Discover Berlin’s Christmas Markets and Health Pass Requirements

The festive spirit will indeed be mixed with tighter entry restrictions as Berlin’s Christmas markets return after a year’s hiatus. Visitors will be required to show proof of their COVID-19 status at the gates.

Germany’s world-renowned traditional Christmas markets were postponed last year due to surges in COVID-19 infections. However, this year they’re back, creating a magical atmosphere with sparkling light displays, carousels, ice-skating, and booths selling everything from gingerbread men to hand-painted trinkets. Moreover, this year’s festivities require patrons to present their COVID-19 status before entering to explore the stalls or enjoy steaming mugs of Glühwein.

COVID-19 Health Pass Regulations

The Berlin Senate announced that Christmas market organizers can apply the so-called 3G or 2G COVID-19 restrictions this year, according to German newspaper Tagesspiegel. Under the 3G rules, anyone over the age of 12 can present proof of vaccination, recovery, or a recent negative COVID-19 test result to enter when markets reopen on November 22. Alternatively, under the 2G rules, patrons can provide either proof of vaccination or recovery only; a negative test will not suffice for entry.

Some popular markets in Berlin that have confirmed they will be applying the 2G rule include Rotes Rathaus, Zitadelle Spandau, and Gendarmenmarkt, according to the Visit Berlin tourism board.

Christmas markets are a significant attraction in Germany. They profoundly influence winter tourism, with approximately 2000 markets nationwide and roughly 80 in Berlin alone. The most famous is arguably the Nuremberg Christmas Market, known as the Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt in Bavaria, attracting around two million visitors each year.

Germany’s 2G and 3G COVID Health Pass System

Some German states operate under a COVID health pass system categorizing venues such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, theaters, gyms, nightclubs, and now markets into 2G or 3G categories. Venues marked 3G are open to vaccinated (geimpft) or recovered (genesen) patrons, or those who can present proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test taken no later than three days before entry. Under the 3G system, masks are required indoors, and there are limits to the number of people allowed inside. In contrast, venues marked as 2G are open only to vaccinated (geimpft) or recovered (genesen) patrons and do not have capacity limits.

Consequently, it is up to individual businesses to decide whether they will adhere to the 2G or 3G guidelines. It is essential to note that not all states and cities follow the model in the same manner. For instance, in Hesse, the 3G rule is mandatory while the 2G rule remains optional. Therefore, be sure to check regulations in advance when planning trips or activities in Germany.