- Discussion Surrounding the Position of Potsdam's Christmas Market: Venue Controversy
According to a majority of residents in a poll, the biggest Potsdam Christmas market should shift to a new spot. An online survey conducted between June 10 and July 7, involving roughly 7,000 citizens mainly from Potsdam, along with 215 merchants, showed disapproval towards the "Blue Luminous Lights" Christmas market, as declared by the state government.
For the past few years, the Luminous Lights have primarily settled on Brandenburg Street. However, over 70% of citizens favor Bassinplatz as the site for a central Christmas market. On the other hand, the majority of traders prefer the Brandenburg Street - the pedestrian zone. Moreover, most traders also want the space in front of their stalls to remain unoccupied.
More than half seek improvements
Approximately a million people visit the city center's Christmas market annually, as per city records, with various other markets also taking place. The survey was conducted in partnership between the city's economic development department and the HPI School of Design Thinking.
"Over 50% of respondents were dissatisfied with the central Christmas market in the last two years and desired improvements," the state government reported. This included a move away from the blue lighting, enhancing the festive atmosphere, more high-quality and local products, and more non-commercial offerings.
Criticisms mostly due to the location
Many complaints, such as space constraints, obstructed store windows, or absence of seating and resting spots, could be attributed to the location of the Christmas market and the nature of Brandenburg Street as Potsdam's central shopping street, as stated in the announcement.
For potential new locations of the future Christmas market, three options were presented in the survey: Bassinplatz as a compact and central Christmas market, Brandenburg Street with stands shifted to intersection areas and side streets, and a decentralized market at Lustgarten, Alter Markt, and Neuer Markt.
Moving forward
In about two weeks, the administration will submit a proposal for a fundamental resolution on the relocation of the Christmas market to the city council, as announced. The new location of the Christmas market will also be under discussion.
I'm not going to advocate for keeping the Christmas market at its current location due to the numerous complaints about space constraints and lack of amenities. Instead, I believe the city would benefit from considering one of the proposed alternatives, such as Bassinplatz or a decentralized market.
