Christmas markets light up shorter and open later

In view of rising energy costs, many Christmas markets in North Rhine-Westphalia are planning shorter opening and lighting times this year. In Essen, for example, some light elements and decorations will be dispensed with at the Christmas market and the light weeks taking place at the same time in the city center and the lighting time will be reduced. "In this way we save resources and a good 20 percent of energy," said a spokesman for Essen Marketing of the German Press Agency.

The state capital Dusseldorf puts a lot of pressure on the brakes when it comes to the Christmas lights. There, the lamps and lights should only shine from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., reducing the lighting time from 15 to 5 hours per day.

Changes are also being made at the markets in Bielefeld and Münster. Both Christmas markets shortened their opening hours, the cities said. In Bielefeld, the market opens daily at 12 p.m. – one hour later than before. In Münster, this is planned from Monday to Thursday.

During the day, decorative lighting is also largely dispensed with there, and other energy-saving options are also being discussed. Among other things, the joint use of a refrigerated vehicle by several market operators is being discussed.

In Bielefeld, the lighting time will be reduced by two hours. In addition, "individual energy-intensive offers" such as a large illuminated Christmas tree and an ice rink would not be built.

In Aachen, despite austerity measures, people are looking forward to an atmospheric Christmas market between the cathedral and town hall, said an event spokesman. All the huts are rented, but for the first time there will be no lighting around the Christmas market to save energy. In the shopping streets, the lighting will only be switched on from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.