🎄 Christmas markets: Stalled festivities

The Christmas capitals of the world The lights, trinkets, music, and tastes of Germany’s Christkindlmärkte (“Christ child markets”) have enchanted millions for hundreds of years. Begun as simply a logical time to sell wares, when people were congregating for the Christmas holiday, they’ve grown into worldwide celebrations of all things merry and bright—and, of course, all things consumerism and tourism. Before the covid-19 pandemic, world wars were really the only thing that could darken Christmas markets, which feature hundreds of stalls backed by hundreds of vendors who depend on locals and tourists alike for much of their income. Holiday season 2021 saw Germany struggling with an alarming number of covid cases, and, in some states, the Christmas cash cow was again sacrificed on the altar of public health. Let’s see what was left unwrapped. 🐦 [Tweet this]( 🌐 [View this email on the web]( [Quartz Weekly Obsession] Christmas markets December 22, 2021 The Christmas capitals of the world --------------------------------------------------------------- The lights, trinkets, music, and tastes of Germany’s Christkindlmärkte (“Christ child markets”) have enchanted millions for hundreds of years. Begun as simply a logical time to sell wares, when people were congregating for the Christmas holiday, they’ve grown into worldwide celebrations of all things merry and bright—and, of course, all things consumerism and tourism. Before the covid-19 pandemic, world wars were really the only thing that could darken Christmas markets, which feature hundreds of stalls backed by hundreds of vendors who depend on locals and tourists alike for much of their income. Holiday season 2021 saw Germany struggling with an alarming number of covid cases, and, in some states, the Christmas cash cow was again sacrificed on the altar of public health. Let’s see what was left unwrapped. 🐦 [Tweet this]( 🌐 [View this email on the web]( By the digits [2,500:]( Markets in Germany per year [20:]( Number of different markets around Vienna, Austria, the largest of which has… [150:]( Stalls (and an advent theme park) [€3 billion-€5 billion ($3.4 billion-$5.6 billion):]( Estimated annual revenue from Christmas markets in Germany [€1,100 ($1,200):]( Total one vendor made in 2020 when he tried to sell his wares online after his market was canceled [At least 1:]( Santa who was arrested for refusing to wear a mask in 2021 [18:]( Age you must be (at minimum) to attend the Santa Pauli XXXmas Market in Hamburg, Germany Reuters Explain it like I’m 5! The German connection --------------------------------------------------------------- Though Christmas markets are now common in cities all over the world—especially those that have seen a high number of German immigrants—Germany was where it all began. The early markets (and we’re talking, like, 14th century early) featured all kinds of wares. But gradually the Christmas theme took over, bringing with it nativity scenes, festive items, and the arrival of the [Christkind](. The Christkind is meant to represent the Christ child, but is, somewhat confusingly, played by a local girl dressed up like a crowned angel. But what most Christmas market fans rave about is the refreshments, which range from gingerbread to toasted almonds to fruited bread, washed down with oceans of mulled wine and other hot drinks. Germany’s [connection to Christmas traditions is strong](. The country gave the world Christmas trees, which Martin Luther supposedly was the first to adorn with lights; The Nutcracker, though one could make a solid argument that Russian Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet truly sent German E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story pirouetting into popular culture; and advent calendars. During the Nazi regime, Christmas markets were [purged of much of their religious imagery]( and instead made to focus on German culture, by way of handcrafts and food. Their influence lingered after World War II; the casting of the Christkind largely remained focused on blonde, white young women, and the first person of color to be tapped to play the role was in 2019 in Nuremberg. The [far right wasn’t pleased](. The rise of consumerism and global tourism in the second half of the 20th century turned Christmas markets into the supercharged bonanzas of yuletide cheer they are today. Entire [river boat cruises]( are dedicated to connecting enthusiasts (and their wallets) to as many markets as possible, and tour buses can be counted on to bring thousands, if not millions, to the stalls. That is, in a non-pandemic year. Quotable “When the cancellation order came through, we were all standing there together at the market square, hoping and praying. And even some of the guys who operate our heavy-lifting vehicles had tears in their eyes. After all, most of them don’t have the faintest idea how they’re going to support their families.” —Munich stall vendor Christian Schöttl [to DW]( Reuters/Alexandra