BBC News
By Jenny Hill
image copyrightReuters
image captionEven glühwein bars will have to shut under Germany s partial lockdown that kicks in on Wednesday
Few Germans had expected to enjoy all the trappings of a traditional Christmas this year but new countrywide restrictions, which come into force on Wednesday, will limit festivities to the smallest of family gatherings. No carolling, no parties and even Germany s much loved
Glühwein stalls will close, as drinking outdoors is banned.
Announcing the measures at the weekend, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that an existing lockdown light , which closed bars, restaurants, arts and leisure facilities at the beginning of November, had not done enough to tackle Germany s second wave.