →