In many European cities with a tradition of hosting a Christmas market, 2022 is a year of difficult choices. High energy costs are forcing some to scale down on bright lights and decorations, while other places are scaling up and hoping the unrestricted return of the markets after two years of COVID-19 closures will boost holiday spending. Below are images of some of the Christmas markets that recently opened in Germany.
Germany’s Christmas Markets Return
ALAN TAYLOR (The Atlantic)
A girls uses her mobile phone as she rides on a horse of a merry-go-round on the Christmas Market in Frankfurt, Germany, Nov. 25, 2022. In cities across Europe, officials are wrestling with a choice this Christmas. Dim lighting plans to send a message of energy conservation and solidarity with citizens squeezed by both higher energy costs and inflation or let the lights blaze in a message of defiance after two years of pandemic-suppressed Christmas seasons, creating a mood that retailers hope loosen holiday purses. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)
A theatrical performer on stilts delights children on the first day of the Christmas market at Bebelplatz square on November 21, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets are opening across Germany this week for the first time without any restrictions since the coronavirus pandemic began. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 21: An employee serves hot punch as people gather on the first day of the annual Christmas market at Schloss Charlottenburg palace on November 21, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. Christmas markets are opening across Germany this week for the first time without any restrictions since the coronavirus pandemic began. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 25: The Christ Child (Christkind), this year played by Teresa Windschall, 17, reads her celebratory address from a balcony of the Frauenkirche church to inaugurate this year's Christmas market on November 25, 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany. Christmas markets are opening across Germany this week for the first time without any restrictions since the coronavirus pandemic began. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
Nuernberger Christkindlesmarkt" (Christ Child Market), one of the world's oldest Christmas markets, opens in Nuremberg, Germany November 25, 2022. REUTERS/Heiko Becker
Visitors walk between stands at the Dresden Striezelmarkt on the day of its opening in Dresden, eastern Germany on November 23, 2022. - Every year, the Striezelmarkt attracts around three million visitors. The first Striezelmarkt took place in 1434 and this year it will be held for the 588th time, making it the oldest Christmas market in Germany. It will be open until December 24. Among the attractions is the 14,61 meter tall Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) step pyramid and the reportedly world's largest walk-in Schwibbogen candle-holder. (Photo by JENS SCHLUETER / AFP) (Photo by JENS SCHLUETER/AFP via Getty Images)
The Dresden Striezelmarkt during its opening in Dresden, eastern Germany. - Every year, the Striezelmarkt attracts around three million visitors. The first Striezelmarkt took place in 1434 and this year it will be held for the 588th time, making it the oldest Christmas market in Germany. It will be open until December 24. Among the attractions is the 14,61 meter tall Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) step pyramid and the reportedly world's largest walk-in Schwibbogen candle-holder. (Photo by JENS SCHLUETER / AFP) (Photo by JENS SCHLUETER/AFP via Getty Images)
Lights illuminate the traditional Christmas Market that was opened in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 25: General Impression of the Christmas market prior to the inauguration on November 25, 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany. Christmas markets are opening across Germany this week for the first time without any restrictions since the coronavirus pandemic began. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
A vendor selling illuminated paper stars stands in his booth on the Christmas Market in Ludwigsburg, southern Germany on November 22, 2022. The Christmas Market lasts until December 22, 2022. - The Christmas Market lasts until December 22, 2022. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images)
People visit the Christmas market at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, Germany, November 23, 2022. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi