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No Christmas lights in Hernals: shopping streets remain dark
There will be no Christmas lights in Hernals this year because the budget is not enough. Merchants are hoping for a return of lights in 2025. What do you think?
No Christmas lights in Hernals: shopping streets remain dark
Unfortunately, the Christmas atmosphere in Hernals is missing this year. The festive lighting that normally adds Christmas splendor to shopping streets is not present this year. This is because the Hernals merchants responsible were unable to find the financial means to install the fairy lights.
Traditionally, the merchants in the district, as an association of company operators, ensure the installation of the Christmas lights. You finance the costs yourself, including the purchase and storage of the decorative elements. Between mid-November and Christmas Eve, the sparkling lights used to enchant streets such as Hernalser Hauptstraße and Kalvarienberggasse, but this year there is only the usual street lighting.
Financial difficulties
The rental costs for installing the lights were over budget this year. Despite an increase in funding from 50 percent to 75 percent by the Vienna Business Agency, it was not possible to cover the necessary expenses. District leader Peter Jagsch (SPÖ) expressed his regret: “I think it’s a shame that the lighting couldn’t be implemented this year.”
Nevertheless, there are already plans for the coming year. The merchants' association board is actively negotiating new financing options and hopes to be able to reinstall the lights in 2024 or perhaps even 2025. District Chairman Peter Jagsch's commitment to supporting these efforts is a positive step in this direction.
Outlook for the future
An important aspect for the realization of Christmas lights is the settlement of financially strong companies in the district. Particularly in the area around Dornerplatz and Kalvarienberggasse, it is hoped that new companies will not only contribute to the attractiveness of the shopping streets, but could also support the financing of lighting through sponsorship. Additional financial resources could potentially be used to find a sustainable solution to revive the festive decorations in the long term.
These developments are crucial to bringing back the usual Christmas spirit and increasing the appeal of high streets. The merchants emphasize that a stronger economic base is needed in the district in order to be able to realize such projects in the future.