Get Organised for Christmas: How to Plan Your Market Schedule
The Christmas season is fast approaching, and for many traders it’s the busiest (and sometimes most stressful) time of the year. By now, you’ve probably booked a few festive events — maybe even back in spring or summer when the calendar felt wide open!
But now that December is creeping closer, you might be realising that a few of your bookings clash, or that you’ve taken on more than you can manage. It happens to everyone. The good news is, it’s not too late to get organised. Taking a little time now to make a simple Christmas market schedule can save you a lot of stress later on.
Why it’s worth creating a Christmas market schedule
Having a plan written down makes everything easier. It helps you see what’s coming up and stops things from slipping through the cracks.
Avoid double-booking: You’ll clearly see which weekends are already full, so you won’t end up overcommitting.
Plan your stock: Knowing your schedule helps you decide how much to make and when to restock.
Manage your time and energy: If you’ve got back-to-back markets, you’ll know when to plan a day off or lighter prep.
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Stay on good terms with organisers: If you do need to cancel, you can let them know early and keep a good relationship for next year.
How to get started
Start with a clear list of what you’ve already got booked and what you’re still thinking about. Once it’s all in front of you, the rest is easy.
Write down every market you’ve confirmed.
Include the date, time, and location. Even if it’s one you attend every year, jot it down so everything’s in one place.Add any events you’re still considering.
Pop these in a separate section so you can see where they might fit — or where they clash.Look for date overlaps.
If two events fall on the same day or weekend, highlight them. You might be able to manage both if they’re short or nearby, but be realistic about travel time and setup.Decide which to prioritise.
Think about which markets usually do best for you, how far away they are, and how much stock you’ll need for each. Sometimes fewer markets, done well, are better than too many at once.Let organisers know early if you can’t attend.
Everyone appreciates a heads-up. It gives them time to fill the spot, and it keeps you in good standing for future events.Plan your stock and prep days.
Once your dates are set, block out time for making, packing, and restocking. This will stop you from running out of stock halfway through December.
Your simple Christmas Market Schedule Chart
Here’s a handy chart you can use to keep everything in order. You can print it out and fill it in by hand, or copy it into a notebook or spreadsheet. Whatever works best for you!
Tip:
You could use a different coloured pen or highlighter for each type of event, for example, blue for confirmed, yellow for maybe, and red for cancelled. It makes it much easier to see your month at a glance.
Getting organised doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple list and a bit of colour coding can make all the difference in helping you stay calm, confident, and ready for the Christmas rush.
So, take a few minutes this week to make your schedule. Once it’s done, you’ll know exactly where you’re going, what you’re bringing, and how much you’ll need — and you can enjoy the festive fun without the last-minute panic!
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Grainne & Greg
Just a little reminder:
This blog is here to spark ideas and help you think about your business in new ways. What works for one person might not suit another. Take what’s helpful, adapt it to your own style, and if you ever need more tailored advice, just get in touch. That’s what we’re here for, supporting you and your business every step of the way.