Can you keep the mulled wine cup from the Braunschweig Christmas market?

Can you keep the mulled wine cup from the Braunschweig Christmas market?

The pre-Christmas season is in full swing and... Braunschweig Christmas market attracts numerous visitors again. Known for its picturesque backdrop around Braunschweig Cathedral and Dankwarderode Castle, the market is considered one of the most beautiful in the north. But in addition to the festive lights and fragrant specialties, there is one question that keeps coming up: Can you take the mulled wine cup home with you?

Legally speaking, the cup remains the property of the stand operator, even if many guests would like to know whether they can keep it. Taking the cup with you can be seen as embezzlement, warns ERGO insurance. To avoid disputes, some stall operators offer buyers the opportunity to purchase an official mug. This trick is particularly beneficial for guests who would like to remember the festive evening.

Deposit and souvenirs to be redeemed

Most cups come with a deposit of two euros, which covers the costs and provides an incentive to return the cups. However, many operators say that several hundred cups are accidentally or intentionally left in visitors' hands every year. “We often see that as a compliment,” said one operator. If someone asks to keep the cup, there is often an option to exchange it for a clean cup. A popular option is also to give the cup away with a voucher.

Anyone who is in Braunschweig cannot avoid enjoying the culinary delights that the Christmas market 2024 offers. The selection ranges from daily fresh vegetarian soups to freshly baked cinnamon rolls and a variety of delicious chocolates. The “Almburschen” with cheese and salami from the Alpine countries or the popular original Salzwedeler Baumkuchen are also a must for all gourmets. And don't forget: the in-house cookies for our four-legged friends from the Tatzenbäckerei!

A market for every occasion

The opening times of the Christmas market are family-friendly: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. On December 29th the market is open until 8:00 p.m., while on December 24th and 25th it is quiet.

Amid the festive atmosphere and hustle and bustle, many visitors forget the legal aspects of taking cups of mulled wine with them in the excitement. But while legal problems fade into the background, the fun and joy at the Christmas market is what counts. If you find out a little about the legal stumbling blocks, you can enjoy the benefits of a visit even more.