Getting Ready for Holiday Cheer: Rhineland-Palatinate's Christmas Markets
Mulled wine, glistening gingerbread, and joyful tunes are about to flood the air once again in many towns across Rhineland-Palatinate. As autumn colors begin to disappear and winter approaches, organizers are finalizing preparations for the much-anticipated Christmas markets after enjoying a coronavirus-free celebration last year.
Mainz
Set in the heart of Mainz, the Christmas market will come alive at the cathedral, occupying approximately 12,000 square meters. With the relief of a coronavirus-free year, Marco Sottile, the spokesperson for the Christmas market suppliers, shares the excitement of the city's citizens who were eager for the holiday cheer.
Despite the hike in energy, procurement, and personnel costs, price increases will remain moderate this year. The city has generously reduced stand fees by 70%, keeping operating costs for stall owners at the same low level as last year.
Although the price of mulled wine may rise slightly to €4, Sascha Barth, another spokesperson for the Mainz suppliers, assures visitors that the exquisite Dornfelder, Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay mulled wine will still cost €4.
Live music will enrich the experience of visitors at the Mainz Christmas market, with city spokesperson Ralf Peterhanwahr ensuring a musical stage program that avoids "continuous sound" at individual stands to create a harmonious atmosphere.
Koblenz
Organizers are gearing up to kick off the festivities in Koblenz on November 24. With seven squares in the old town as the backdrop, 130 to 135 vendors will be setting up shop. According to Detlef Koenitz, organizer of the event, this marks the largest Christmas market in Rhineland-Palatinate in terms of area, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Highlights of the Koblenz Christmas market include a lively arts and crafts market and the charming "Christmas Garden" that runs alongside the colorfully illuminated Koblenz Fortress. Visitors can traverse the Fortress using the cable car, taking in stunning views during their journey.
Trier
The city of Trier will welcome back the much-loved Christmas market on November 24, complete with live performances and the return of the German Mulled Wine Queen. Organizers have also put together a security concept to ensure the safety of everyone attending this year.
Ludwigshafen
Ludwigshafen's Christmas market was the first to start the season this year on November 8, featuring rides and attractions for families and friends to enjoy. With prices staying steady, visitors can enjoy festive shopping and delicious treats without breaking the bank.
Kaiserslautern
The Lautr Advent will commence the pre-Christmas season with a fully staffed market, welcoming visitors with live performances and various family-friendly activities. Visitors can also enjoy free transportation on Advent Saturdays.
Safety Measures
As with previous years, security measures will be in place to ensure the safety of guests during the Christmas markets. These include mobile barriers to barricade against potential threats and the presence of security services and local law enforcement.
GEMA Fee Question
Negotiations between cities, local authorities, and event organizers in Rhineland-Palatinate with the music collecting society Gema have focused on royalty payments for music performances. With the current tariff in mind, Mainz may be required to pay €60,000, significantly more than the €4,670 paid the previous year.
However, GEMA has recently announced a charitable arrangement for the 2022 season to help alleviate the financial burden on Christmas market organizers. While this temporary solution may prevent excessive costs, the future of GEMA expense and licensing remain uncertain.
Mainz and other cities are collaborating with local authorities to keep stand fees minimal, allowing stallholders to cover costs despite a slight increase in mulled wine prices.
Koblenz's sprawling Christmas market, featuring seven charming old town squares, attracts thousands of visitors each year with its lively arts and crafts market, providing an unforgettable holiday experience in Rhineland-Palatinate.
