Safety at the WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt at the State Opera 2024

The safety of all guests, stall operators, and staff at the WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt is of utmost importance to us and remains our highest priority. We are proud that, according to a 2019 survey conducted by Dr. Katharina Karcher from the University of Birmingham, our Christmas market was ranked as one of the safest in Europe.

We maintain regular and close communication with relevant offices and authorities, including Police Directorate 57 Berlin-Mitte and the Berlin State Criminal Police Office, to ensure the smooth and secure operation of our event. Special recognition is due to our collaboration with these institutions as well as with various departments of the Berlin-Mitte District Office.

In light of the assessment made by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser on November 28, 2024, which highlights a high level of abstract threat, we have increased our security personnel at the entrances. We will be conducting bag checks as a standard procedure and kindly ask that visitors refrain from bringing bags, backpacks, or similar items.

This year, we have partnered with the security company STS GmbH. Together, we have developed a comprehensive 22-page security plan that addresses all relevant aspects of event safety. Considering the current security situation, we are introducing video surveillance as a pilot project. Both entrances and exits will be monitored by various cameras.

The WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt is characterized by strict access controls. With two entrances, we ensure a controlled and monitored admission process, allowing for real-time tracking of visitor numbers and flows. Our qualified security and admission staff will conduct bag checks and, if necessary, body searches, similar to the procedures at stadium events.

These measures are designed to support our security personnel in identifying potential risks early and responding appropriately. The implementation of video surveillance will not only enhance visitor safety but also contribute to the efficient management of crowd flows. This is especially important to prevent bottlenecks and ensure the safety of all event participants. Based on the positive experiences of similar measures at other events and the recommendations of leading security experts, we consider this surveillance an indispensable addition to our safety strategy.

We wish you a peaceful Christmas season and look forward to welcoming you to our WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt.