Winter Market Shopping List

A winter market needs more than stalls and festive decorations. You will need a clear plan for hot drinks, chilled drinks, snacks, serving equipment, lighting and payment points. This shopping list also covers the items that are easy to overlook, such as wind weights, extension cords, price sign holders and coat racks. Check quantities against your expected visitors and stallholders, then finish the shop only after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 10
Party tentsqty 6
Beer tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Coat racksqty 2

Decorations

Christmas treesqty 3
Christmas baublesqty 60
Buntingqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Price sign holdersqty 20
Wind weightsqty 24

Lighting

String lightsqty 12
LED lampsqty 20
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 8

Equipment

Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Warming kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Card machinesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Flashlightsqty 4

Tableware

Mugsqty 120
Glassesqty 100
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Knivesqty 12
Small bowlsqty 20
Thermos flasksqty 8
Serving plattersqty 16

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mop setsqty 2
Hand broomsqty 4
Cleaning cartsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 8 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 8 cartons
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Sugar - 4 kilos
- Honey - 3 jars
- Cinnamon - 4 jars
- Marshmallows - 6 bags
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Ginger beer - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 96 bottles
- Mulled wine - 20 liter
- Non-alcoholic mulled wine - 8 liters
- Apple fritters - 120 pieces
- Oliebollen - 180 pieces
- Powdered sugar - 3 kilos
- Mini sausages - 8 kilo
- Vegetarian snacks - 5 kilos
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Herb butter - 3 kilos
- Cheese - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Mustard - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Savory nuts - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper cups - 500 pieces
- Paper plates - 300 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Trash bags - 10 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Disinfectant spray - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan hot drinks by service point: allow one kettle or coffee machine for each busy drinks station, plus a warming kettle to keep prepared drinks hot. Keep spare mugs, glasses and serving spoons nearby so one missing item does not stop service.
Buy or collect lighting before setup day. Test string lights and LED lamps indoors, and allow enough extension cords and power strips to reach every stall without trailing cables across walkways.
Do not leave weather protection until the last day. Party tents need wind weights, and tables, signs and decorations should be secured before the forecast is checked again on the morning of the market.
Prepare food service items around the menu and allergen information. Cutting boards, knives, small bowls, plates and cutlery are easy to miss when shopping is split between fresh produce, snacks and drinks.
Set aside a separate payment and information kit for each selling area. Include a card machine where needed, price sign holders, a float of cash and a way for staff to communicate if stock, power or queues become a problem.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a winter market drinks stall?: Plan for a kettle or coffee machine, a warming kettle, mugs, glasses, serving spoons and coolers for chilled drinks. Add extension cords and a power strip for each station that needs electricity, and chill drinks before opening.
How many cups and plates do I need for a winter market?: Start with one serving item per expected customer for a single-use setup, then add at least 10–15% spare stock. For a busy market, keep extra mugs, glasses, plates and cutlery at each service point rather than storing everything centrally.
What should I buy for an outdoor winter market?: Include party tents, market stalls, tables, chairs, wind weights, lighting, extension cords and flashlights. Check the weather forecast again on the morning of the event and secure tents, signs and decorations before visitors arrive.
When should I finish the winter market shopping list?: Finalize the list after stall registrations, dietary requirements and the menu are confirmed, ideally several days before the market. Buy non-perishable supplies first and collect fresh produce and chilled drinks as close to opening as practical.

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