Christmas markets across Europe canceled over pandemic
Nov 30, 202010:55 am +03 +03:00
Frankfurt, Germany (2019 vs. 2020)
The European plazas where people would usually gather at crowded stalls to partake in hot mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages and other delicacies are just empty squares this year.
Berlin, Germany (2008 vs. 2020)
Christmas markets, a cherished tradition in Germany and neighboring countries, have joined the long list of annual traditions that were canceled or diminished this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dortmund, Germany (2018 vs. 2020)
November saw many European countries impose partial or tougher lockdowns as coronavirus cases soared.
Prague, Czech Republic (2019 vs. 2020)
The restrictions are either being retained or only partially loosened as the Christian season of Advent begins.
Nuremberg, Germany (2017 vs. 2020)
Nuremberg’s sprawling, bustling Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany’s best-known holiday markets and traditionally a big tourist draw, was called off a month ago.
Berlin, Germany (2013 vs. 2020)
Markets across the country – including in Frankfurt, Dortmund and many in Berlin – have suffered the same fate, with authorities canceling the events or organizers concluding that it didn’t make sense to push ahead with their plans.
Strasbourg, France (2016 vs. 2020)
Over the border in France, the roughly 300 stalls of Strasbourg’s popular Christmas market won’t go up this year.
Brussels, Belgium (2019 vs. 2020)
And it’s the same story in the Belgian capital, Brussels.
Brussels, Belgium (2019 vs. 2020)
Last week, Europe’s coronavirus death toll crossed the grim mark of 400,000 fatalities.
