U.S. launches phase two of Gaza plan, urges Hamas compliance
President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced on Wednesday the launch of phase two of the Gaza plan, which includes the establish...
The famed Nuremberg Christmas Market opened on Friday (28 November) with its traditional ceremony featuring the Nuremberg Christkind, an angel-like child figure said to deliver Christmas gifts in some European countries.
Visitors enjoyed traditional bratwurst and mulled wine (Glühwein) as part of the festive atmosphere.
“It’s just a childhood experience. From way back, from when I was little, at least once to the Christmas market,” said Harald Krug, a local resident.
Among the attendees were international visitors, including Virgina Bassard from Southern Maryland, United States. She said:
“Very happy, very very happy. The old city I want to see. I literally arrived a couple hours ago, so I have so much to see and learn.”
Security Measures
This year’s market features heightened security, particularly to protect against vehicle attacks, following a deadly incident in Magdeburg last year that left six people dead and 344 injured.
Despite the measures, visitors said they felt safe.
“I feel safe. I think it’s a shame that so many security measures have to be taken nowadays, but I really do feel safe,” said Brigitte Zerlin from Dortmund.
“For me, it wasn’t even an issue to think about whether I feel safe here or not. Because I don’t feel unsafe,” added Sarah Grah, also from Dortmund.
Tradition and Atmosphere
The Christkindlesmarkt traditionally marks the start of the Christmas season. Its first historical mention was in 1628, and by 1737 all trades practised in the Bavarian city were represented at the annual market.
“What makes it special is simply the variety. You don’t just have things to eat and drink, you also have things you can hang on the Christmas tree or Zwetschgenmandl [traditional small gifts made of dried fruits and nuts], for example. And I really like this variety,” said Jan Gerd Brunt from Oldenburg.
Visitors were seen clinking mugs of mulled wine, exploring the decorated stalls, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
Israel and Arab States have urged the U.S. to delay any potential military action against Iran, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing protests inside the country, according to NBC News.
Russia expelled a British diplomat it accused of being an undeclared intelligence operative, a claim dismissed by London as “malicious and baseless”, with the UK saying it was weighing its response on Thursday.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Wednesday with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, with both leaders describing the conversation as positive and productive.
Canada and China have signalled a reset in bilateral relations during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first official visit to Beijing, with both sides highlighting progress toward closer cooperation after years of strained ties.
A SpaceX capsule carrying a four-member crew home from orbit in an emergency return to earth necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition afflicting one of the astronauts splashed down safely early on Thursday (15 January) in the Pacific Ocean off California.
The foreign ministers of Iran and India have held high-level talks by telephone, discussing bilateral ties as well as a range of regional and international issues, against the backdrop of continuing tensions in the Middle East.
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