How to Set Up a Holiday Booth That Draws a Crowd
A holiday market is a different kind of selling day. People arrive with gifts on their minds, they walk slowly, they stop for things that look warm and inviting, and they decide fast. If you plan to join the vendor lineup at Atlanta's Winter Wonderland in the Park at Grant Park on December 11, 12 and 13, 2026, a little preparation now makes your booth easier to run and easier to love.
Start with your application
Everything begins on the vendor page at awwinthepark.com/vendors. Choose the category that fits what you sell, describe your products clearly, and add your website or social pages so the team can see your work. Spaces are limited and applications are reviewed in the order they arrive, so sending yours early gives you the best shot at the booth type you want. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance, so keep your description specific and honest.
Plan your power before you pack
If you need electricity for a warmer, a griddle, a card reader stand or string lights, gather the details ahead of time. The vendor form asks for an equipment list with wattage, total amps and voltage. Check the nameplate on each device and write the numbers down. Power access is reviewed after you apply, and vendors only get power that has been arranged for them, so never assume you can plug in on the day.
Build a booth that glows
December evenings in the park get dark and cold, and that works in your favor. Warm white string lights, battery candles and small lanterns make a booth feel like part of the show. Use a tablecloth that reaches the ground so you can hide storage underneath, and add height with crates or tiered stands so shoppers can see your products from a few steps away. Keep your sign at eye level, short and easy to read, with your business name first.
Safety matters outdoors. Weight your tent legs properly, tape down every cord, and keep anything with a flame or heat source away from fabric. Pack a small kit with tape, zip ties, extra bulbs, hand warmers and a spare extension cord rated for outdoor use.
Sell what holiday shoppers want
Shoppers at a holiday event tend to look for items that are easy to carry, easy to wrap and easy to explain. If you make candles, jewelry, art, ornaments, baked goods or hot drinks, think about a few gift ready options in clear, simple bundles. A card with a short story about how you make your product helps people feel good about buying it. Food and beverage vendors should keep menus short and easy to read, with a clear line for ordering and a spot for people to step aside while they wait.
Bring a way to take payment that works on a busy evening. Test your card reader at home, charge every device, and carry a small amount of change in case your signal drops.
Help people find you again
A holiday market is also a chance to meet future customers. Put your social handle and a link to your online shop on cards, bags and a sign on the table. Offer a small thank you with each purchase that points people back to your page. After the event, post photos of your booth and tag the festival so your followers can see where you were.
Know the terms before you apply
Read the vendor terms on the application page so there are no surprises. Spaces are confirmed once payment is received, and payments follow the terms listed there. Food trucks need to operate from a licensed mobile food unit, and nonprofits may be asked to share proof of their status. Vendors are responsible for their own permits, so check your local requirements early.
Ready to join the lineup?
Winter Wonderland brings skating, Santa's Village, igloos, a holiday marketplace and a toy drive with charitable partners to Grant Park for one weekend. If you make something people want to give, this is a lovely setting to share it. Start your application today at awwinthepark.com/vendors.
