The Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, has reopened, marking nearly a year since a tragic car-ramming incident claimed the lives of six individuals, including a young child.

Despite circulating rumors about potential cancellations due to last year’s security concerns, over 140 vendors welcomed visitors on Thursday morning. These merchants offered a variety of festive items, such as candles, wool hats, candied almonds, and other traditional Christmas goodies. As reported by The Associated Press, citing the German news agency dpa, the market also features an ice rink and a Ferris wheel.

“Expectations are hopeful, with a deep sense of respect for last year’s events,” stated Paul-Gerhard Stieger, the managing director of Magdeburg Christmas Market GmbH, in an interview with RTL Television, as reported by the AP. “We simply hope people will return to enjoy the Christmas market once again.”

On the opening day, visitors strolled through the market, embracing the festive atmosphere in Magdeburg, Germany, on Thursday, November 20, 2025. (Photo credit: Matthias Bein/dpa via AP)

In response to last year’s attack, the city and market organizers have invested over $288,000 in enhanced security measures. According to the AP, which referenced dpa, these upgrades include the installation of concrete barriers designed to prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing the market area.

On Dec. 20, 2024, five women and one boy were killed, and several others were injured in the car-ramming attack that lasted just over a minute. The suspected attacker has been identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 51-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia. He arrived in Germany in 2006 and received permanent residency, the AP reported.

Rescue workers in action at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. (Dörthe Hein/picture alliance via Getty Images)

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

Al-Abdulmohsen’s trial began last week and, if convicted, he will face life in prison. He is charged with murder for the six who died and attempted murder in connection to the 338 others who were injured. Additionally, the BBC reported that he faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm to 309 people.

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

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 get “attention,” the AP reported, citing dpa.