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Germany's Christmas markets open amid security concerns

Michael Watzke | Alex Gerst
November 29, 2025

The festive season has kicked off in Germany with Christmas markets across the country. But the cheerful atmosphere has been partly overshadowed by last year's attack, in which a driver plowed into a market Magdeburg.

https://p.dw.com/p/54UpX

Christmas markets in Germany sparkle with baubles and Glühwein — but safety is now a top priority. After last year's deadly car attack in Magdeburg, Munich has installed heavy mobile barriers to stop vehicles from entering market areas.

Surveillance cameras, uniformed and plainclothes police add extra protection, and security costs have more than doubled. Authorities aim to keep visitors safe without losing the festive spirit.