Christmas markets – similar to churches, cafés, monuments or opera houses – have been part of the fixed image of European cities for centuries. Since the late Middle Ages, the so-called Christmas markets have been a symbol of the anticipation of Christmas: lights, classics such as "Jingle Bells", wooden stalls, punch, roasted almonds, cotton candy - a mix that inspires generations. Among the most traditional are the Vienna Christmas Market, the Wenceslas Market in Bautzen or the Dresden Striezelmarkt. But this historical tradition is now not only affected by security measures. Pro-Palestinian groups have their sights set on Christmas markets and carry their political messages into the middle of the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle – often with aggressive shouts, Arabic music or pyrotechnic means.

A disturbing series of incidents:

Brussels – Activists block Christmas market visitors
At the opening of the Brussels Christmas market, masked pro-Palestinian demonstrators harassed families and visitors. They detonated colored smoke bombs, waved Palestinian flags and shouted slogans such as "Shame on you". Eyewitnesses report chaos and panic.

Vienna – Palestine flags at the Votive Church The
Advent mood was also disturbed in Vienna. Demonstrators gathered in front of the Christmas market on Rathausplatz, shouted slogans such as "free, free Palestine" and provoked visitors. A journalist from oe24 was physically attacked. Later, activists used a crane to place Palestine flags on the towers of the Votive Church – they have since been removed.

Berlin – Political booth at the Christmas market
An anti-Zionist stall on Alexanderplatz caused a stir: It offered items that negate Israel as a state – including maps in the colors of the Palestinian flag and symbols of the Palestinian resistance. After criticism, the products were removed.

Toulouse – Loud provocations
Videos of young men playing Arabic music at high volume at the Christmas market are circulating from Toulouse – many passers-by felt deliberately provoked.

Essen & Stuttgart 2024 – "Allahu Akbar" shouts
Already last year, groups of young men in Essen walked through the city center shouting "Allahu Akbar". In Stuttgart, there were again incidents in 2024 in which Islamist slogans resounded over the market instead of Christmas carols. In videos, men celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad and use religious shouts as a demonstration of power.

Security becomes a feat of strength

Since the attack on Berlin's Breitscheidplatz in 2016, Christmas markets have been considered particularly endangered. Security precautions have been massively increased since then: police presence, concrete bollards ("Merkel Lego") and exclusion zones dominate the picture in many places.