Navigating through Berlin's charming Christmas markets might leave you feeling jolly, but Gunnar Schupelius's gripe about the high prices will likely have you reaching for your wallet more often than you'd like. Sipping on a mug of mulled wine costs a hefty five euros, while a measly bratwurst can set you back another five. After a couple of drinks and some grub, you're looking at spending a pretty penny before the evening is over.
The finger of blame is pointed squarely at the district offices and staffing costs. The Gedächtniskirche market shells out a whopping 240,000 euros to the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district office as a "special usage fee," with nary a penny in return. The Mitte district office isn't far behind, charging around 100,000 euros for Alex's market and another 120,000 for Potsdamer Platz.
The Wegner Senate had promised to suspend these fees by the end of 2024, as stated in the coalition agreement between the CDU and SPD. Alas, that promise has gone unfulfilled, leaving market-goers to foot the bill.
The costs are distributed among stall operators and visitors alike. The caterers shoulder the heaviest burden, passing their increased costs on to the customers by hiking up the prices of their mulled wine and sausages. Energy costs are also a factor, with grills and cooking pots being heated electrically at an eye-watering 64 cents per kilowatt hour.
Last but not least is the labor force, both skilled and unskilled. The orgs insist that unskilled workers at barbecues must now be paid at least 15 euros net per hour, or 24 euros gross. That's a hefty sum for two shifts' worth of work each day. Security staff are even more expensive, commanding over 30 euros net per hour.
Unfortunately for visitors, the politics of energy transition and citizens' income seem to conspire against them, adding to the overall expense of visiting the markets. It would be a grand childhood dream come true to find the Senate had kept its promise, but it seems the Senate itself remains a contributor to the relentless price hike.
So, as you gaze upon the festive twinkles of the Berlin Christmas markets, don't let the vague charm deceive you. Don't forget those hard-earned euros might be slipping through your fingers faster than you'd like.
References:
[1] Schupelius, Gunnar. "My anger - Berlin Christmas markets are beautiful, but too expensive." Bild, 21 Nov. 2022, .
[2] "Berlin Christmas Markets Walking Tour - Berlin Tours and Things to Do." TripAdvisor, .
