Photography / Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Center Grove’s own Anika Rupp has created a piece of local history — at just 11 years old.
In 2023, when she was only 11, Anika entered Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s Glühwein Boot Mug design contest that invited all ages and abilities of the public to design one of the market’s most recognizable symbols. Earlier this year, it was announced that, among the hundreds of entries, her design had been selected as the official 2025 mug.
Anika’s winning creation — a charming Ice Skate mug — captures both winter magic and clever detail. The boot-shaped mug features carefully drawn laces and stitching along the upper portion and gleaming skate blades forming the base. The result is a playful yet elegant design that stands out among the market’s collectibles and is a fitting tribute to one of the market’s premier attractions – the ice-skating rink.
Her mother, Keri Rupp, explains that Anika’s design was inspired by her love of ice skating and her interest in the Market is literally inherited.
“We have family in Germany,” she says. “Anika has been to the German Christkindlmarkts and, of course, Carmel Christkindlmarkt. It’s such a sweet design. This whole experience just fits so well into our family story.”
For Anika, the honor goes beyond recognition. With more than 50,000 mugs produced and now available for purchase, her artwork will be used, displayed and saved by tens of thousands of visitors. Collectors consider each year’s mug a timeless keepsake, and Anika’s design is expected to become one of the most memorable in the series.
“Rupp’s creative design stood out among all the submissions, and we’re delighted to feature it on this year’s mug,” a Carmel Christkindlmarkt Facebook post read. “We hope you love it as much as we do!”
The mugs debuted at Carmel Christkindlmarkt when it opened November 22. As part of her prize, Anika was awarded $1,000, most of which the wise Center Grove middle schooler put into savings.
“Anika has always been creative,” Keri adds. “She draws, sings and loves being involved in theatre with Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy. She understands that this is a pretty special honor. I’m proud of not only her creativity but also for putting herself out there.”
Now, with her Ice Skate mug becoming a festive favorite, Anika’s talent is on display for the entire region to enjoy. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt continues through December 24.
