There’s some disappointing news for tourists and fans of the popular Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg. Unfortunately, the world-famous event is now canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is one of Germany’s oldest holiday season markets and attracts around two million visitors each year.
Nuremberg is the second biggest city in Bavaria, and draws tourists all-year-round, most especially during the beautiful Christmas market. This pre-Christmas occasion started way back in the mid-16th century. The first-ever recorded event happened in 1628.
The Christkindlesmarkt is highly popular for its wooden stalls. These wooden stalls are adorned with white and red striped cloths and are located at the main market square of the city. The event is filled with the usual Nuremberg gingerbread, arts and crafts, mulled wine, and grilled sausages. It is opened yearly by the “Christkind.” Young women from Nuremberg apply for this voluntary two-year position.
Originally, people hoped that the four-week Christmas market may still occur under different conditions. That is, by holding it in separate squares all throughout the Old Town in order to ease the arrival of people, and allot a bigger area on the main market. Furthermore, they planned wider stall lanes, mask-wearing requirements, and disinfection stand installations. Though, Marcus König, Nuremberg mayor, announced that it’s no longer pushing through this year, because of the rising coronavirus cases in the city.
König said that this decision is not easy for them. Pushing through with the Christkindlesmarkt might send a wrong signal, in a nation struggling to contain the virus. The Christmas market is a great Nuremberg tradition, but they can’t justify the gathering of thousands of individuals in the city’s center.
Many other cities around Germany and in the entirety of Europe have announced Christmas market cancellations. One of them is Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt. If you’re planning to attend a holiday market around the area, don’t forget to check up-to-date information.
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is a magical event that you can attend once the health crisis is over.
The Christkindlesmarkt is held annually, starting on Friday before Advent’s first Sunday, continuing through Christmas Eve. It’s open every single day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., except during Christmas Eve when the markets close at 2 p.m. The event takes place on the huge Hauptmarkt (or main market square) in the old town of Nuremberg.
A big cultural program entertains local and international tourists. Music is played in several churches, as well as in other cultural venues. There are open-air performances. Special workshops are also arranged for the kids. High-quality items are on sale, from decorations to kitchenware. Wooden products are specifically praised, and imported, affordable plastic items are not appreciated. Drinks and food are the primary reasons why many visitors attend the Christmas market. Visit Quikmaps website and find out more about this matter.
