Showmen under pressure: Soest is preparing for the Winter Wonderland!

Showmen under pressure: Soest is preparing for the Winter Wonderland!

The last lights of the 687th All Saints' Fair in Soest went out on Sunday evening, November 10th, 2025, at 10 p.m. What an event! But while many visitors were still marveling at the attractions, the showmen immediately began dismantling their rides. The time pressure is enormous because the Christmas season is just around the corner. Many of them are already stressed because they have to travel immediately after the fair.

Transporting the attractions requires special attention. The crew of the “Airborne” has made the journey to the port of Rotterdam their mission. There they want to catch the ferry to London on Monday evening at 10 p.m. Finally, the opening of the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is scheduled for November 14th. In particular, the Soest showman family Schneider will take advantage of this big appearance with their free fall tower. The “Voodoo Jumper” is also heading to Budapest and other showmen are planning appearances at Christmas markets in Berlin, Crange, Oberhausen and Mönchengladbach in the coming weeks.

The pressure is growing

Thomas Schneider, chairman of the Soest Showmen, expresses concerns about the overload of his employees. “The burden is increasing and we must not overtax our people,” says Schneider. This worrying development is no coincidence. Since the Corona pandemic, many Christmas markets have brought forward their start date, which means additional competition for the fair.

The logistical challenge for the showmen is crucial. After all, you don't want to miss the fair in Soest, it is the start of a turbulent but also exciting season.

Christmas markets in focus

A look at the current Christmas market study by the German Showmen's Association shows that this tradition is not only popular, but also growing. According to the study, around 170 million guests attend these events annually, which is a new all-time high. The importance of these folk festivals for the community is obvious, as over 90% of visits are accompanied. This illustrates how important these markets are for social interaction.

The German Showmen's Association, the largest professional organization of its kind in Germany, has been collecting information about the economic importance of more than 10,000 folk festivals and 3,250 Christmas markets for almost 30 years. These studies show how the industry can continue to develop despite challenges such as labor shortages and the energy crisis. Schausteller.de also reports that sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic at Christmas markets.

The stories told by the showmen are moving and the anticipation for the upcoming markets spreads. One can only hope that they will have a smooth and successful season while maintaining their traditions while meeting the challenges of the present.