Rising security costs threaten future of German Christmas markets, organisers warn

Germany’s beloved Christmas markets could face closure as soaring security costs make many events financially unsustainable, organisers have warned.

The Federal Association of City and Town Marketing (BCSD) says security expenses have risen by an average of 44% in three years, driven by tighter requirements following deadly vehicle attacks in Berlin in 2016 and Magdeburg last year.

Markets are now expected to install concrete barriers, checkpoints, surveillance systems and additional security staff, leaving more than three-quarters reliant on subsidies and just 1.6% turning a profit, according to a BCSD survey.

BCSD head Gerold Leppa said organisers are struggling with growing responsibility and costs, calling for consistent national regulations and financial support rather than shifting the burden onto local authorities and volunteers.

Federal officials have acknowledged the risks posed by open-access markets but insist security remains the responsibility of individual states. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also stressed that markets now require comprehensive security plans, while ruling out direct federal funding, leaving organisers warning that some markets may soon be unable to operate.

Image credit: Niklas Ohlrogge