Vendor Policies

  • The Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt is more than a market, it is a festive community gathering inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. Designed to bring people together, the market celebrates the holiday season through family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and unique shopping experiences for all ages.

    At its core, the Kriskindlmarkt supports small businesses and artisans while serving as a meaningful economic driver for the community. By creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with tradition, culture, and holiday magic, the Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt aims to become a cherished annual destination for residents and visitors alike.

    • Vendor / Merchant: Anyone selling retail goods (artisan, handcrafted, or specialty items)

    • Food & Beverage Vendor: Vendor selling prepared food or drinks

    • Performer / Entertainment: Musicians, acts, or programmed experiences

Market Specifics & Logistics

  • Kriskindlmarkt runs two weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    • Friday, November 27th: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Saturday, November 28th: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

    • Friday, December 4th: 4 PM – 9:00 PM

    • Saturday, December 5th: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

    Vendors may begin setup up to two hours before opening each day.

    Vendors must be fully set up and ready by opening time.

    Vendors must remain open and staffed for the entire duration of market hours.

  • The Mather, Ishpeming MI

  • Vendor applications close on August 31, 2026

    Vendors notified by October 1, 2026 If selected vendor fees are due by October 31, 2026.

  • The market operates in typical Upper Peninsula winter conditions, including snow, cold temperatures, and wind. The Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt is a winter market so plan to be in operation in cold temperatures. Sales associates should dress in warm clothes, and should be comfortable in cold temperatures for extended periods of time. While the staff is happy to partner with contracted vendors and function as a resource to the entire Market, Market staff will not be available to individual vendors to provide retail staffing support. Vendors may not rely on Market staff or volunteers in order to provide temporary staffing support or restroom breaks for your stand. This will require having more than one staff person in order to have bathroom or warm-up breaks!

    Cancellation will only occur in cases of severe weather, including:

    • Blizzard warnings

    • Ice storms creating unsafe conditions

    • Extreme cold advisories (dangerous wind chills)

    • Local/state emergency declarations

    Communication:

    • Vendors will be notified via email and/or text

    • Announcements will be posted on official social media channels

    Refunds, if applicable, will follow the Refund Policy.

    • Setup begins 2 hours prior to opening each day

    • Tear-down begins after market close only

    • Early breakdown is not permitted

  • Vendors may unload near the parking lot entrances up to one hour prior to opening. Once the vehicle is unloaded, please move to street parking nearby. Vehicles can move back to entrances for clean-up to load. For safety of other vendors, staff and to avoid hitting decor, vehicles will not be allowed in the parking lot. Please bring helpers and a wagon or dolly to transport goods from roadway to hut.

    • Booths are assigned by the Kriskindlmarkt Committee

    • Vendors must remain within their designated space

    • Booth sharing or subletting is not permitted

    • Each vendor will be provided a semi-enclosed hut 8’ x 7’

    • Huts are not insulated but will have a small propane heater

    • Dress for working in all weather conditions 

    • Vendors may use up to 2 feet in front of the hut for display

    • Generators: Only Food trucks have the option to use their own generators. All other individual generators are prohibited.

    • Each hut includes:

      • Propane heater

      • 110V, 15-amp electricity

      • Basic lighting

    • No pop-up tents permitted

    • Generators are not allowed

    • Vendors must bring their own tables, chairs, and display materials

    • Vendors are encouraged to decorate their space in a festive manner

      • Each hut will be fixed with garland and decor lights on the outside. 

    • Weights are required for any additional display elements

    • Secure inventory in snow/wind conditions.

    • Early teardown is prohibited except in extreme emergencies.

    • Vendors are responsible for maintaining a clean space.

    • All trash must be removed or disposed of in designated areas.

    • We encourage recycling or composting.

    • Vendors are asked to minimize single-use plastics where possible.

Booth Fees

    • One Weekend: $100

    • Two Weekends: $150

    • Accepted vendors will receive payment instructions via email

    • Full payment is due within 30 days of acceptance

    • Failure to pay may result in forfeiture of space

  • Check

    • Make checks payable to Lake Superior Community Partnership Foundation

    • Mail to: Lake Superior Community Partnership Foundation
      Attn: Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt
      101 W Washington St, Suite 10
      Marquette, MI 49855

    Credit Card

Eligibility

    • Artists, crafters, merchants, vendors and specialty retailers

    • Food and beverage vendors 

    • Live acts, musicians, singers, performers, and activity providers

    • Preference for items that are handcrafted, high-quality, or unique

    • Products must be family-friendly and in good taste

    • Preference may be given to:

      • Handmade goods

      • Holiday-themed items

      • Local/regional vendors

    • Mass-produced or wholesale goods (unless pre-approved)

    • Inappropriate or offensive materials

    • Items not listed on the original application

  • Vendors are to comply with Michigan state and federal tax requirements, including, but not limited to, all sales tax laws, income tax laws, and state and federal withholding and unemployment tax requirements pertaining to any employees. The vendor is solely responsible for collecting, reporting, and paying any and all taxes, including, but not limited to, Michigan sales tax. The vendor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt and the LSCP Foundation from any claims or liability arising from failure to comply with these tax requirements.

Food Vendor Expectations

  • Food vendors may be required to modify their huts in order to provide necessary safety for occupants or to protect the huts from damage incurred by operations. This could include fire-rated drywall and corrugated metal for fryers, tar paper floor covering, and Class K fire extinguishers, to the satisfaction of the Market staff and the Ishpeming Fire Department. Or have a small pop-up tent and grill outside the hut.

