Organising a Christmas market – how to keep visitors safe

A Christmas market is one of the most magical events of the year. Cosy lights, festive stalls, ice rinks and glühwein draw big crowds to town squares every winter. But with that festive atmosphere also come real risks – especially when dealing with winter weather, large crowds and temporary structures.

From icy walkways to busy public areas and slippery skating rinks – visitor safety should always be top of mind. In this article, we outline the key risks, plus practical tips to help you prevent incidents and keep things running smoothly.

Why safety at Christmas markets deserves extra attention

Christmas markets may seem small-scale or harmless, but in reality, they can be quite complex. You’re operating in public space, using temporary setups, working with multiple suppliers, and dealing with unpredictable weather. Add hundreds (or thousands) of visitors in a relatively compact area, and you’ve got an event that needs extra focus when it comes to safety.

Safety isn’t just about barriers and warning signs – it’s all in the preparation. From clear walking routes and good communication to first aid and clear agreements, it’s the groundwork in the weeks before the event that really makes the difference.

The biggest safety risks at Christmas markets

Every event is different, but at Christmas markets, these are the risks we see most often:

• Crowds and limited space 🎄

Markets can get very busy – especially on weekends and in the evenings. Narrow streets and packed squares increase the risk of pushing, panic, or blocked exits and stalls.

• Weather conditions 🌬️

Snowstorms, strong winds or freezing rain can lead to unstable tents, blown-away decorations, or unsafe conditions for guests and staff. Set-up and breakdown can also be dangerous in poor weather.

• Fire hazards and electricity 🔥

Fire pits, heaters, cables and decorative lighting all add to the atmosphere – but they also require careful handling and regular safety checks.

• Slippery surfaces ❄️

Snow, ice, wet leaves and rain can quickly make paths and squares dangerously slippery – especially on wooden decking, steps or near the ice rink.

• Open access and limited control 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Christmas markets are usually open to the public, with no ticketing or entry gates. That means anyone can walk in – even when it’s already packed. This makes it harder to monitor the crowd or act quickly when something goes wrong. Think: disruptive behaviour, excessive alcohol use or petty theft. Good security and clear communication can make a big difference here.

How to prevent problems: practical measures

You can’t eliminate every risk – but you can manage them well. These actions will help make your Christmas market safer:

• Create clear walking routes and emergency exits. Use signage, tape or temporary fencing to help manage foot traffic and keep pathways clear.
• Set up a first aid point and emergency plan. Let visitors know where to go in case of an incident. Brief your team and volunteers on what to do in case of injuries, evacuation or emergencies.
• Brief everyone involved beforehand. Make sure volunteers, stallholders and suppliers all know what’s expected and what to do if something goes wrong.
• Check surfaces for ice daily. Use anti-slip mats, grit or sand near entrances, stairs and key walking routes – and make sure stallholders also take responsibility for their immediate area.
• Plan for peak times. If needed, limit visitor numbers or use one-way walking routes to reduce pressure on busy spots.
• Inspect all use of electricity, fire and gas. Only work with certified installations and make clear agreements with all suppliers and stallholders.

Extra tips for organisers

These additional steps help reduce risks even further – and ensure you’re prepared if something does go wrong:

• Involve the local council, fire brigade or police during planning.
  They may spot risks you haven’t considered.
• Do a walkthrough before opening.
  Walk the site with a colleague or volunteer to check for hazards like loose cables, obstructions or icy patches.
• Take out event insurance.
  Winter events carry a higher risk of slips, damage or cancellations. With the right cover, you won’t be caught off guard financially – and with No Risk, you can arrange it easily online. (Start by calculating your premium today!)

Insurance: peace of mind during the festive rush

No matter how well you plan, things can still go wrong. A slip on an icy square, storm damage to a rented tent, or a child tripping over a cable – hopefully it doesn’t happen, but if it does, you want to be properly covered.

Event insurance covers most risks, including liability, material damage, accidents or cancellation costs. It gives you financial protection – and helps ensure your Christmas market is safe, professional and well organised.

Planning a Christmas market? No Risk is here to help

A safe Christmas market starts with solid preparation. With a clear plan, firm agreements and the right insurance, you give your visitors a relaxed and festive experience.

At No Risk, we’re happy to help you think through the risks of your event. You can calculate your premium online and take out event insurance in just a few clicks.