Indianapolis braces for subzero temperatures INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — This weekend is no Winter Wonderland with dangerously, brutal cold expected to hit Saturday night to early Monday morning. Cold weather advisories will be in effect Sunday morning due to the expectation of dangerous wind chills. Some shops have decided to close, while others are staying open because bitter cold is great for business. The Anthenaeum Christkindlemarkt in downtown Indianapolis will be closed for the first time over the weekend. It’s the first shutdown since it started four years ago. Craig Mince, president and CEO of the Athenaeum Foundation, said Friday, “The cold weather, the snow just bringing people out in that environment really is kind of dangerous.” Despite the shops closing, the Spark holiday event featuring Santa Claus will be making appearances indoors. Neil Weitzel on Friday was soaking in the holiday magic before downtown Indianapolis freezes over. He waltzed into traditional German vendor huts at the Anthenaeum Christkindlemarkt. “It’s that time of year. It’s time to be around loved ones and your friends and family, and celebrate the Christmas cheer. It’s just very important to do that this time of year.” Anthenaeum Christkindlemarkt saw about 17,000 visitors in 2024, and a closed weekend means a dip in sales for vendors. Kyle Edge works at Coffee Cocoa Haus. “It’s definitely going to hurt sales because we’re missing most of the weekend, but maybe we’ll see more people show up next weekend because they had to miss some.” Christkindlemarkt is open until Dec. 21. Down the street at Fusek’s True Value Hardware store, the coming snowfall and bitter cold were great for business. Owner Steve Fusek said they’re staying open all weekend with regular hours. But for Fusek, it’s more than just businesses; their neighbors are relying on them. “Our customers are counting on us, and we always say with our downtown customers, it’s not even our store, it’s their store. We just happen to manage it for them.” The store on Friday had sold out of salt melt. Fusek jokingly said at least they have superhero sleds in stock for kids. Also due to the weather, Carmel Christkindlemarkt and the Conner Prairie’s A Merry Prairie Holiday will be closed this weekend. ...read more read less