Resumption of the party! Strasbourg Christmas market returns this winter
Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market is set to take place again this year on a large scale with mulled wine and food stalls, after France’s oldest winter market was downsized last year during the pandemic.
Many new security measures must be taken given the persistent risk of coronavirus infection and possible terrorist attacks, local officials in the French town along the German border said on Wednesday, announcing their intention to reopen the Marlet.
Winter markets are largely making a comeback in France, Germany and other parts of Europe this year, with famous markets in Nuremberg, Munich and Berlin set to reopen in November and December, although some require proof of vaccination to enter.
Strasbourg remains cautious after an assailant killed five people in an attack on the Christmas market in 2018. Last year, the event only took place on a small scale and without stalls due to the pandemic.
This year, the market is expected to be open from November 26 to December 26.
“The oldest Christmas market in France, organized for the 451st time, is a long-awaited event”, declared the prefect of the locality Josiane Chevalier.
It attracts 2 million visitors each year, she said, and she was happy to be able to give the Christmas market the green light under tightened security measures.
Hundreds of police, military and other security forces are to be deployed to protect the Christmas market, which will be set up in an area of the city center that is larger than before. There will be entry checks, vehicle checks as well as video surveillance.
Visitors to the Christmas market will have to wear masks and respect distance rules, the prefecture said. In the event of an incidence rate greater than 200, guests will be required to show proof of vaccination, cure, or a negative test. If infection rates rise again, eating and drinking should be limited to certain areas.