Christmas markets: which corona measures apply now?

Christmas markets
Which corona measures apply now?

Last year, Christmas market fans had to do without mulled wine stands and roasted almonds due to the Corona. In 2021, things will look different in some places: some markets will open their doors as early as mid-November. However, visitors have to be prepared for Corona measures. After all, the number of infections is currently increasing rapidly. These are the strategies of the cities.

There is no 3G requirement at Bavarian Christmas markets

There are several Christmas markets in the city of Munich. According to the city’s official website In Bavaria there is so far “no statutory 3G obligation (tested, vaccinated, recovered) at Christmas markets”. The 3G or 3G-plus rule only comes into force in demarcated and closed rooms, such as huts or walk-in stands. Corresponding evidence must then be presented to the staff.

The Christmas market on Munich’s Marienplatz will not take place this year. The city announced this on Tuesday (November 16) after a meeting with the Corona crisis team. “Anything else would be an irresponsible increase in the risk of infection and also the wrong signal,” said Mayor Dieter Reiter according to “Abendzeitung” quoted in a communication.

Different corona measures

Corona measures can vary within a city, depending on the organizer. A strict 2G rule applies to the popular, queer Munich Christmas market “Pink Christmas”. This means that only those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered are allowed access. Every visitor is checked at the entrance, it says on the part of the operator. Because maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters would simply not work in such a tight space.

Cities divide the markets into several locations

Some other districts, including Fürth, have canceled their Christmas markets due to the increasing corona numbers. The famous Nuremberg Christmas Market this year, however, should take place – but in several places. From November 26th to December 24th, the booths with the famous fabric roofs will be on the main market, Jakobsplatz, Lorenzer Platz and on the island of Schütt. There is a mask requirement everywhere.

The festive opening by the Christ Child usually takes place on the main market. However, this year television and radio will broadcast the traditional address. This is to avoid a large crowd. In addition, the number of booth alleys will be reduced and the distance between the individual stands will be increased. Mulled wine stands and other food stalls can be found in separate “gastro zones”; 2G applies there.

In Mainz, those responsible also opted for this strategy. The Christmas market is spread over several squares. “If necessary, a mask requirement will apply in queuing situations at the Christmas market”, it says on the official website. It remains to be seen whether the rules will become even stricter. The store is scheduled to open on November 25th.

Hamburg and Berlin – 2G or 3G?

At the Berlin Christmas markets there is a mask requirement and the distance requirement on the entire site, unless the organizers decide in favor of a 2G regulation. That gave the city announced in an official announcement. In addition, a 3G rule applies in closed rooms if the market otherwise gets by without G.

In Hamburg the organizers can also decide for themselves whether they want 2G or 3G. In principle, however, they can also be made freely accessible. In this case, however, the mulled wine sale and the gastronomy must be separated. Because a 2G or 3G rule must apply there. Many markets, such as the Santa Pauli Christmas market, the market on Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz and the Hamburg Christmas market, have opted for a 2G concept on the entire site.

Since the corona measures at Christmas markets vary greatly depending on the city and region, it is advisable to obtain detailed information before visiting. In addition, changes to the provisions are possible at any time. A short-term cancellation is not excluded.

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