Visitors look at various items on display at stalls while a choir sings carols at the Christmas Charity Market organised by the German embassy in Islamabad on Sunday. — Photos by Mohammad Asim
Visitors look at various items on display at stalls while a choir sings carols at the Christmas Charity Market organised by the German embassy in Islamabad on Sunday. — Photos by Mohammad Asim

ISLAMABAD: The German Christmas Market put visitors in a festive spirit on Sunday evening by featuring live music, food, kids’ corner, arts and crafts and raffle.

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany organised the Christmas Market with authentic delicacies, stalls with high-quality and handmade products for adults to get some Christmas shopping out of the way, and entertainment for children, such as face painting and games. Shawls, handbags, cards and dolls were some of the other items available.

The stalls included traditional handicrafts, jewellery, Christmas decor and pottery, and an assortment of housewares. Also available at stalls were wreaths and chocolate, as well as other delicacies, toys and Christmas decorations.

The Ambassador of Germany, Ina Lepel, welcomed her guests and appreciated the support to make the event festive. The proceeds from the Christmas Market will go to charity.

“We are delighted to see so many familiar faces and welcome guests from many different countries, reflecting the international spirit that makes Islamabad such a special place. Your presence here today is testament to charity and community, for which we are deeply grateful. Christmas is a time for giving and reflection,” said Ambassador Ina Lepel.

The Christmas Market also featured Christmas carols by girls from the House Emmanuel, besides sing-along by the German Embassy choir with DJ Oliver to the cheers and appreciation of visitors.

The event included performances from Music on Mission (MOM’s) Kids from King’s Home, Lahore, which had been helping traumatised and vulnerable children (orphans) get back on their feet through music. Besides face painting, children could be seen engaged in creating Christmas decorations at the special corner for fun activities.

A gorgeous Christmas tree was decorated in the space, and the Weihnachtsmann, or German Santa Claus, made an appearance to distribute sweets among children. Santa Claus also drew raffles.

“It is a pleasant day to be outdoors with children at the Christmas market, away from TV screens and devices, with exciting activities and good food,” a visitor said.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2025

Opinion

Editorial

Some progress
Updated 24 May, 2026

Some progress

Pakistan deserves credit for helping preserve diplomatic space, but also must avoid appearing aligned with coercive pressure from any side.
Chinese market
24 May, 2026

Chinese market

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s trip to China presents an opportunity to rebalance Pakistan’s economic...
Harvesting humans
24 May, 2026

Harvesting humans

ORGAN brokers have for too long preyed on desperation to rake it in. The odious trade — among the most harmful...
More stabilisation
Updated 23 May, 2026

More stabilisation

The stabilisation achieved through painful growth compression steps could have been used as a platform for structural reforms.
Appalling tactics
23 May, 2026

Appalling tactics

IN Punjab, an encounter with the law can quickly turn deadly. Encouraged by a culture of ‘shoot first, ask...
Failed experiment
23 May, 2026

Failed experiment

IT is going from bad to worse for Shan Masood and Pakistan. It is now seven successive Test defeats away from home;...