BERLIN’S NEW CHRISTMAS MARKET CREATES HOLIDAY MAGIC

EVOKING ATMOSPHERE OF NOSTALGIA IN GENDARMENMARKT SQUARE
Historic Market Highlights the Launch of German Capital’s 2003
HolidaySeason and Year End Celebrations
Los Angeles, September 24, 2003–From November 24 until Christmas Eve, the City ofBerlininvites locals and visitors to experienceOld Worldholiday magic at the historical Christmas Market on Gendarmenmarkt. Red canvas-covered booths, decorated with motifs of antique copper engravings, evoke the early 18th Century when craftsmen, street performers, traders, and French soldiers gathered in the market square. Known for its neo-classical architecture, Gendarmenmarkt today is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

“As one of more than a dozen Holiday Markets, the new historic Weihnachts-Markt at Gendarmenmarkt will be the most serene,” said Hanns Peter Nerger, CEO of Berlin Tourism Marketing. “From music and cultural programs staged on the impressive steps of the concert house, to handmade crafts, authentic holiday ornaments and toys, this market brings back the joyful spirit of times past and provides a truly special experience for visitors and locals alike.”

Typical holiday treats, including mulled wine and baked delicacies, will add their aroma to a magical winter evening, and haute cuisine holiday specialties from some of Berlin’s hottest new restaurants will round off a memorable holiday experience at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market.

Each offering a distinctive flair and unique attractions, Berlin’s many Christmas Markets include the Spandau Market, with its over 450 booths in the historic part of Spandau district (Nov. 24 – Dec. 23, 2004); and the Christmas Market on Alexanderplatz, featuring the Capital’s largest fun fair with a Ferris wheel, carousels and live music, a fairytale forest and a miniature railway encircling an elaborate Christmas tree (Nov 24 – Dec 24, 2003).

Known for its romantic atmosphere, the Christmas Market at the Opernpalais calls back to days of yore, with its antique toys and traditional arts and crafts, while the Market at the Memorial Church presents entertainment from various stages on the weekends (Nov 24-Dec 28, 2003), offering a chance to buy last minute gifts during the market’s extended Christmas Eve hours (Nov 24-Dec 28, 2003).

With its courtyards and unique architecture, the hip Kulturbrauerei is the ideal setting for the LUCIA Christmas Market, featuring Nordic customs, culinary delights, music and dance from Scandinavia, and an ice rink (Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2003).

Silvester – New Year’s Celebrations 2004

Just when the Christmas celebrations begin to wind down, Silvester or New Year’s Eve 2003 begins.Berlinguarantees even more merriment with the Open Air New Year’s Party at Brandenburg Gate. More than one million Berliners and guests will turn the Strasse des 17. Juni into a huge street festival with dance floors and stages, live music and deejays, finishing off with a spectacular fireworks display atmidnight. For those with more traditional tastes,Berlin’s finest hotels will offer a wide array of magical gala balls and receptions, featuring specially priced packages, unique themes, gourmet dining, fine champagne and wine, dancing, as well as a wide selection of classical and contemporary musical entertainment.

For more information, please visit Berlin Tourismus Marketing’s homepage at www.berlin-tourist-information.com, or contact the German National Tourist Office at tel.: 212-661-7200.

September 29, 2003   Posted in: Germany