The Price of Festive Cheer: Has inflation ruined Christmas market?

By cmophoto.net via Unsplash

By Katie Clayton

Christmas markets have always been criticised for their expense but in recent years it's become apparent that the high prices are continuing to rise at a rapid rate. In Glasgow, there are multiple markets across the city, including St. Enoch's and Glasgow Green. 

Locals are preparing to go visit the festive market and several have shared their thoughts and feelings about the prices they will have to pay. 

College Student 18-year-old Ryan Logue describes the prices at Christmas markets as a “joke”. 

With various options available, both for food and rides, the cost could be a problem for many.  

Mel Reynolds, 51, said: “Christmas markets are very overpriced. If you've got a large family, it can be quite expensive.” 

A pint of beer alone is £6.50, leading many to decide to simply browse the stalls.  

Shopper 44-year-old Andrew Leonard described how the cost puts him off spending time at the market. He often finds himself thinking: “I’ll just browse” after seeing the prices. 

Leonard said: “You just walk in and walk out again; you just stay to experience the whole thing.” 

Local Sophie Kerr, 17, said: “They are expensive for no reason. They should be a lot cheaper.”  

However, many locals understand the high price due to current inflation and the lack of demand year-round, so the prices at these events can be justified.  

According to the Alchemy Festive Markets official website, the fee to set up a stall in Glasgow between November and December is around £50 a day. 

Reynolds said: “It's just a one-off event. 

“These market traders don't earn a lot of money during the year; they earn most of their money during these special events”  

While the minimum wage for an adult over 21 years old is £12.21 an hour and the majority of stalls stay open for around 10 hours every day, it's over £100 to employ a single member of staff every day the stall is open. 

Although 18-year-old Danielle Jenkins pointed out how: “In this climate, we should make things much cheaper”  

Logue called out the market stalls, he said: “They need to stop being greedy to be honest.”  

The attitude of young people towards the prices makes many wonder what the future could be for these events.  

Christmas is already a very expensive time for people, especially families with young children. Many people are unable to buy things at Christmas markets because of the prices, meaning they may decide not to go.  

While Christmas markets can be a joyous outing for families during the winter months, people will be dissuaded from attending because of high prices, choosing to spend their money elsewhere.