Christmas market shopping list

Planning a Christmas market with Santa means buying for several small stalls, not just one refreshment table. This list covers the food and drink service, reusable tableware, hot-drink equipment, lighting, power supplies and Christmas decorations shown in the plan. Buy or collect disposable essentials and non-food supplies early, then shop for chilled drinks and fresh snacks shortly before the market. Check stallholder needs and dietary requirements before placing the final order.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 8
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 80
Santa chair
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Hot water boilersqty 3
Soup kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Portable speaker
Cash register
Payment terminal

Lighting

String lightsqty 10
Outdoor lightsqty 6

Decorations

Christmas tree
Christmas tree decorations
Christmas garlandsqty 8
Santa costume
Santa beard
Photo backdrop
Tableclothsqty 12
Price tagsqty 30
Directional signsqty 10
Christmas giftsqty 120

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Hand sanitizer stationsqty 4

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 2
First aid kits
Non-slip matsqty 6

Organization

Cash box
Name stickersqty 100
Wristbandsqty 150
Clipboardsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 12 liters
- Cocoa powder - 1 kilo
- Granulated sugar - 4 kilos
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Mini marshmallows - 2 kilos
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Grape juice - 8 liter
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Non-alcoholic winter punch - 12 liters
- Mulled wine - 10 liters
- Cinnamon sticks - 3 bags
- Star anise - 2 bags
- Oranges - 4 kilo
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Vegetable soup - 15 liters
- Soup vegetables - 4 kilos
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Herb butter - 20 tubs
- Oliebollen - 180 pieces
- Powdered sugar - 3 kilos
- Apple fritters - 100 pieces
- Pancake mix - 6 kilos
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Pancake syrup - 4 bottles
- Powdered sugar for pancakes - 2 kilos
- Cinnamon sugar - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Christmas cookies - 12 packs
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Peanuts - 3 kilos
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Compostable bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each further hour. Include both hot and cold options, and chill drinks the day before if storage allows.
Allow one reusable mug, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra for busy serving points. A market with 100 visitors therefore needs about 110 of each item if washing during the event is not possible.
Buy serving quantities only after collecting dietary requirements. Keep separate serving spoons, tongs and platters for foods that need different handling, and label allergen-sensitive snacks before opening.
Check every stall’s power requirement at least one week ahead. Match coffee machines, hot water boilers, lights and the portable speaker to the available supply, and bring extension cords and power strips that are suitable for outdoor use.
Do not leave lighting and weather protection until setup morning. Check the forecast the day before, inspect the grounds, and have the party tents, outdoor lights and string lights ready before tables and market stalls are arranged.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a Christmas market?: For drinks, plan on two to three servings per person during the first hour and one more per person for each additional hour. Order snacks after confirming the expected attendance and dietary requirements, then add about 10% for late arrivals and spills.
What serving equipment is needed for a Christmas market?: For each guest, allow one reusable mug, plate and cutlery set, with 10% extra if there is no washing point. You will also need serving platters, pouring jugs, serving spoons and serving tongs for the food and drink stations.
When should I buy supplies for a Christmas market?: Buy non-food supplies, decorations and equipment at least one to two weeks before the market. Buy chilled drinks and fresh snacks one to two days before, then chill drinks and prepare food as close to opening time as practical.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a Christmas market with Santa?: The number depends on stallholder registrations and the planned booth layout, so confirm both before ordering furniture. Reserve a separate Santa chair and allow enough tables and chairs for every stall, plus a small service area for drinks and snacks.

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