  • Food vendors providing and/or serving food products must comply with all regulations specified by the Marquette County Health Department, including, but not limited to, obtaining any required food handler permits or licenses. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their operations meet all local, state, and federal health requirements. For more information, please visit the Marquette County Health Department website: https://www.mqtco.org/health

  • The Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt and The Mather will operate and sell Hot Cocoa, Hot Cider, Mulled Wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. No other vendors are permitted to sell these beverages during the market.

Performer & Entertainer Expectations

  • Performers must coordinate with market staff regarding rehearsal times and sound checks prior to performance.

  • Performers are responsible for bringing, setting up, and removing all instruments, props, and technical equipment for their act or activity. Assistance from market staff is limited.

  • Performers must adhere to limits on amplification and sound levels as specified by the market committee to ensure a comfortable environment for attendees and neighboring vendors.

    • Perform only within designated performance areas.

    • Respect boundaries, props, and safety equipment.

    • Do not block pedestrian traffic or create hazards for attendees or vendors.

  • Any performance or activity involving equipment, props, or elements that may pose a risk to attendees requires appropriate liability insurance (see Insurance section).

Appropriate Conduct

  • The Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants and attendees. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, offensive or inappropriate language, discriminatory remarks, intimidation, or any behavior that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment.

    All vendors, performers, staff, and guests are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner. The Kriskindlmarkt Committee reserves the right to remove any individual or participant who violates this policy without refund or further notice.

  • Smoking, vaping, and the use of drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited within vendor booths, performance areas, and anywhere on the market grounds. Compliance with this policy is required at all times to ensure a safe and family-friendly environment for all attendees and participants.

  • Alcohol will be present and available for sale on market grounds. Vendors and performers may not consume alcohol while operating their booth, performing, or conducting activities. Compliance with this policy is required to maintain a safe, professional, and family-friendly environment for all attendees.

  • Pets are not allowed in vendor booths or anywhere on market grounds, except for certified service animals. This policy ensures the safety and comfort of all attendees, vendors, and performers.

Expectations for All Market Participants

    • Attend a training and informational session

    • Maintain adequate inventory throughout market hours

    • Maintain adequate staffing 

    • Be open during market hours for committee dates 

    • Be welcoming, professional, and festive

    • Sell only pre-approved items

    • Not sublet or share their booth

    • Post on social media week prior promoting participation in market

    • Provide daily transaction counts for impact study purposes 

    Failure to meet expectations may impact future participation.

    • Vendors must notify the committee as early as possible if unable to attend

    • Repeated absences may affect future acceptance

    • Vendors and performers are responsible for obtaining all required licenses, permits, and insurance

    • Proof required: Vendors and performers must provide a valid certificate of insurance at least 30 days prior to their first market date. Failure to provide proof may result in forfeiture of space or performance slot.

    • Responsibility for damages: Vendors and performers are responsible for any damage caused to huts, equipment, or other market property by their booth setup, displays, or activities. The Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt Committee, LSCP Foundation, The Mather, and their representatives are not liable for property damage caused by participants.

    • Vendors and performers are responsible for securing their inventory, equipment, and products overnight both inside and outside their huts. Market security will be roaming the market and periodically overnight police presence, but no 24/7 security. 

    • No leaving items between weekends: Vendors attending both weekends must remove all merchandise or food after the first weekend; items may not be left in huts overnight.

    • The market is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

    • Vendors are encouraged to bring locks, covers, or other protective measures to safeguard their products and displays.

    Nordic Hub our COMMAND CENTRAL & EMERGENCY INFORMATION: The "Nordic Hub-Command Central" will be located in the The Mather Conference Room and will be the central point for all emergencies, lost persons/items and assistance for most needs.

    • Vendors are responsible for:

      • All transactions

      • Providing change

      • Clearly displaying pricing

    • Vendors should indicate accepted payment methods

  • Vendors may provide samples of food products in compliance with Michigan Cottage Food Law (PA 113 of 2010) and the Michigan Food Law. Sampling must follow these guidelines:

    • Only non-potentially hazardous foods prepared in a home kitchen are allowed.

    • Samples must be individually portioned and served in single-use cups, plates, or wrappers.

    • Vendors must maintain clean serving practices, including handwashing and sanitizing surfaces.

    • Sampling is allowed only from your designated booth or vending area.

    • Vendors are responsible for complying with all state and local health regulations, including labeling, ingredient disclosure, and allergy information.

Additional Policies

  • Failure to comply with policies may result in:

    • Immediate removal from the market

    • Loss of fees

    • Ineligibility for future participation

    • Vendor fees are non-refundable once payment is received, unless otherwise determined by the committee. Winter in the U.P. is unpredictable so the market will run in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe. 

    • Exceptions may apply in the case of full market cancellation

    • Applications are reviewed through a jury process

    • Selection is based on:

      • Product quality

      • Variety and balance of vendors

      • Overall fit with market mission

    Selected vendors will be notified via email.

    • Emergencies: In the event of an accident, injury, or other emergency during market hours:

      1. Notify on-site staff immediately so proper assistance can be dispatched.

      2. Call 911 if emergency medical services are required.

      3. Vendors should provide emergency contact information for themselves and any staff on-site for use by market staff or first responders.

      4. Report all incidents to the Kriskindlmarkt Security after immediate safety concerns have been addressed.

    • Responsibility: Vendors are responsible for the safety of their own staff, participants, and patrons within their booth or performance area. The market and its staff are not liable for accidents, injuries, or other incidents that occur within vendor booths or during market activities.

  • Submission of an application constitutes agreement to these policies and serves as a binding vendor contract upon acceptance. Submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance into the market.