Christmas market opens in Wilhelmshaven: Focus on safety measures!

Christmas market opens in Wilhelmshaven: Focus on safety measures!

In Wilhelmshaven, the Christmas market on Valoisplatz was officially opened last Saturday. Mayor Carsten Feist and Santa Claus welcomed the visitors, who can look forward to a colorful supporting program of musical performances and many different stands.

This year the city is placing particular emphasis on the safety of market visitors. As part of the measures, video surveillance, regular police presence and stationary concrete barriers were installed to ensure a safe environment. However, the latter ensure that a lane on Ebertstrasse is blocked, which was criticized by police contact officers. They have suggested placing the concrete barriers on the sidewalk so as not to impede traffic flow.

Safety measures in focus

The security measures were introduced due to increased citizen fears and incidents such as break-ins and vandalism last year. This year, a closed fence after market hours and the use of security personnel will contribute to protection. NDR reports that other Christmas markets in Lower Saxony are also making large investments in security in order to respond to the events of recent years.

The municipalities have to dig deep into their pockets for these increased security precautions. In Hanover, for example, the security concept for the Christmas market in the old town costs 530,000 euros more than last year - fortunately without an increase in stand fees. In Göttingen, 400,000 euros were spent on traffic barriers and concrete blocks. There is also significant investment in Wolfsburg: around 1.2 million euros are available here for retractable bollards and other security measures.

Unique promotions and local cuisine

The Bundeswehr is setting a special tone in Wilhelmshaven by selling pea soups at the naval base stand on two Saturdays. The proceeds go to charitable causes. Other Christmas markets in the region also offer a diverse program: from choirs to regional specialties to children's carousels, everything is represented to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

The Christmas market in Magdeburg, for example, was opened under strict security measures, with everything being done to ensure that people can enjoy the pre-Christmas period without any worries. Despite the safety considerations, there is no concrete evidence of acute dangers for the Christmas markets, but this does not stop the police union from calling for increased security measures - even against drones.

So it remains to be hoped that the Christmas market in Wilhelmshaven and the other markets in Lower Saxony will give people a happy and safe Advent season. Thanks to carefully planned security concepts, we can enjoy the festive atmosphere without having to worry about our safety. Further details on security investments and measures can also be found on N-AG.