Christmas Market with Ice Skating Checklist

A Christmas market with ice skating combines two operations: a timed rink activity and a market that needs power, food service and stall access. Start by confirming the date, location and ice rink before inviting anyone. Then work through permits, insurance, suppliers, the site map and skating rules. Registration numbers affect skate sizes, food quantities and volunteer cover, so keep those records together and check the rink, equipment and fresh supplies again before opening.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm date and location
2 people
Reserve ice rink
Reserve stalls
Record the power supply
Check permits
Check insurance details
Confirm suppliers
2 people
Create the Christmas market map
2 people
Draw up ice rink rules
2 people
Develop safety plan
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Open the registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign volunteers
2 people
Create supplier list
Check the shopping list
2 people
Inventory the Skate Sizes
2 people
Create a music playlist
Distribute promotional poster
3 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Collect fresh produce
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up non-perishable supplies
2 people
Check the skates
2 people
Test the lighting
2 people
Prepare cash register and change
2 people
Build the stalls
6 people
Have the ice rink installed
4 people
Set up crowd-control barriers
4 people
Lay out power cables safely
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Hang lighting
3 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Set up skate rental
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
4 people
Prepare hot dishes
4 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Inspect the skating rink
2 people
Set out first aid supplies
Hang up price lists
2 people
Test sound
2 people
Brief volunteers
4 people
Final safety check
3 people

Event

Welcome visitors
3 people
Hand out skates
3 people
Collect skates
3 people
Manage access and ticket sales
2 people
Staff the booths
6 people
Serve hot drinks
3 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Serve soup and bread
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill buffet
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check the ice rink surface
2 people
Enforce skating rules
2 people
Check toilets
Provide music
Announce the finish signal
Guide visitors to the exit
3 people

Aftercare

Close the register
2 people
Chill perishable food
2 people
Catering breakdown
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Have ice rink dismantled
4 people
Have stalls picked up
2 people
Clean the Skates
3 people
Sort and remove waste
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Check loan items
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Collect lost and found items
Handle the deposit and keys

What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 10
Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 12
Beer tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 12
Shoe benchesqty 8
Skate racksqty 6
Clothes racksqty 4
Bollardsqty 12
Cash register tablesqty 2

Sports equipment

Ice skatingqty 100
Skating aidsqty 8
Helmetsqty 30
Wrist guardsqty 20
Knee padsqty 20
Conesqty 20
Skating matsqty 12
Ice rink barriersqty 24

Equipment

Ice rink
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Soup kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 10
Cable reelsqty 4
Card machinesqty 2
Cash register
Cash box

Lighting

String lightsqty 12
LED lampsqty 12
Work lightsqty 4
Cable traysqty 10

Decorations

Christmas treesqty 4
Christmas baublesqty 80
Christmas garlandsqty 20
Christmas wreathsqty 6
Poinsettiasqty 12
Menu boardsqty 8
Price tagsqty 40
Directional signsqty 12
Ice rink rules signsqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 80
Mulled Wine Cupsqty 120
Soft drink glassesqty 100
Soup bowlsqty 100
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving spoonsqty 8
Soup ladlesqty 100
Pliersqty 8
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Pansqty 4
Ladlesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 8
Water jugsqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 4
Cling filmqty 4
Labelsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 24
Trash bagsqty 150
Toilet paperqty 24
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Hand sanitizerqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 6
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Warning signsqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the ice rink and market stalls before sending invitations. Your site map should show the rink barriers, skate racks, shoe benches, stalls, food service and clear walking routes.
Record every power requirement early, including refrigerators, soup kettles, coffee machines, speakers and lighting. Test extension cords and power strips on site rather than discovering shortages during setup.
Set a registration deadline and collect dietary requirements at the same time. Use the final number of skaters to check skate sizes, helmets, protective equipment and skating aids before the event.
Put rink rules and the safety plan where skaters and volunteers can see them. Keep cones, skating mats, bollards and barriers ready for wet or crowded areas, and assign someone to monitor the rink throughout each session.
Buy non-perishable supplies first, then schedule fresh produce collection close to opening. Chill drinks in advance, check food warmers and soup kettles, and inspect every pair of skates before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I book an ice rink for a Christmas market?: Book the rink before you announce the event or open registration. Allow at least 8 to 12 weeks for availability checks, supplier confirmation, permits and a workable site layout.
How many volunteers do I need for a Christmas market with ice skating?: Plan for at least one volunteer supervising the rink, one handling skate issue and returns, and one covering registration or guest questions at the same time. Add extra cover when the rink and market are busy together.
When should I collect skate sizes and dietary requirements?: Collect both during registration and close the form 7 to 14 days before the event. Use the final list to check skate inventory, protective equipment and food quantities before shopping.
When should I set up the ice skating equipment and market stalls?: Set up non-perishable supplies, stalls and equipment before the event day where the venue allows it. Complete the rink, barriers, power connections, chilled drinks and fresh food checks on the day, finishing the safety inspection before guests enter.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.