It is slowly coming to the door: Christmas time, next week Sunday the Christmas markets in Münster would open under different circumstances. A brightly lit city center, the Christmas smells in the air and the sounds of the concerts from the Sentenzbogen would invite you to take a break in the hunt for Christmas presents. This year, exactly that is not possible due to the Covid measures.
In many places, any Christmas spirit has been banned from the city centers, and there will be no Christmas markets or decorations. It’s different in Münster. Christmas decorations will definitely not be dispensed with and although there will be no Christmas markets, a Christmas atmosphere should be spread “in the living room of the city”.
The corona measures hit many people hard, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Christmas shopping is usually done from the couch to avoid contact with others, to protect loved ones and yourself. Nevertheless, something is missing when it is not possible to meet over bratwurst and mulled wine and through the booths decorated with fir branches to stroll. Social contact is likely to be on most Santa Claus wish lists this year. Gastronomy, culture, social institutions and retail also suffer from the regulations. The city is empty, with few rushing from shop to shop, with errands being done quickly.
Proximity at a distance
Münster would not be Münster if no solution could be found for this problem either. There will be some changes in this special year, but Christmas anticipation will still be felt. Münster Marketing, the Starke Innenstadt initiative, the artist Thomas Nufer and other partners have been working for three weeks to create a Christmas atmosphere in Münster’s inner city despite the current situation. Instead of a loud and colorful Christmas hustle and bustle, let’s focus on a classic quiet and quiet Christmas this year. The city will bring light into the darkness. The big fir tree in front of the Lambertikirche shines again with its 300 lights. At every location of the Christmas markets that normally take place, the fir tree that is set up there, which is otherwise decorated by the Christmas market operators, will be adorned by Münster Marketing this year in order to let the squares shine despite everything. A total of 50 trees will be set up on which 11,000 LED lights will illuminate the city. Not only the buildings and lanterns in the city center are decorated, also in the old town and along Windthorstrasse up to Salzstrasse, garlands of fir branches entwine around the lanterns and round off the Christmas scene.
“We look forward to experiencing a special, relaxed and safe atmosphere in our shops with our guests this year. The hustle and bustle will give way to a different, unique feeling. It will be quieter and more contemplative – all of this will make a visit to our city and our shops an experience, ”says Tobias Viehoff, chairman of the Strong Inner City Initiative, describing the planned Advent season in Münster.
White Advent in Münster
It’s not just the contemplative decor that creates a Christmas mood. The project by the artist Thomas Nufer will also offer little surprises that can be discovered everywhere and should also invite you to take a walk in the fresh air after the shop closes or on Sunday. The winter magic is staged across the city under the symbol of the snowflake. The main attraction is in the Stubengasse and in the inner courtyard of the town hall, where a winter wonderland is created through 3D light projections and sound support. Without the white splendor, these places offer the opportunity to go on a leisurely snow hike. Musical entertainment is also included. Duos from different groups fill the city with brass music at different times in previously secret locations. In addition, a virtual door on the advent calendar can be opened every day using a QR code, behind which further surprises are hidden. With every visit there is something new to discover.
You don’t have to do without the delicious Christmas snacks. Instead of buying the roasted almonds at a Christmas market stall, this year the shops are offering Christmas delicacies. Including edible snowflakes, the so-called minster flakes. With every purchase there should be a snowflake button so that little snowflakes can run around all over Münster and everyone can contribute to the Christmas image of the city. The Münster flakes can also be donated to, for example, the Münster Tafel or the UKM and thus receive a social aspect. Because that’s what it’s all about at this time: showing solidarity and responsibility and thus maintaining the excellence and strength of Münster.
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