Overview
- Major markets in cities including Augsburg and Ulm opened on November 24, with Erfurt’s 175th edition launching on November 25 and many North Rhine-Westphalia venues already under way.
- Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said police in Bavaria will be highly visible in uniform and plain clothes, conducting selective bag and personal checks and enforcing the 2024 knife ban.
- Authorities emphasized that event organizers hold primary safety responsibility, with municipal security offices setting requirements and police providing support and advice.
- Bamberg approved late openings to 22:00 on all Advent Saturdays and is again funding free local bus and train travel on those days, alongside low-cost park-and-ride shuttles.
- Strong demand is evident at local markets such as Achim, which is fully booked with a waiting list and introducing a token payment scheme, while distinctive attractions like Waldbreitbach’s floating nativity and Advent wreath draw family visitors.