City center's Christmas market terminated
In a regrettable turn of events, Düsseldorf Tourism has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated Christmas market this year, a decision driven by the dynamic evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and necessary contact restrictions.
Ole Friedrich, Managing Director of Düsseldorf Tourism, expressed his disappointment and shared hope that the Christmas market could be visited with a good feeling in the future. He has been in constant contact with traders and showmen, planning the Christmas market with their interests in mind.
The Christmas market, a significant source of income for many traders and showmen, especially this year, was aimed to bring festive cheer to the city center amidst the pandemic. The hygiene concept, published in late October, aimed to ensure that visitors felt comfortable on the market, with measures designed to protect against infection.
However, the growing risk of a potential cancellation at short notice or closure after a few days makes it impossible for everyone involved to plan seriously, leading to the late but clear decision to cancel the Christmas market.
The city of Düsseldorf is currently exploring alternative ways to support traders and showmen affected by the cancellation. While specific information about these measures is not readily available, general knowledge suggests that cities often implement financial aid packages, alternative sales opportunities (e.g., online marketplaces), and facilitation of smaller or decentralized events to help traders and showmen sustain their businesses during such times.
The Düsseldorf Christmas Market was initially scheduled to open on November 19, 2020. The increasing infection rates in Düsseldorf and its surrounding region are causing uncertainty among potential visitors and exhibitors, with the public's understanding for planning events during the pre-Christmas period waning.
Despite the cancellation, Ole Friedrich emphasized the importance of maintaining the Christmas spirit in Düsseldorf, and the city is working towards creating a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all its residents and visitors.
Ole Friedrich, in his role as Managing Director of Düsseldorf Tourism, had been planning the Christmas market with a focus on both the health-and-wellness measures required due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial well-being of traders and showmen. The cancellation of the market, though disappointing, does not mean the end of the Christmas spirit in Düsseldorf, as the city continues to explore alternative means to support businesses within the health-and-wellness sector during the holiday season.
