This was an event that is part of the "Sustainable inner cities and centers" funding programme and was organized and implemented by the city's business development department as part of CityMood. After a long period without a Christmas market in the city's largest district, Christmas flair finally returned to the city center.
The first idea for this came about back in February during the second CityMood network meeting in Idar. A heated discussion among those present and an initial meeting in a smaller circle, consisting of the then City Manager Samira Faust and the two business promoters Sarah Wagner and Caroline Pehlke, led to the idea of a Christmas food market under the working title "Adventsglühen". The surrounding restaurateurs were already informed about the plans and involved in the spring. The first information was sent out to the clubs and the public before the summer vacations. Interested parties were asked to contact the business development department regarding a possible stand rental.
What started out a little sluggishly picked up speed enormously after the fall vacations. In the end, it has grown over the last few months into what has been celebrated over the last three days on Schleiferplatz together with the stand operators and visitors. What began as a small idea has developed into a real highlight of the Advent season thanks to the help and commitment of many companies and volunteers.
In addition to eleven food and drink stalls, entertainment was provided on the stage. Whether with the well-known band L&L Acoustic from the AfterWork Events, DJ Delet, the Bachwagge, Daisy C.Black, the band Letter & Friends or the performance of the music school Dezibel. There was something for every age group. The two special highlights were probably the fire shows on Friday and Saturday evening, which could not have been more different. Brady Bradshow and his partner really fired up the audience with a fiery comedy show. Whereas the Fire Fusion Spinning Art-fire show on Saturday focused more on acrobatics and art.
Three great days full of joy, community and Christmas spirit lie behind the participants - and everyone can be proud of that! None of this would have been possible without the active support, creativity and perseverance of each individual. Every single person, whether clubs, tradespeople or schoolchildren, contributed to making these days a success.
The two colleagues from the business development department, who have occasionally also simply fixed power failures or repaired dishwashers, are delighted with the smooth running and the good atmosphere.
The cooperation with colleagues from the public order office and the building depot also ran smoothly and contributed significantly to the positive success of the event.
"It's an incredible feeling to see what we've achieved together," they both emphasize.
The response and feedback from the stand operators was positive and there are calls for this event to be held in Idar again next year. It is not yet known what the plans are for this. However, the positive atmosphere and the good feeling will certainly contribute to the plans for 2025. Here, too, we are reliant on the support of volunteers and clubs. But restaurateurs and tradespeople are also invited to support the event next year. The economic development agency and the city marketing association will invite them to initial discussions in spring 2025.