Europe's Christmas markets 2021: What to expect with the arrival of COVID-19 Omicron cases

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has dampened the holiday spirit by causing cancellations in some places, European Christmas markets have celebrated a festive return in others in 2021.

The sudden spike in COVID-19 cases across Europe and the discovery of the Omicron variant caused some beloved markets to cancel for yet another holiday season. Others have reopened by instituting strict new COVID-19 protocols

The Czech Republic announced the closure of its markets on November 26. Berlin’s Charlottenberg Palace announced earlier this year it would not be able to host its marker under the current local COVID-19 health safety guidelines. Munich had planned to bring back its Christmas market in Marienplatz, however officials announced on November 16 the market would be cancelled due to rising case numbers. With infections soaring across Europe, it's possible more could follow in the coming weeks.

Austria temporarily closed its markets as the country instituted a lockdown even for the vaccinated due to rising COVID-19 cases. The country — and its markets — cautiously reopened December 13.

Most markets that have opened their stands for the 2021 holiday season have done so with enhanced safety measures like reducing the number of stalls and requiring proof of vaccination. Some require masks.

As of December 17, here is the status of some of the prominent European Christmas markets.

Basel, Switzerland

Christmas decorations glitter against the charming architecture of Basel's Old Town, transforming the city on the Rhine into the largest Christmas market in Switzerland. Both Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz host markets with rustic chalets of artisans as well as culinary treats like Swiss Raclette and Läckerli (gingerbread).

The markets opened November 25 and will close on December 23. The opening ceremony in Münsterplatz has been cancelled for 2021.

Visitors over the age of 16 must present a valid Swiss or EU COVID certificate with a QR code as well as an official ID. Those from outside the EU who have recovered from COVID-19 or been vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine will need a Swiss COVID-19 certificate. You can apply online and it will cost 30 CHF ($32 USD).

Berlin, Germany

Several of Berlin's popular Christmas markets are preparing to open for 2021 though these will operate under Berlin's expanded 2-G rules. Those rules require people to be vaccinated or show they have recovered from the virus to enter places like restaurants, galleries, and theaters. The most recent rules eliminated the option for event organizers to allow unvaccinated people over age 18 to show a negative COVID-19 test to enter.

Plan to bring proof of your vaccination status or recovery from the virus. Most markets are allowing children under the age of 12 to enter with proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Berlin's markets that are planning to open include:

• Potsdamer Platz’s Winterwelt, with its toboggan hill for those who'd like to get in a little faux sledding, has traditionally been one of the earliest markets to open. Centrally located in Potsdamer Platz and not far from the Mall of Berlin, it opened on October 29 and will close on January 2.

• The whimsical Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is tucked between the architectural beauty of the Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom. It opened on November 22 and closes on December 31. This market charges one euro per person entry.

• Alexanderplatz Christmas Market, which also hosts a fairground of rides, an ice skating rink as well as traditional artisan stalls, opened November 22 through December 26.

• The market surrounding Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church located on Berlin's renowned Kurfürstendamm street opened November 22 through January 2, 2022.

Read more: Why Germany is the best place to countdown to Christmas

Bruges, Belgium

Against the backdrop of cobblestone streets and canals of its medieval center, thousands of twinkling lights and more than 500 Christmas trees will transform 41 streets of Bruges into a winter fairy-tale as part of its 2021 Winter Glow festivities. From November 26 through January 9, 2022, you'll find ice skating, a winter bar and three Christmas markets located at Market Square, Simon Steven Square and Zand Square.

In Bruges, outdoor events with more than 400 people require a COVID Safe ticket. EU visitors can use their own vaccination certificates in place of a COVID Safe ticket but visitors from outside the region need to follow this application process. That ticket provides proof you are either fully vaccinated against the virus, have recovered from it within the past six months or have tested negative for COVID-19.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Sipping on Gløgg surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights, you'll feel what the Danish mean when they use the word "hygge" to describe the the feeling of being cozy, well and content against the crisp winter air.

The 175 year old Tivoli Gardens amusement park, glowing with twinkling lights and starry projections, will host its Christmas Market from November 19 through January 2. In order to enter, you'll need to purchase a ticket as well as show a Corona Pass (or your official vaccination certificate). Children under the age of 15 are exempt from showing a Corona pass.

Meanwhile, the enchanting Kongens Nytorv Christmas market sits at the cobblestone square with the equestrian statue of King Christian V near Charlottenborg Palace. The market opened November 12 and closes on December 22 and is free to ender.

Read more: Finding the Christmas Spirit in Winterful Copenhangen

Edinburgh, Scotland

With Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop, Edinburgh Christmas is one of the UK's most beloved holiday traditions. It hosts attractions like amusement rides and ice skating rink along with the Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens.

The market opened November 20 and closes January 4, 2022. If you're planning to do some of the activities like ice skating, visiting Santa’s Grotto, or riding the ferris wheel, you can purchase tickets through the Edinburgh’s Christmas website. Masks are required in indoor locations like Santa's Grotto. Organizers also have sensory kits with a fidget toy, earplugs, water bottle, stress reliever and ear defenders available for adults and children who may need additional assistance to enjoy the festivities.

Nuremberg, Germany

Germany's oldest and arguably most well-known market, the Nuremberg Christmas market has canceled its market for 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions issued by the state of Bavaria. It had been scheduled to open November 26 through December 24 after canceling in 2020.

Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic government announced a 30-day emergency on Nov. 26 which included reduced hours for restaurant and bars and the closure of Christmas markets nationwide. The two Christmas markets located in the heart of Prague, the market located in Prague's Old Town Square and nearby Wenceslas Square, were both scheduled to open November 27 through January 6, 2022.

Poznań, Poland

Poznań's Christmas Market, consistently considered the best in Poland and among the top in Europe, opened in Plac Wolności on November 20 and closes December 26. Though you'll find its market a wonderous Christmas experience throughout the season, full of charm, the second weekend in December is when it really sparkles as it holds its famous Ice Sculpting Festival. Ice sculptors from 12 different countries will decend on Poznań from December 10-12 to compete to create awe-inspiring frozen works of art.

Strasbourg, France

France’s oldest Christmas market, Strasbourg prides itself on transforming into the "capital of Christmas." After scaling back in 2020, more than 300 stalls opened on November 26 and closes on December 26. Masks will be required throughout the market, but if the COVID situation deteriorates in the city and cases reach above 200 per 100,000 people, the market will require France’s health pass which shows proof of vaccination, recovery from the virus, or a negative COVID-19 test.

Read more: How to apply for a COVID-19 health pass in France

Vienna, Austria

The Vienna Dream Christmas Market located at Rathausplatz and consistently voted among the most beautiful markets in Europe, experienced an abbreviated season when it closed on November 22 as Austria went into a full nationwide lockdown. The market reopened on December 13 and will run until December 26. To visit, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Adults can no longer show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter.

The rules are different for kids. Children aged six to 11 years old must show proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test. That can either be a PCR test administered within 72 hours or an antigen test within 48 hours. Teens aged 12-15 must show proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative PCR test administered within the 48 hours prior.

Read More: Best Christmas Markets in Austria

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