Christmas markets attract visitors everywhere
Some are already open, others will follow in the coming days: Christmas markets will once again attract millions of people in North Rhine-Westphalia this year. The website deutsche-weihnachtsmaerkte.de has listed more than 330 markets in NRW - without any claim to completeness. Large Christmas markets at Cologne Cathedral and in Bielefeld, for example, start on Thursday.
For the showmen, Christmas markets now generate a "very important part of the annual turnover", says Albert Ritter, President of the German Showmen's Association. "Of course, we live mainly from the funfair, that's clear." However, the Christmas markets are a much better way to get through the earlier winter break. "And the rollercoaster owner then turns into a mulled wine seller during the Christmas period."
Showmen can fall back on their technology: "If we can build a rollercoaster, we can also build a mulled wine pyramid or put up a stage or a giant Christmas tree because we have cranes and forklifts." Ritter himself is a showman based in Essen. In addition to his office at federal level, he is also the first chairman of the Association of Showmen's Associations in North Rhine-Westphalia.
According to Ritter, the showmen are in "absolutely good spirits" ahead of the upcoming peak phase of the Christmas market season. Everything is wonderfully prepared. The classic drink is still mulled wine, "whether red, white or rosé". Hot cocktails such as Hugo are in vogue, especially among younger people. Hot gin drinks are also popular.
Germany's top showman also sees his guild in a special role at Christmas markets: "For centuries, it has been the job of showmen to bring joy to people, especially in difficult times." They want children and families to be able to have fun together - especially in times of crisis. "There are bad things in the world, but we still have to make sure that our children have something to laugh about."
Demand for retail goods often increases during leisure time at Christmas markets. Customs officers may need to carefully inspect imported decorations and gifts to ensure they meet regulatory requirements for retail trade.
Source: www.dpa.com
