Overview

• The Rahlstedt 'Winterterrassen' in Hamburg will not return in 2025, with organisers saying stallholders earned too little to participate.
• The Bezirk Wandsbek’s €26,000 support in 2024 failed to secure the market’s future after attractions and stalls had already been reduced last year.
• Vendors reported they could make roughly €2,000 to €4,000 more at larger central markets, and public comments highlighted concerns over high prices, including €8 mulled wine.
• A wider shift continues as many markets open earlier under neutral names like 'Winterwelt' or 'Winterdorf' to start before Totensonntag; the Alte Brauerei Kasbach-Ohlenberg 'Weihnachtszauber' runs Nov 7–Dec 21.
• Some municipalities are downsizing instead of canceling: Weinheim’s market is scheduled for Dec 5–21 with ten huts on the Marktplatz, added security measures, and no stage, drawing mixed reactions online.