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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Angelique Chrisafis in Paris, Kate Connolly and Philip Oltermann in Berlin

No ice rinks, fewer lights: Christmas markets across Europe scaled back as energy costs soar

Strasbourg Christmas market in 2015
Strasbourg Christmas market in 2015. Local authorities are trying hard to lift the glum mood this Christmas amid the war in Ukraine and the rising cost of living. Photograph: Jochen Tack/Alamy

European Christmas markets and illuminations are scaling back due to the energy crisis and climate breakdown – ditching seasonal ice rinks for rollerskating and switching on lights for less time.

When the traditional end-of-year markets and Christmas lights launch in France and Germany this week, in many cities such as Paris they will go dark hours earlier than usual.

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