What you need for a Christmas market with street theatre
A Christmas market with street theatre needs more than stalls and decorations. You will also need reliable lighting, safe cable routes, sound equipment, storage and backup power for a long outdoor day. This shopping list covers the practical items behind the stalls, performances and visitor areas. Check quantities against your site plan, the number of stallholders and the length of the programme before buying or collecting anything.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Party tentsqty 4
- Market stallsqty 12
- Foldable tablesqty 8
- Folding chairsqty 40
- High tablesqty 6
- Tableclothsqty 12
- Clothes racksqty 4
- Storage boxesqty 10
Lighting
- String lightsqty 12
- LED lampsqty 16
- Batteriesqty 24
- Extension cordsqty 8
- Power stripsqty 6
- Cable matsqty 8
Decorations
- Artificial Christmas tree
- Christmas baublesqty 60
- Christmas garlandsqty 12
- Christmas wreathsqty 6
- Christmas figuresqty 8
- Lanternsqty 16
- Artificial snowqty 6
- Decorative ribbonqty 8
Equipment
- Portable speakersqty 2
- Wireless microphonesqty 2
- Microphone standsqty 2
- Mixer
- Charging stationsqty 2
- Flashlightsqty 6
- Walkie-talkiesqty 6
- Power banksqty 4
- Hand trucksqty 2
Tableware
- Coffee cupsqty 80
- Glassesqty 100
- Platesqty 100
- Cutlery setsqty 100
- Serving traysqty 12
- Pouring jugsqty 8
Kitchen
- Kettlesqty 3
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 6
- Coolersqty 6
- Ice cube traysqty 4
- Cutting boardsqty 4
- Knivesqty 6
- Serving tongsqty 8
- Measuring cupsqty 4
- Food warmersqty 4
- Induction platesqty 2
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 8
- Waste binsqty 4
- Broom setsqty 3
- Mopsqty 3
- Bucketsqty 4
- Cleaning clothsqty 20
Safety
- Crowd control barriersqty 12
- Traffic conesqty 12
- Emergency exit signsqty 4
- Fire extinguishersqty 2
- First aid kitsqty 2
Street theater
- Play matsqty 4
- Prop cratesqty 4
- Costume racksqty 2
- Hand puppetsqty 6
- Stage drapesqty 4
Communication
- Program postersqty 20
- Route signsqty 12
- Booth number signsqty 12
- Arrow stickersqty 30
- Clipboardsqty 6
- Pensqty 20
- Name stickersqty 100
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Hot chocolate - 12 liters
- Whipping cream - 8 spray cans
- Marshmallows - 4 bags
- Mulled wine - 24 liters
- Non-alcoholic mulled wine - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Orange soda - 8 liters
- Bitter lemon - 6 liter
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 liters
- Still mineral water - 24 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Limes - 2 kilos
- Granulated sugar - 3 kilos
- Rock sugar - 2 kilos
- Honey - 2 jars
- Milk - 16 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Coffee cream - 2 liter
- Cinnamon sticks - 4 bags
- Star anise - 2 bags
- Cloves - 2 jars
- Nutmeg - 1 jar
- Ginger powder - 1 jar
- Vanilla sugar - 2 sachets
- Savory puff pastry bites - 250 pieces
- Mini sausages - 250 pieces
- Vegetarian mini sausages - 100 pieces
- Mini quiches - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian samosas - 100 pieces
- Vegan vegetable balls - 100 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Farmhouse cheese - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spreadable cheese - 1 kilo
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Christmas Cookies - 10 packs
- Spiced cookies - 8 packs
- Syrup waffles - 8 packs
- Mini currant buns - 150 pieces
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Raisins - 2 kilos
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Peanuts - 2 kilo
- Vegan chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Milk chocolate - 30 pieces
- Gingerbread - 6 packs
- Sandwich bags - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper cups - 600 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 600 pieces
- Paper plates - 400 pcs
- Wooden forks - 400 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 400 pieces
- Sugar packets - 400 pieces
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Large trash bags - 40 pcs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Scouring sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Tissues - 20 packs
Tips
- Plan one suitable table or counter surface for each stall, then add spare tablecloths and at least one storage box per stall for packaging, stock and personal items.
- For each lit area, prepare the correct extension cords, power strips and cable mats before setup day. Keep spare batteries and flashlights ready for loading, closing and any dark sections of the site.
- Allow enough sound equipment for the programme: mobile speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands and a mixer. Test every microphone and charging station at least one day before the market.
- Use artificial trees, garlands, wreaths, figures and lanterns to create distinct areas, but secure all lightweight decorations before opening. Artificial snow and ribbon should be kept away from cable routes and walkways.
- Prepare communication and charging equipment before artists and stallholders arrive. Walkie-talkies, power banks and charging stations are easy to overlook when the focus is on tents, stalls and deliveries.
Frequently asked questions
- What equipment do I need for a Christmas market with street theatre?
- Plan for party tents, market stalls, tables, chairs, lighting, extension cords, cable mats and sound equipment. For the theatre programme, include mobile speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands and a mixer, plus flashlights and walkie-talkies for site operations.
- How many tables and chairs should I buy for a Christmas market?
- Start with one table or counter setup for every stallholder, then add tables for registration, information and shared service points. Match chair numbers to your seating plan and add a small reserve rather than waiting until setup day to find extras.
- How early should I arrange Christmas market equipment?
- Reserve tents, stalls, furniture and sound equipment as soon as the date and site layout are confirmed. Confirm deliveries and power requirements at least one week before the market, then check the complete shopping and collection list the day before setup.
- What lighting is needed for an outdoor Christmas market?
- Use string lights and LED lamps for stalls, entrances and performance areas, with extension cords, power strips and cable mats for safe distribution. Keep spare batteries and flashlights on site, especially if setup or dismantling continues after daylight.
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