Outdoor multi-weekend christmas market

Stallholders and food vendors pay fees for a pitch or booth. Sponsors, a municipality or a business improvement area may contribute, and some markets charge for entry or parking.

Vendor fees across multiple weekends, plus sponsorship, and optionally income from your own food or drink stall, photo sessions with Santa or paid parking, minus site, setup and insurance costs.

• Event planning and logistics
• Negotiating with venues, vendors and sponsors
• Budgeting and managing a team of helpers

• Commercial general liability insurance, often with the municipality named as an additional insured, check what is required
• Special event permits, road closures, noise rules and fire safety for heaters and lights vary by municipality
• Food vendors need approval from the local public health unit, and open flames or propane have extra rules
• Cold weather, snow and ice affect both visitors and safety, so plan for clearing and a cancellation policy
• Upfront costs for tents and lighting are spent before you know the turnout
• Check provincial rules on hiring helpers, including WCB or WSIB coverage

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the site, tents, lighting and marketing. These costs are spent before you know the turnout, so plan your budget carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on vendor numbers, sponsors and any entry or parking fees. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week. Cold weather, snow and ice affect visitors and safety.

Things to check include commercial general liability insurance, often with the municipality named as an additional insured. Also check special event permits, road closures, noise rules, fire safety for heaters and lights, and food vendor approval from public health.