German Christmas market reopens almost a year after deadly vehicular attack

The Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, has reopened almost a year after six people, including a child, were killed in a vehicular attack.

While rumors circulated that the festivities had been canceled for security reasons following last year’s tragedy, more than 140 traders opened their stands on Thursday morning. The merchants’ wares include candles, wool hats, candied almonds and other Christmas treats, according to The associated pressquoting the German press agency dpa. In addition to small shops, the market houses an ice rink and a Ferris wheel.

“We hope that people will rediscover their Christmas market,” Paul-Gerhard Stieger, managing director of Magdeburg Christmas Market GmbH, told RTL Television, according to the AP.

Stabbed American woman defending women on German tram criticizes immigration policies after suspect’s release

Visitors walk through the Magdeburg Christmas market after the opening in Magdeburg, Germany, Thursday, November 20, 2025. (Matthias Bein/dpa via AP)

Following last year’s attack, the city and market organizers invested just over $288,000 in new security systems, according to the AP, citing the dpa. The measures would include concrete blocks to prevent vehicles from entering the market area.

On December 20, 2024, five women and a boy were killed and several others were injured during the vehicular attack which lasted just over a minute. The alleged attacker was identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 51-year-old Saudi doctor. He arrived in Germany in 2006 and was granted permanent residency, the AP reported.

Rescuers in action at the Magdeburg Christmas market. (Dörthe Hein/photo alliance via Getty Images)

BOURBON STREET TERRORIST RESEARCHED ATTACK ON GERMANY CHRISTMAS MARKET, MARDI GRAS BEFORE DEADLY RAMPAGE: FBI

During the attack, al-Abdulmohsen allegedly drove a rented BMW X3 at speeds of up to around 30 mph through the Christmas market.

Al-Abdulmohsen’s trial began last week and, if convicted, he faces life in prison. He is accused of murder for the six people who died and attempted murder for the other 338 people injured. In addition, the BBC reported that he faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm to 309 people.

Judicial officers lead the accused, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, into the courtroom of the temporary building of the Magdeburg District Court for his trial in Magdeburg, Germany, Thursday, November 20, 2025. (January Woitas/dpa via AP)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Prosecutor Matthias Böttcher reportedly told the court that al-Abdulmohsen acted out of “supposed personal frustration” and aimed to hit as many people as possible to attract “attention”, the AP reported, citing the dpa.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.