Although Christmas markets were once just a German tradition, they’ve become increasingly popular in Utah. Thousands of us now bundle up and go to our local parks and community centers to peruse handcrafted goods and treats to buy as stocking stuffers and gifts. While there are inevitable costs associated with these markets for cities – park maintenance, law enforcement, electricity, for example – there are also (sometimes significant) costs for vendors. The table below reviews 13 of Utah’s Christmas market costs for vendors. Bear in mind that not all markets see the same level of foot traffic, and so while some fees may seem particularly high, the market might still be more profitable to vendors than smaller markets with lower fees. Equally, some cities charge more or less to specific vendors depending on their niche or product type.
Many cities also host markets during the summer and alongside city events in an effort to encourage “shopping local”, community spirit, and supporting small businesses.