Prodavnice otvorene za Božićne praznike u Nemačkoj

Chilly temperatures and a steady drizzle did not deter shoppers intent on enjoying sparkling lights, mulled wine, and colorful holiday offerings at Berlin's Christmas markets, Nov. 27, 2017.

The steps of the church, whose ruined steeple serves as a World War II memorial, have been the site of an unofficial shrine to the victims since the attack Dec. 19, 2016. (M. Melton/VOA) Berlin's Christmas markets, Nov. 27, 2017.

Many shoppers said they have confidence that the security measures in place — concrete barriers and plenty of police officers — would ensure a peaceful evening at Berlin's Christmas markets, Nov. 27, 2017.

Martin Germer, pastor of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, reads a tribute to the victims of the Dec. 19, 2016, attack as Berlin's Christmas markets open on Nov. 27, 2017.

Local and international media were on the scene to mark the opening of Berlin's Christmas markets, asking shoppers if they remembered last year's attack and whether they felt safe at the market, Nov. 27, 2017.

Berlin Mayor Michael Muller, right, assured Berliners that while "there cannot be absolute security" at the public market, the city has taken all measures possible to guard against any repeat of last year's attack. Muller was one of a number of officials who placed a white rose at a memorial to the victims of the attack.

City officials say they will close the Breitscheidplatz market on the anniversary of the attack, December 19, for a memorial service. On that date, they also plan to unveil a permanent memorial: a bronze crack in the sidewalk with the victims' names inscribed nearby.