Germany: Christmas markets adapt in times of high inflation

Prices for traditional food at Christmas markets in Germany have hit record highs, forcing vendors to come up with new strategies to attract customers.

Germany is one of the countries with the most brilliant Christmas markets in Europe. (Source: Vogue)

For Eva Henschke, Christmas markets in Germany are a way to forget the cold winter days with a glass of mulled wine and fragrant grilled sausages. However, this year, she has to consider the cost more carefully before deciding what to enjoy.

Speaking at the Christmas market next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, where the market was established in 1948, Ms. Henschke said, "When I come here, I still buy things, but I have to pay attention to the prices."

Prices for traditional German Christmas market fare are at record highs, forcing vendors to come up with new strategies to attract customers, both locals and tourists . Some solutions include package tickets and special themes.

Prices for traditional foods at German Christmas markets are at record highs due to inflation. (Source: Vogue)

“The crisis forces you to be creative,” said Fabian Lau, CEO of FARO Group. “We have created the only all-inclusive Christmas market in Germany.” The Spree Christmas market offers all-inclusive tickets starting at €29.90 ($31.48), allowing customers to enjoy mulled wine and German specialties without worrying about the cost. Weekend tickets cost €45.90 during peak hours.

Demand for the package tickets is "extremely high," with more than 1,000 tickets sold each day and 90% already booked for this Christmas season.

Berlin is known as the "capital of Christmas markets" with more than 60. Visit Berlin spokesman Christian Taenzler said winter used to be Berlin's low season, but this has changed significantly since the 2000s.

Many Christmas markets in Germany have switched to selling "all-inclusive" tickets for entry. (Source: Aachen)

At Christmas markets, Glühwein, Germany's favorite Christmas drink, is now selling for a record 5 euros per cup in Berlin, up 50% from the pre-pandemic price of 3.25 euros.

The price hikes are due to rising energy prices and staff shortages, among other factors, according to Luba Levkina, a spokeswoman for Activa, the organizer of the mobile Christmas markets.

Sedat Sarikurt, a mulled wine vendor at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, raised his prices by 50 cents from last year, despite initial concerns that he would sell fewer drinks due to the increased cost. But he found that both tourists and locals still bought mulled wine. Christmas only comes once a year.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/duc-cac-khu-cho-giang-sinh-thich-nghi-trong-thoi-lam-phat-cao-296681.html