This is what organizer Helmut Russ said. Previously the "Welt" (22 October 2020) had reported. The health and economic risks had become incalculable in view of the increasing number of new infections. "This is no longer justifiable", the organizer told dpa. Russ stressed that he had made the decision "with a heavy heart".

According to "Welt" the managing director of WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt GmbH estimates the economic damage at 22 to 25 million euros. Last year, around 900,000 guests visited the market against an atmospheric backdrop, including many tourists. "It would have been the 18th time this year."

According to the report, despite intensive discussions with representatives of the Berlin-Mitte district office and the health department, in which scenarios and hygiene concepts were played through, "this sad decision was finally reached". One did not want to take the risk of having to close the market immediately after opening, said Russ.

He regretted that around 120 artisans were now also affected. Due to the pandemic this year, they have been unable to sell almost anything so far. "This should be the lifeline for them," the organizer told the dpa.