German Christmas Markets Continue Despite False Viral Cancellation Claims

False reports claiming Germany has canceled Christmas markets for 2025 have spread rapidly across social media platforms, garnering hundreds of thousands of views despite having no basis in fact. DW Fact check has investigated these viral claims and determined them to be entirely false.

Germany hosts more than 2,500 Christmas markets annually, known locally as Adventsmarkt, Christkindlmarkt, or Weihnachtsmarkt. These markets represent a cherished cultural tradition that draws millions of visitors each year. The Striezelmarkt in Dresden alone attracts approximately 2.5 million visitors, underscoring the economic and cultural significance of these festive gatherings.

Most markets are scheduled to open as usual in late November. Berlin will host more than 60 markets this year, with numerous others planned in major cities including Leipzig, Dresden, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. Preparations are already underway in many locations.

While German media have reported a few isolated cancellations, they are the exception rather than the rule. In Rostock, a historical Christmas market that was already canceled last year will not return in 2025. Hamburg’s Rahlstedt district has called off its local market after stallholders decided not to participate due to low revenues from the previous season. The romantic Christmas market at Dortmund’s historic Bodelschwingh Castle will be canceled for both 2025 and 2026, but only because of planned renovations to the castle.

The viral claim appears to originate from an article titled “Germany Cancels Christmas Markets 2025” published by J&M Duna Press on October 18. This outlet describes itself as part of an independent communication and education group but shows multiple red flags that question its credibility.

The article claims that organizers in smaller towns cite “unaffordable security costs” as the primary reason for cancellations, allegedly stemming from recent terror attacks. However, it mentions only two specific examples: Rheinfeld and Schongau. When DW contacted officials in these locations, they received clear contradictions to these claims.

Officials in Schongau responded unambiguously: “The 2025 Christmas market will take place as usual.” The city of Dormagen, which includes a district named Rheinfeld, informed DW that “In previous years, there was no Christmas market in Dormagen’s district of Rheinfeld and none is planned for 2025 either.” Rheinfelden’s official website confirms their 2025 Christmas market is scheduled to proceed as planned.

Further investigation into Duna Press revealed additional concerning elements. The author of the article, Bianca Firenze, has no verifiable background, biography, or social media presence linked on the site. She began contributing to Duna Press only in August 2024, primarily writing about health and horoscopes before switching to sensationalist articles about Germany’s supposed decline.

All images on the site, including author portraits, appear to be AI-generated, raising additional questions about the authenticity of the contributors. The outlet’s social media profiles have very few followers and minimal engagement, suggesting limited credibility or audience trust.

What is true is that security costs for Christmas markets have increased following attacks in Berlin in 2016 and Magdeburg in 2024. In Magdeburg, for example, security expenses are expected to nearly double this year from €80,000 to €150,000. Standard security measures now include concrete barriers, bag checks, video surveillance, and retractable roadblocks.

Despite these increased costs, there is no indication of widespread cancellations. In smaller towns, municipalities often help cover security expenses. Some markets may need to reduce their size to accommodate security measures, but Germany’s beloved Christmas market tradition continues largely unaffected.

As the holiday season approaches, visitors can expect to enjoy Germany’s festive markets with their traditional offerings of mulled wine, gingerbread, handcrafted goods, and seasonal cheer—just as they have for generations.