Suche
Mein Konto
Christmas market drama: Greifenbar managing director is pissed off!
Neustrelitz: Christmas market dispute. Grabbar will remain closed in 2025 due to bureaucratic errors. Five-figure advance payment planned.
Christmas market drama: Greifenbar managing director is pissed off!
The anticipation for the Christmas market in Greifswald is abruptly dampened this year. The Greifenbar is not allowed to serve drinks, and this is due to a bureaucratic error. Managing director Maik Fritzke is downright furious after he was denied permission for his stand at the market. He had freshly produced almost 1000 bottles of high-proof spirits such as gin, rum, vodka and whiskey and invested a lot of money in advance for this event, which is now leading to financial losses.
The city administration explained that Fritzke had not reported back in time and submitted the contract on time. A circumstance that the entrepreneur finds inadequate and not very accommodating. After all, it's not just about his business, but also about the lost trade tax contribution, which makes the situation all the more frustrating for him. As a member of the city's economic committee, he observes the financial situation and worries.
The current market situation
Only one local business made it to the Christmas market this year, which severely limits the selection of colorful stalls and offers. Fritzke plans to offer the pre-produced drinks next year to minimize losses. In order to intervene in market developments, he is thinking about offering his products at lower prices than are usual at the Christmas market. Among these is the “Greifen-Gin”, which is made from the Greifswald coastal fir – a real regional highlight.
In comparison, the Christmas market scene in the Bavarian capital Munich is extremely diverse. Numerous markets there attract visitors with a colorful program and a historical flair. The Christmas market at Marienplatz, which has a tradition dating back to the 14th century, offers a real experience for the whole family with its large nativity scene and a children's workshop.
A look at the Munich markets
- Christkindlmarkt am Marienplatz: 24. November bis 24. Dezember 2025 – Traditionelle bayerische Atmosphäre.
- Viktualienmarkt: 21. November 2025 bis 5. Januar 2026 – Essen und Trinken unter Weihnachtslichtern.
- Eiszauber am Karlsplatz-Stachus: 21. November 2025 bis 11. Januar 2026 – Bayerns größte mobile Eisbahn.
- Weihnachtsdorf im Münchner Residenz: 17. November bis 22. Dezember 2025 – Bastelworkshops und Puppenspiele.
This makes it clear that the selection is very important for Christmas market visitors in Munich, while Greifswald is struggling with a significant shortage this year. The different developments in the two cities are not just a question of supply, but also a reflection of the financial and bureaucratic conditions that influence local businesses.