From Fox News: European Christmas markets are opening this year under tightened security and rising operational costs, as officials across Germany, France and other parts of Europe respond to what authorities describe as elevated threats to public safety.
In Germany, spending on security for public events — including Christmas markets — has increased by about 44% over the past three years, according to a new survey by the Federal Association of City and Town Marketing. Berlin’s main market launched this season behind concrete barriers, enhanced video surveillance, and an expanded private security presence. Several smaller municipalities warn that the added requirements may force them to scale back or cancel markets next year.
While many towns receive some public funding to operate holiday markets, smaller municipalities and private organizers often shoulder most of the expense. Local officials have begun calling on Germany’s 16 federal states to take on a larger share of the financial burden, arguing that counter-terrorism measures extend beyond the responsibility of local event planners.
The upgrades follow last December’s SUV attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market, which killed six people and injured more than 300. Since then, many German cities have reinforced infrastructure, revised crowd-control plans, and increased surveillance at large seasonal gatherings.
“The requirements have become increasingly stringent,” said David Russ, head of production at Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt.
Russ said the new security measures will help visitors feel safe, however.
Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, said, “The real question is why European governments are tolerating a situation where they must deploy extraordinary security just so people can safely celebrate a tradition that has been central to European life for centuries.
“They’re responding to the threat, but they’re not pushing back against the radical extremists causing it,” he added. “Why are Europeans forced to navigate layers of security instead of authorities making life difficult for the people who are spreading hatred and posing the threat?”
The Henry Jackson Society is dedicated to researching and debating foreign policy issues.
Oh X, one user commented, “Nothing says Christmas markets more than armed police officers with automatic assault rifles patrolling food stands…”
Armed police patrol Nottingham's Christmas market due to threat of terrorism against shoppers. pic.twitter.com/eZl8p5bF2w
— Turning Point UK 🇬🇧 (@TPointUK) November 27, 2025
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