Welcome to the

We are looking forward to another holiday season filled with unique and special crafts and merchandise, as well as yummy treats.  We have developed a list of policies that we will require all vendors to adhere to.  Your understanding and commitment to these will be essential to this year’s event running smoothly and efficiently, and to enhance the enjoyment of all participants and visitors.

The Sandusky Christmas Market, operated primarily by volunteers, is dedicated to bringing the spirit and joy of the Christmas season to Sandusky, for those near, and far, to enjoy with family and friends.  Inspired by European Christmas Markets, the Corso family has strived to create a festive, fun and inclusive atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Please review the following policies carefully, as they have been established to make safety, efficiency, and enjoyment top priorities during the event. We would like to thank you in advance for making the Sandusky Christmas Market a memorable experience for all.

Event Participation - VENDORS

We thank you for your interest in participating in this year’s Sandusky Christmas Market.  Please be advised, the rules and policies set forth below will be enforced to create a safe, efficient and enjoyable event for participants AND visitors.  Please read through all details below regarding vendor requirements, vendor space/assignments, lighting/decoration requirements, etc.

Vendor Application

To apply to become a vendor at the 2025 Sandusky Christmas Market, please visit our Vendor Application page. The application deadline is September 1, 2025.  It is the intention of the SCM Team to provide as many local artisans, crafters, and food vendors the opportunity to participate in this community event.  In that, we would also like to ensure that the Market remains family-friendly, aligned with the (German) Christmas Market theme, and offers a diverse array of products, minimizing overlap in certain types of products/services. 

Application Review & Approval Process

All applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. If/When your application to participate is APPROVED, you will need to submit your non-refundable deposit, proof of necessary licensure, and SIGNED Vendor Policies Form within ten (10) days of approval.  Some vendors may be placed on a waitlist - this means that we may already have a vendor(s) offering a similar product/service; for any given reason, it has become necessary to put a HOLD on accepting additional vendors; or, the vendor spots are FULL.  Vendors on the waitlist will be notified if/when a spot becomes available.

Payment

$100 non-refundable deposit and proof of necessary licensure (if applicable) will be due no later than ten (10) days after date of acceptance.  Full payment is due within thirty (30) days of acceptance date, unless otherwise arranged with the SCM Team. Failure to make payment may result in forfeiture of your spot.

Event Dates/Hours

This year’s Market will run for three consecutive weekends.  Vendors that sign up for one, two, or all three weekends are required to operate for the entire market duration for each day they have committed to, regardless of weather conditions (unless the Sandusky Christmas Market (SCM) Team officially cancels the market due to inclement weather).  Vendors are prohibited from breaking down/leaving before the end of the event, unless authorized/agreed upon by the SCM Team. Vendors are additionally required to be fully set-up, and ready for visitors at least thirty (30) minutes prior to opening of the market.

2025 Event Dates:

Friday, November 28th-Sunday, November 30th

Friday, December 5th-Sunday, December 7th

Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th (No Market on Sunday, December 14th)

Fridays: 5 pm-8 pm

Saturdays: 12 pm-8 pm

Sundays: 12 pm-6 pm

Vendor Stall Assignments

We are excited to announce that we will have several new stalls this year, allowing more of our local artisans and crafters to participate in this event.  Vendors will be given the choice of the different options/layouts of stalls.  The SCM Team will make every effort to accommodate each vendor’s preference; however, the SCM Team reserves the right to assign vendor locations, irrespective of that preference, if deemed necessary.

Vendor Stall - Requirements and Responsibilities

All stalls will be cleaned and ready for vendors on the SCM’s Opening Day.  Each vendor will be responsible to remove ALL of their merchandise, decorations, etc., and clean the stall to its original condition, in preparation for the next vendor using the space.

The SCM Team will ensure that ALL stalls have at least one 15 amp outlet and a propane heater.  Additional electricity may be provided for food trucks/vendors.  However, anyone with electricity needs beyond what is provided will be required to indicate those specific needs on the Vendor Application.  Those with certain electricity needs may need to use their own generator.  Vendors are responsible for supplying their own displays, signage, table, chair, and payment systems.  Additionally, vendors are REQUIRED to decorate their stall.

Stall Decoration

Each vendor’s space/stall lends directly to the overall look and feel of the Sandusky Christmas Market.  All vendors are required to decorate their stall, in a manner that reflects the joyous season and spirit of Christmas.  We encourage you to use your imagination to create a space that lends to the feel of an authentic Christmas Street Market with items such as small trees, wreaths, ample and tasteful lighting (LED lights ONLY), large ornaments, etc....  For inspiration and ideas, a few sample images of traditional decorated stalls can be found here.

Vendor Preparedness for Weather Conditions

The Sandusky Christmas Market is an extended OUTDOOR event.  Conditions may include wind, frigid temperatures, snow, rain, ice, etc. Vendors should be adequately prepared for these conditions, including exposure to prolonged cold temps. Please plan and dress accordingly.  In the case of inclement weather that causes the market to cease operation, you will be notified as quickly as possible.

Trash/Refuse

SCM Team and volunteers will assist in the timely disposal of trash, however, vendors will be also responsible for managing their own trash, and ensuring it is disposed of in the proper receptacle(s), in such case someone from the SCM Team is unavailable.

Community Attendance at SCM

The SCM Team cannot guarantee any expected attendance at the Market.  We will work diligently to promote this event through all possible means, but attendance can fluctuate due to a variety of circumstances.  As such, the SCM Team makes no guarantees for attendance during the Market operating hours.

Security

The SCM Team will have overnight security on duty to maintain security of stalls and their contents.  However, the SCM Team will not be held responsible or liable for any equipment, inventory, merchandise, or other items that may be lost, stolen, or otherwise.

Conditions

The SCM Team cannot be held responsible for any circumstances (i.e. inclement weather, “acts of God”, local safety/security issues, etc.) that may potentially interrupt or cancel the event.  As such, the SCM Team cannot be held responsible for any losses that may arise due to unforeseen circumstance

Food Vendors

Vendors providing and/or serving food products MUST be aware of, and comply with all regulations set forth by the Erie County Department of Health.  

Donations/Contributions

The SCM Team is committed to giving back to the community and inspiring others to do the same.   Last year, the Tree Raffle and Festive Pooch Portraits were not only FUN events, they also raised money for several local non-profit agencies. In our continuing effort to provide these “GIVING” opportunities, we STRONGLY encourage ALL vendors to donate an item, or gift certificate from their business.  This will be used in one of the many charitable events we will host during the Market this year.

Promote/Advertise/Share

All vendors should commit to advertising/promoting the Sandusky Christmas Market with their own customers/constituents and sharing by way of their own social media, etc.