The historic children’s carousel in the East Hall of Leipzig Central Station is finally back.
Leipzig – The historic children’s carousel is back! A magical, small Christmas world in the middle of the east hall of the Leipziger Hauptbahnhof brings after a long Corona-Pause this year finally numerous children’s eyes light up again.
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In the East Hall of Leipzig Central Station, the historic carousel is set to make children’s eyes light up again this year. © Christian Grube
Hans Joachim Blume, called Jimmy, has been self-employed for 45 years, but 2020 was the first year in which he did not take part in a Christmas market with his famous children’s carousel.
Like all organizers and showmen, last year he said “Stay at Home” – not an easy time for so many industries. “The bridging aid from the federal government saved us from imminent insolvency,” he told TAG24 on his return to Leipzig.
Since 2011, his historic children’s carousel has been in the festively decorated main station (almost) every year before Christmas. He and his son Jimmy own the carousels that they operate and rent out throughout Germany.
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In Saxony, all Christmas markets have now been banned – but the carousel can still drive, it is counted as part of the retail trade. That’s why it’s finally starting again on Monday – up to and including December 29, children between the ages of 2 and 12 can do their rounds every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What is special about this ride is that it works almost entirely without plastic. “Our vehicles are made of wood and metal. The light sources are energy-saving LED lights, but they are made of glass and have a retro design,” says Jimmy Blume. The propulsion is electric and is controlled by a “salt water starter”.
During the night from Thursday to Friday, the merry-go-round was set up in the east hall and then decorated during the course of the day. Jimmy Blume will be on site for the entire five weeks and will be staying in a holiday apartment during this time.
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This year, of course, the distance and hygiene rules must be observed. Of course, children do not have to wear a mask when driving. © Christian Grube
Although there is a hygiene concept approved by the health department this year, not much has changed for the children, who are the main focus.
Masks are compulsory for adults on the carousel, as well as in the entire station building. Children do not have to wear a mask. “But we make sure that the children sit at a distance of 1.50 meters from each other, unless they come from the same household.”
There are also three entrances and exits, so that traffic jams cannot occur in the first place, as well as disinfectant dispensers. Cashless payment via an online ticket shop is also offered.
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Jimmy Blume and his family are particularly looking forward to finally making the little visitors smile again this year when they can make their rounds through the east hall in a wide variety of vintage cars.
A single ticket normally costs 3 euros, you get four tickets for 10 euros and a ten-ticket for 20 euros. On Monday, the first 50 children who buy a ticket will also get another ticket for free.
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You can find out more about other great promotions on the Facebook site informed by Jimmy Blume.
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