Christmas markets are being canceled this year amid concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The markets are a cherished tradition in Europe, and usually attract millions of visitors every year.
But in 2020 the large squares where people would usually gather to drink mulled wine and eat festive Christmas treats, are looking eerily empty.
Scroll down to see before-and-after photos of Europe's Christmas markets.
BEFORE: The city of Nürnberg in Germany has one of the country's best known Christmas markets, drawing millions of locals and tourists every year.
A traditional Christmas market in the square in front of the Church of Our Lady in Nuremberg, Germany, on December 1, 2017.
Matthias Schrader/AP Photos
Some 85 million people visit Germany's Christmas markets every year, according to Deutsche Welle.
AFTER: But Christmas festivities had to be canceled last month, leaving the city's large square looking a lot emptier than usual.
Church of Our Lady in Nuremberg, Germany, on November 23, 2020.
Matthias Schrader/AP Photos
BEFORE: In Frankfurt, Germany, the famous Christmas market usually looks like a Winter wonderland.
Roemerberg square in Frankfurt, Germany, on November 25, 2019.
Michael Probst/AP Photo
AFTER: But this year, the square has been left vacant and visitors can only view a single, large Christmas tree.
Roemerberg square in Frankfurt, Germany, on November 27, 2020.
Michael Probst/AP Photo
BEFORE: In Germany's capital, Berlin, a Christmas market usually lights up the Gendarmenmarkt square.
A traditional Christmas market in the Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin, Germany, on November 25, 2013.
Markus Schreiber/AP Photos
AFTER: This Christmas, the square looks like it does all year round, with not a single decoration in sight.
Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin, Germany, on November 23, 2020.
Markus Schreiber/AP Photos
BEFORE: In Dortmund, the Christmas tree is the annual attraction as it's rumored to be the in the world.
Christmas Market in Dortmund, Germany, on December 17, 2018.
Martin Meissner/AP Photo
The tree, which is usually surrounded by festive stalls, measures up to 150 feet tall every year, according to the market's official website.
AFTER: But this year, officials haven't even put up the Christmas tree.
Dortmund, Germany, on November 23, 2020.
Martin Meissner/AP Photo
BEFORE: Other landmarks in Germany, including the Baroque Charlottenburg palace, usually also step up their decorations during the festive season.
A traditional Christmas market in front of the Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, Germany, on November 24, 2008.
Michael Sohn/AP Photo
AFTER: But the Christmas market in front of Charlottenburg Palace has also been canceled.
Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, Germany, on November 24, 2020.
Michael Sohn/AP Photo
BEFORE: It's not just Germany's markets that are being called off. In Prague, the Old Town Square is usually packed with gingerbread-eating visitors.
Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic, on December 5, 2019.
Petr David Josek/AP Photos
AFTER: But this year, nothing but a lit-up Christmas tree remains after the market had to be canceled.
Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic, on November 28, 2020
Petr David Josek/AP Photos
BEFORE: Strasbourg in northeastern France is known as the European capital of Christmas, with its incredible markets attracting 2 million visitors every season.
Traditional Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, on December 20, 2016.
AFTER: The city has still put up decorations and is running some activities, but officials have had to massively ramp down the usual festivities.
A street decorated for Christmas in Strasbourg, France, on November 27, 2020.
Jean-Francois Badias/AP Photo
BEFORE: Brussels is also a popular city to visit during Christmas time.
The Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium, on December 18, 2019.
Olivier Matthys/AP Photos
AFTER: But its biggest event of the season, Winter Wonders, had to be canceled last month.
The Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium, on November 24, 2020.
No comments