Multi-Week christmas market series

Vendors pay booth fees. Local businesses and sponsors pay for branding, and food trucks pay a fee or a share of sales. Some markets sell tickets or VIP entry.

Booth fees, sponsorships, food vendor fees and optional ticket sales or paid extras like photos with Santa. Costs include venue, insurance, staff, marketing and equipment rental.

• Project and budget management
• Sales for sponsors and vendors
• Managing a small team of helpers
• Marketing and partnerships

• Special event permits, street closure approvals and possible fees, check with your city or county well in advance
• General liability insurance with limits the venue or city requires, and possibly liquor liability if alcohol is sold
• Health department permits for food vendors, plus rules on temporary food events in your county
• Fire, safety and accessibility requirements, including ADA access, check with the venue and local authorities
• Workers' compensation insurance if you hire staff, check your state's rules
• Heavy upfront costs before you collect most booth fees, so keep a cash buffer
• Operating as an LLC may help separate personal and business risk, check with an accountant or attorney

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your venue, permits, insurance and marketing. Costs come before you collect most booth fees, so keep a cash buffer.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on vendor numbers, sponsors, food truck fees and any ticket sales. That is revenue before costs, so treat it as an estimate and budget carefully.

Check special event permits, street closure approvals and fees with your city or county well in advance. Look into general liability insurance with the limits required, and liquor liability if alcohol is sold. Also check food permits, fire and ADA requirements, and workers' compensation if you hire staff.