Successful protection concepts combining presence, prevention and cooperation
At the end of the 2025 Christmas market season, the Bavarian State Ministry of the Interior reports a thoroughly positive safety record. Home Secretary Joachim Herrmann spoke of peaceful and safe markets and praised in particular the cooperation between the police, security authorities, local authorities and organisers. For the security industry, the season offers valuable insights into how large public events can be effectively protected even under increased security requirements without losing their open character.
High security requirements for events with large crowds
Christmas markets are traditionally among the most popular events in public spaces. Millions of visitors, open spaces, temporary infrastructure and international guests place high demands on security and operational concepts. Against this backdrop, the 2025 season was once again characterised by intensive preparation and an increased presence of security forces.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, numerous police forces were deployed nationwide in recent weeks. The aim was to ensure both a visible deterrent and the ability to intervene quickly. According to the minister’s assessment, visitors were able to move around the markets ‘safely and carefree’.
Tailor-made security concepts as a success factor
A key success factor was the tailored design of the security concepts, which were adapted to the local conditions in each case. Instead of blanket measures, differentiated protection concepts were used that took into account visitor flows, space situations, access routes and existing infrastructure.
The Bavarian police were present both in uniform and in plain clothes. In addition, selective checks of persons and bags were carried out, among other things to consistently enforce the knife ban in force since October 2024. The measures were supported by task forces from the regional police headquarters and the Bavarian riot police.
This combination of visibility, prevention and targeted checks contributed significantly to strengthening the sense of security and minimising risks at an early stage.
Example: Nuremberg – high visitor numbers, low crime rate
As an example, Interior Minister Herrmann cited the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the most traditional and most visited Christmas markets in Europe. In the 2025 season, it attracted more than two million guests from all over the world.
Despite this high number of visitors, the police carried out around 400 identity checks without significantly affecting the flow or atmosphere of the market. The crime rate remained low: offences were few and far between and were mainly limited to pickpocketing – a typical phenomenon at large events.
This example shows that a well-thought-out security concept can be effective even with very high visitor numbers if planning, staffing levels and operational implementation are coordinated.
Cooperation instead of isolation
Particularly noteworthy is the close cooperation between organisers, security authorities and the police. According to Herrmann, ‘pragmatic and effective solutions’ were found that ensured the protection of visitors without detracting from the special character of the Christmas markets.
In practice, this means that security measures do not necessarily have to lead to a noticeable ‘hardening’ of the atmosphere. Rather, when communicated and implemented correctly, they can be an integral part of an open event concept. This balance is crucial for acceptance by visitors, traders and residents.
Significance for future events
The positive experiences from the 2025 season provide important impetus for upcoming major events in public spaces. These include in particular:
- early and situation-appropriate security planning,
- flexible deployment concepts instead of rigid standards,
- visible but proportionate police presence,
- clear division of roles between the police, public order services and private security services.
In conclusion, Home Secretary Herrmann emphasised that every effort would continue to be made in future to ensure that Christmas markets remain safe places of encounter and joy.
Thanks to the emergency services
The Minister expressed his sincere thanks to the police, municipal security services, private security services and rescue and aid organisations. Their professional and dedicated work had contributed significantly to ensuring that millions of people were able to enjoy the Christmas markets in Bavaria safely.
Conclusion
The safety record of Bavaria’s Christkindl and Christmas markets in 2025 shows that a high level of safety and an open event culture do not have to be a contradiction. For safety officers, authorities and organisers, the season provides a practical example of how cooperation, prevention and presence can successfully work together – an approach that serves as a model beyond the Christmas markets.
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