The marvelous winter season is here! Looking at the photos of Christmas markets around the world, we can taste the cinnamon and feel the warm magic of the festoon lights. Children’s faces are lit up by the joy of anticipation and jolly grownups are keeping warm with the hot Christmas drinks.

Here at home in sunny California, we have Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and lovely light shows, but let’s borrow a little more magic from the traditional European Christmas markets!

At this time of year, people love to share recipes for their favorite holiday dishes. We would like to share with you a recipe for a Christmas market!

Preparation Instructions

Step 1 - Find A Plaza

Evaluate the size of the Christmas Market you want to create and find a plaza that will fit it. It is better if it is surrounded by taller buildings to form an enclosed space, but a parking lot will also do if you live in a low rise community.

Step 2 - Make a Concept Layout Sketch

Using a satellite image of your plaza, draw the conceptual layout of the tents, streets and smaller plazas you want to create. This will give you an idea of the number of tenant spaces you can fit in and how much room is left for circulation and gathering spaces.

Step 3 - Find or Build Tenant Stands

An ideal Christmas Market stand would look like a gingerbread house. Avoid using the standard market tents that do not have the shape of a gable roof - this will seriously jeopardize the magic of your Christmas Market. In a pinch, you can recreate the gables by using fabric, supported by wood or metal frames.

Step 4 - Find The Right Tenants

Make sure you have a tenant selling drinks with enchanting aromas, hot and cold seasonal snacks and, of course, candy. Have some tenants that are entertainment based and provide a fun activity, not goods. Review and evaluate tenants to make sure they are right for your venue. Individual tenant displays should support the magical spirit of the Christmas Market and not be at odds with it. Attractive gift wrapping and arrangements will be the key.

Step 5 - Find a Gorgeous Market Centerpiece

To pull it all together, you need a centerpiece in the plaza that you created with the stands. If you are on a tight budget, consider using festoon lights and stretching them in the shape of a Christmas tree. A large beautifully decorated tree or a lit-up carousel will guarantee a laughter-filled plaza!

Note that you can do most of these steps out of sequence, but we do recommend to have a plan sketch of your market before contacting potential tenants or purchasing any supplies.

PS: Don't forget the music!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!