Christmas markets across North Rhine-Westphalia are set to draw in countless visitors this season, with over 330 markets listed on deutsche-weihnachtsmaerkte.de, albeit not exhaustively. Major markets in Cologne Cathedral and Bielefeld will make their debut on Thursday.
For showmen, these festive events have become a significant revenue stream, according to Albert Ritter, President of the German Showmen's Association. "Undeniably, amusement parks are our bread and butter," he acknowledges. "However, when wintry weather looms, Christmas markets transformed wonky rollercoaster owners into jolly mulled wine hawkers!"
Ritter, a showman from Essen, applauds the versatility of his fellow showmen. They possess the necessary equipment – cranes, forklifts – to erect eye-catching mulled wine pyramids and oversized Christmas trees. Their proficiency in constructing delightful amusements imparts an enviable handiness in festive decor.
The enthusiasm among showmen is palpable, boasting a plethora of choices for imbibers and shoppers alike. Classics like mulled wine (red, white, or rosé) continue to hold their ground, while selections like Hugo and hot gin cocktails have become popular with the younger crowd.
Ritter believes that showmen fill a niche role at Christmas markets. Their historical duty in bringing joy to people, especially during hard times, remains undiminished in the modern era. "We yearn to see children and families reveling together in times of strife, providing a welcome distraction to the world's troubles," he affirms.
Amidst the celebratory rush, retailers are often enticed by surging demand for merchandise at Christmas markets. Detailed customs inspections of imported decorations and gifts can safeguard against potential regulatory infractions.
Though the intricacies of regulations can be daunting, here are some guidelines to adhere to:
- Comply with EU marking requirements, observing the 6-month phase-out period for non-compliant stocks.
- Embrace the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updates, adding five harmful chemicals to the Candidate List of substances, necessitating proper labeling and handling.
- Familiarize yourself with trade restrictions regarding foot-and-mouth disease, particularly concerning German livestock products, which, if absent from decorative items, carries no immediate impact.
- Grasp imported food item regulations, restricting certain ingredients or necessitating specialized permits.
- Be cognizant of any regional provisions due to recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, as the European Commission adopts a targeted approach by limiting animal movement.
By adhering to these guidelines, retailers can rest assured that their decorative wares and gifts adhere to all critical regulatory requirements, ensuring Christmas market patrons' delight and abiding by relevant international standards.
