Political leaders advocate for the increase and promotion of festive Christmas markets during the holiday season.
Christmas Markets to Proceed with Caution Across German Regions
BERLIN — Following a statement by Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) regarding Christmas markets in his state, other regional leaders have also expressed their intentions to hold the festive events.
In an interview with the "World," Minister-President Bodo Ramelow (Left) of Thuringia stated, "We can and want to envision Christmas markets. However, we can't imagine one on the scale of Erfurt with two million visitors. We are planning for a scaled-down version, similar to a series of farmers' markets." The minister-president added, "There's a psychological need for this normality."
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are concerns that constant stress could lead to disregard for necessary hygiene rules. SPD health politician Karl Lauterbach, who typically warns of an escalation in the Corona situation, expressed caution on the matter of markets. He stated, "Banning Christmas markets now would only upset people. We'll see later if we have much higher weekly case numbers."
Saarland Minister-President Tobias Hans (CDU) has called for a joint discussion between the federal government and the states on the issue. While Hans does not advocate for a ban, he supports reduced alcohol consumption, like Söder. "Christmas markets in their traditional form with dense crowds, narrow huts, and much alcohol, I can't imagine at the moment. But with carefully planned, thoroughly thought-out hygiene plans and distancing concepts, we could certainly allow Christmas markets again," Hans said.
Christmas markets in Saxony are also slated to take place, according to a spokesperson for the Saxon State Chancellery. The markets, which typically take place outdoors, pose a lower infection risk, according to Hans, provided the local infection situation permits such regulations.
As the pandemic persists, it is crucial for travelers and organizers to monitor local announcements closer to the event dates for any updates or adjustments to COVID-19 guidelines. Given the current trend towards relaxed measures and the expectation for most large events in Germany to proceed without extensive COVID-19 restrictions, organizers and local authorities may enforce basic hygiene measures or respond to local infection rates with targeted actions.
It should be noted that if highly contagious or vaccine-evading COVID-19 variants are detected or hospitalizations rise, regional governments may reinstate or adapt guidelines at short notice, as seen in responses elsewhere.
Other regional leaders are considering holding Christmas markets, similar to a series of farmers' markets, as a scaled-down alternative to the usual large-scale events.
Given the ongoing concerns about adherence to hygiene rules due to stress during the pandemic, there is cautious support for reduced alcohol consumption at Christmas markets to promote safety measures.
