It has been known for some time that the city of Frankfurt is sticking to the idea that the Christmas market should continue to spread festive Advent cheer in 2020. How this should look in times of Corona, was not yet clear. What is clear, however, is the fact that Tourismus+Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main (TCF) is currently working flat out to come up with a concept that will make it possible for the Christmas market not to be cancelled completely. Because one thing is clear: it will not be able to take place in the same way as in previous years. To work out what is possible and how this can be implemented is a real challenge for the planners of TCF around Managing Director Thomas Feda.
Mayor Peter Feldmann has now once an overview of the results of the planning so far. "Unfortunately, I don't have a crystal ball. But if the pandemic events allow it, the Frankfurt Christmas Market will take place from November 23 to December 22, 2020," the city leader is pleased. "Our Frankfurt Christmas Market with its great scenery, the many lights and scents, simply belongs in the Advent season. The Christmas market is a place of togetherness. Even if we have to keep our distance this year." For the economy, the Christmas market is also important: "We strengthen our city center, the retail trade and especially the industry of the showmen, which has been particularly affected by the pandemic," emphasizes Feldmann.
Among other things, it is planned to equalize the market to create more space for visitors and to be able to comply with the applicable hygiene and distance regulations. Thus, some of the stalls will probably be accommodated on the Opernplatz and in the direction of Freßgass'. Possibly the Zeil will also be integrated more strongly - as it is still known from the past. Feldmann is very enthusiastic about this alternative: "A great idea. I'm happy to advocate it and will try to clear obstacles out of the way together with my colleagues from the magistrate's office."
At each of the gastronomic stands, which will be distributed decentrally across the market, a consumption area will be set up, where the same rules will apply as they do in restaurants and pubs to contain the pandemic.
Goods stalls selling Christmas decorations, handicrafts, candles and other items, as well as carousels, would be set up on Römerberg, Paulsplatz and other squares and streets, according to the TCF concept. Of course, all planning will take place in close coordination with the Frankfurt health department, the safety and regulatory authorities and in accordance with the regulations of the state of Hesse.
"I am particularly pleased that the people of Frankfurt will not have to do without the Christmas tree in front of the Römer, even in this difficult year," says the Lord Mayor. Let us hope that this will indeed be the case. The final details of Frankfurt's Christmas market concept are to be finalized in the coming weeks. The finished concept is to be presented in the second half of October. We'll keep you posted!
