Overview

• Starting with the 2025 season, a dedicated Weihnachtsmarkttarif reduces GEMA charges for public music at Christmas markets by 35% for an initial four‑year evaluation phase.
• GEMA will support organizers with information, webinars and one‑to‑one advice to implement the new arrangement.
• The agreement was reached by GEMA and the Bundesvereinigung der Musikveranstalter with representatives of Städtetag, Landkreistag, Städte‑ und Gemeindebund, the City‑ and Stadtmarketing association and the Deutscher Schaustellerbund.
• GEMA says the tariff reflects the specific character of today’s markets, which vary in duration and programming from stage shows to background music and choral performances.
• More than 7,000 markets registered music use last year and are set to benefit, following disputes that saw protests such as a ‘Tag der Stille’ and cutbacks in live music after stricter fee enforcement.