GEMA reduces fees: Christmas markets in Bautzen finally benefit!

GEMA reduces fees: Christmas markets in Bautzen finally benefit!

The Christmas season is just around the corner, and popular melodies such as “Jingle Bells” and “Last Christmas” will soon be heard at the Christmas markets. But musicians and organizers have had to dig deep into their pockets in recent years because the fees for using copyrighted music have increased. Many market operators complained about the high costs, which depend on the size of the market. This is how the saechsische.de led reported that Gema checked the organizers' space information more intensively after the corona pandemic, which led to significant price increases.

In 2023, various Christmas markets, including the well-known Dresden Striezelmarkt, initiated protest actions. A nationwide “Day of Silence” should draw attention to the untenable conditions. The dissatisfaction of the market operators did not go unheard, and on September 24, 2025, Gema announced an agreement with the organizers. The GEMA is reducing the fees for the public use of music at Christmas markets by a whopping 35 percent. This new regulation will come into force in the 2025 season and will initially apply for four years. An important step to ease costs for the organizers and to maintain the musical accompaniment to the markets.

The effects of the new regulation

The changes are particularly pleasing to cities like Bautzen, where the Wenzelsmarkt, a highlight of the year, can once again feature stage performances and musical acts. The city sees the new fees as an opportunity for significant cost savings. The Bischofswerda city administration also reacted positively to the new tariff because it emphasizes the social function of the Christmas market. The fees there have risen in recent years from 255 euros in 2019 to 650 euros in 2022, which makes the importance of the tariffs clear.

The new fee structure is also expected in Pulsnitz. Here the fees rose from 555 euros (2022) to 836 euros (2023). However, there are no expectations of fundamental changes to the program. In Kamenz, where the Advent Spectaculum will take place on December 13th and 14th, the average Gema costs were around 1,700 euros. Due to a moderate entrance fee, a different tariff applies to the Christmas market, although this has increased by almost 4 percent compared to the previous year.

The role of music in Christmas markets

The music at Christmas markets is not just entertainment, it also creates a special atmosphere and makes a decisive contribution to the success of the events. Georg Oeller from Gema emphasizes the central role of music in the mood in the markets. The new regulation takes into account the changed opening times and programs of modern Christmas markets and could therefore also help to preserve the cultural heritage of these popular events. Ingrid Hartges from the Federal Association of Music Organizers also emphasizes the importance of Christmas markets as a social and cultural asset.

The agreement is the result of a two-year dispute between Gema and the Christmas market operators. Last year, negotiations for a special discounted tariff failed, which led to increased protests. But now the operators are breathing a sigh of relief because the new tariffs not only offer planning security, but also make it possible to enjoy popular music again.

Overall, the changes have a major impact on the atmosphere and experience of the Christmas markets, which for many people are an indispensable part of the festive season. We can only hope that the new tariff will have the announced positive effect in practice.