Editor in chief at IamExpat Media
If you were saddened by the cancellation of Berlin’s many Christmas markets in 2020, you’ll be pleased to hear they’re making a return in 2021 - but a new regulation means that unvaccinated people may be excluded from the festivities at some markets.
Previously, the Senate decided that Christmas markets could reopen in Berlin, so long as they impose a general mask requirement - a regulation already in place at weekly markets.
According to a report in the Tagesspiegel, however, market operators have now been given the option of introducing a 2G entry policy when they reopen on November 22 - meaning that anyone above the age of 12 would be asked to show proof that they are either vaccinated against or have recovered from coronavirus.
Markets that enforce this rule will not be obliged to impose mask or distance requirements - a pretty major incentive - whereas markets with more relaxed entry requirements will have to uphold these restrictions.
Where 2G rules are imposed, children aged between six and 12 will be required to show a negative test result, while an exception will be made for those under the age of six and people who cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons.
Some of Berlin’s larger Christmas markets have already announced that they will opt for the more restrictive 2G entry policy, including those in front of the Rotes Rathaus, the WeihnachtsZauber market on the Gendarmenmarkt, the market at Spandau Citadel, and two markets in Marienfelde.
While most of Berlin’s beloved Christmas markets will be making a comeback this year, a few familiar favourites will still be absent: the Christmas market in front of Charlottenburg Palace has been cancelled again in 2021, with organisers stating that COVID regulations in the state made it impossible for them to get planning in time.