Beier Pop quiz Traditional handcrafted Zwetschgenmännle are tiny people made from…? PrunesPretzelsChestnutsCandy canes Correct. And why not! Incorrect. No, but that’s an idea. If your inbox doesn’t support this quiz, find the solution at bottom of email. Brief history [1296:]( First December market is held in Vienna, though it’s not associated with Christmas. [1393:]( Frankfurt starts a similar December market, featuring “ecclesiastical mystery plays.” [1434:]( First true Christmas market (though this is debated), the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany. [1570:]( Strasbourg in Alsace, France—a region that has changed hands between the German and French multiple times in its long history—gets in on the game. [1628:]( Nuremberg joins the fun. [1692:]( Stuttgart refuses to be left out. [1786:]( Barcelona holds a Fira de Santa Llúcia, which is pretty close. [~1900:]( Higher economic classes start to turn up their noses at the working classes showing up at their markets, and newly established department stores lobby to push markets to the fringes of cities. [1934:]( The Nazi party revives Christmas markets as a celebration of German culture. [1960s:]( Consumerism starts to become associated with Christmas, and Christmas markets become a tourist attraction. [1982:]( The UK gets its first German-style Christmas market in Lincoln, and from there, markets begin popping up all over the world. [2020:]( Christmas markets are canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic, costing billions in revenue. [2021:]( Covid-19 is not finished with Christmas markets, though [some do take place](. Giphy 🎶 The holly and the kudzu... What if Santa is lactose intolerant? --------------------------------------------------------------- Or, even more likely, he’s concerned about climate change. A North Pole without ice isn’t exactly festive. Consider leaving him a glass of oat milk instead. Season one of the Quartz Obsession podcast brought us illuminating information on the fastest growing nondairy milk, as well as a heavenly host of other topics. Binge the whole season—and make sure you wear very visible headphones so your family knows you’re too busy learning to be bothered with cookie decorating. 🎧 Click the button below to explore each episode’s transcript, or subscribe with your favorite podcast provider. You’re not going to want to miss a minute of season two. [Apple Podcasts]( | [Spotify]( | [Google]( | [Stitcher]( [Listen up!]( Fun fact! Leipzig’s market boasts the world’s largest [free-standing advent calendar]( at 857 square meters (9,225 square feet). Youtube Watch this! It’ll have to do --------------------------------------------------------------- If, like millions of other people, you’re unable to get to a Christmas market this year, this one hour of ambient Christmas market noise will help you feel, well, to be honest, not at all like you’re there. But it’s something, at least. Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch Take me down this 🐰 hole! Make your own Glühwein --------------------------------------------------------------- The German term for mulled wine translates literally to “glow wine,” referring to the feeling you get when you drink it. If you’ve had it before, you know what we’re talking about. [This recipe from Lily Kelting]( at The Kitchn is, she notes, probably even better than you’d get at the market, since you won’t be using a pre-made mix. Not so into hot alcohol? Can we tempt you with a recipe for [Stollen](, the sweet, bready, German answer to (and improvement on) fruitcake? [Gebrannte Mandeln]( (candied almonds)? [Eierpunsch]( (an alcoholic beverage made with egg liqueur)? Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach Poll What’s the first thing you’d buy at a Christmas market? [Click here to vote]( Souvenir ornamentCharming nutcrackerMy weight in stollen 💬 Let's talk! In last week’s poll about [velvet paintings](, a whopping 68% wanted to know, what’s not art about painting on velvet? A very happy holidays from all of us here at Quartz! ✏️ [What did you think of today’s email?](mailto:obsession%2Bfeedback@qz.com?cc=&subject=Thoughts%20about%20Christmas%20markets.%20&body=) 💡 [What should we obsess over next?](mailto:obsession%2Bideas@qz.com?cc=&subject=Obsess%20over%20this%20next.&body=) 🎲 [Show me a random Obsession]( Today’s email was written by [Susan Howson]( (is unlikely to drink anything containing “egg liqueur”), edited by [Liz Webber]( (believes Zwetschgenmännle is the only thing prunes should be used for), and produced by [Jordan Weinstock]( (is sticking to gefilte fish, thank you very much). [facebook]([twitter]([external-link]( The correct answer to the quiz is Prunes. Enjoying the Quartz Weekly Obsession? [Send this link]( to a friend! Want to advertise in the Quartz Weekly Obsession? Send us an email at ads@qz.com. Not enjoying it? No worries. [Click here]( to unsubscribe. Quartz | 675 Avenue of the Americas, 4th Fl | New York, NY 10011 | United States