European Christmas Markets Tighten Security as Terror Threats Drive Up Costs and Operations Change

European Christmas Markets Boost Security Amid Elevated Threats

Christmas markets across Europe are opening this season under heavier security and higher operational costs as authorities in Germany, France and other countries respond to what they describe as heightened threats to public safety.

Germany: Steep Security Costs and Local Strain

A survey by the Federal Association of City and Town Marketing found that spending on security for public events in Germany — including Christmas markets — has risen roughly 44% over the past three years. Berlin’s main market at Gendarmenmarkt this season operates behind concrete barriers with expanded private security and enhanced video surveillance. Smaller municipalities warn that the cumulative costs and stricter safety requirements may force them to scale back or cancel markets next year.

"The requirements have become increasingly stringent," said David Russ, head of production at Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt. "The heightened measures allow visitors to feel secure: I can just let go of everything here — I feel safe."

While many municipalities receive some public funding to stage holiday markets, smaller towns and private organizers frequently shoulder most of the expense. Local officials are urging Germany’s 16 federal states to take on a greater share of the costs, arguing that counter‑terrorism measures extend beyond the remit and budgets of individual event planners.

Attacks Drive New Measures

The stepped‑up protection follows last December’s SUV attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market, which killed six people and wounded more than 300. Since then, several German cities have reinforced infrastructure, revised crowd‑management plans and increased surveillance at large seasonal gatherings.

France And Other Countries Respond

French authorities canceled the annual New Year’s Eve concert on the Champs‑Élysées after police raised concerns about crowd management and the Interior Ministry described the threat level as "very high." The ministry has labeled Christmas markets and other winter festivities as "high‑risk," prompting cities to deploy extra officers, introduce screening points and impose access restrictions where needed.

Across Europe, protective measures vary by city: Salzburg’s famed Christmas market now has round‑the‑clock private security and a network of dedicated cameras; Prague has placed concrete blocks along popular embankments and increased patrols; Budapest has added plain‑clothes officers circulating through crowds. In some Austrian regions, including parts of Styria, organizers have canceled markets because they cannot afford mandated security upgrades.

Expert Perspectives

Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, told reporters that governments must do more to tackle radicalization at its root rather than rely solely on heavier security: "You can’t secure your way out of this forever," he said.

Ben Cohen, senior analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that both Christian and Jewish festivals are sometimes seen as "soft targets" by jihadists and said authorities are treating the holiday season with heightened seriousness.

Despite the additional restrictions and higher costs, many markets remain open and continue to draw significant crowds. Officials in several countries say the measures are likely to remain in place as long as threat levels stay elevated.

Sources include Reuters and local reporting.