Christmas markets: how much energy they use and how to reduce their energy impact

Behind the festive magic lies a significant increase in energy use. For example, according to Red Eléctrica de España, electricity demand in December 2023 rose by 3.8% compared to the same month the previous year, driven largely by urban lighting and holiday-related commercial activity.

This increase raises a few questions: how can we enjoy Christmas without compromising sustainability? How much energy do Christmas markets actually use, and how can we reduce their impact? Let’s explore the phenomenon, understand its magnitude, identify the factors behind consumption, and review best practices to help minimise it.

The charm of Christmas markets and their energy impact

Christmas markets are highly attractive. They mix tradition, family-friendly atmospheres, gastronomy, decorations, and artisan crafts in towns and cities alike. Madrid, Barcelona, and Vigo attract thousands of visitors with their stands and decorations. This way, the cities boost local economies, encourage social interaction in illuminated public spaces, and create the unmistakable spirit of Christmas.

But this magic comes at a cost. Lighting, heating, electrical equipment, and temporary structures all increase electricity use —an energy impact that, while not always easy to quantify, should not be overlooked. Even though many cities have switched to LED lighting, energy consumption remains considerable —especially in markets that include amusement rides or food service areas.

It’s estimated that Christmas lighting in a large Spanish city can consume between 160,000 and 170,000 kWh in just one hour of operation. This means that, despite LED technology and other improvements, the overall volume of lighting and decorations still represents a significant share of additional seasonal energy use.

Main factors that influence energy consumption at Christmas markets

Several elements determine the level of electricity consumption associated with Christmas markets:

Decorative lighting

As the holidays begin, lights are always the main attraction —and they account for a large part of total consumption. Bulbs, garlands, illuminated arches, giant trees, and other decorations require considerable electrical power. While each individual unit may consume little, the sheer volume and long operating hours substantially increase overall demand. For example, a string of 100 LED bulbs can consume between 300 and 600 W per hour.

The daily lighting schedule and the number of operating days heavily influence consumption: the earlier lights are turned on —and the longer they stay on— the higher the energy use. Some cities have reduced lighting hours to save energy.

Heating for stalls

In colder regions, electric or gas heaters are used as supplementary heating or climate control equipment for the sales and service stalls. This equipment is especially common in outdoor markets located in squares and parks. In temporary enclosed spaces, heaters are sometimes used as well, though usually with lower demand. In both cases, these systems significantly increase energy consumption.

Restaurant equipment —such as ovens, grills, and coffee machines— as well as amusement rides like carousels and sound systems, also contribute to higher consumption.

Technology and efficiency

Using LED lights, timed control systems, sensors, and renewable energy makes a major difference. Switching to LED technology and reducing operating hours could cut Christmas lighting consumption by up to 33%.

Indeed, other factors —such as contracted power levels, type of supply contract, installation efficiency, and the willingness of the city council, public authority or organising company to save energy— also play a key role. Understanding these factors helps organisers plan and implement improvements that reduce consumption without compromising the holiday atmosphere.

Examples of energy use in Spanish Christmas markets

While there are no official figures focused exclusively on Christmas markets, here are some useful examples illustrating typical holiday lighting consumption:

• A medium-sized Christmas market with around 50 stalls may consume 250 to 500 kWh per day, considering LED lighting, heating, and food-service equipment. In Madrid, Christmas lighting usually includes around 12 million LED bulbs, with an estimated consumption of 168,000 kWh per hour citywide. However, the city relies on efficient technology that helps mitigate the impact.
• In Vigo, with approximately 11.5 million LED bulbs spread across 450 streets and squares, estimated consumption reaches roughly 161,000 kWh for the full Christmas lighting display.
• At home, a medium-sized Christmas tree decorated with LED lights operating 6 hours per day for one month can consume around 1,800 to 3,600 kWh.

These examples show that although LED technology, increased consumption awareness, and renewable energy have significantly improved efficiency, the aggregated impact of holiday lighting remains noteworthy and requires careful management.

How to reduce energy consumption in Christmas markets

Several actions can help reduce energy consumption in Christmas markets and minimise their electrical impact —and many of them also apply at home:

1. Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED lights, which can save up to 80% of energy use. Using low-power light strings, timers, and automatic shut-off sensors contributes to keeping consumption low. 
2. Shorten lighting hours —turn lights on later, turn them off earlier—to reduce operating time and decrease overall consumption. For instance, Barcelona reduced lighting hours by one hour, saving 18%, while Vigo shortened daily lighting schedules by one hour, achieving a 14% reduction.
3. Some Christmas markets and fairs already run on 100% renewable electricity, lowering their carbon footprint. Many also install timers, sensors, and advanced management or remote-control systems that adjust brightness, shut off lighting when no visitors are present, and detect faults or excessive consumption.
4. Planning and monitoring installations is also essential: understanding the scale of the setup —number of bulbs, power per stall, lighting structures— helps prevent waste. Closing stalls or certain market areas during low visitor traffic also saves energy.
5. Choosing the right energy tariff is important as well. For organisers, vendors, and even households, selecting a tariff with stable pricing and predictable costs can help control expenses. For example, Endesa’s Conecta tariff is ideal for small vendors, seasonal setups, or stores operating with extended holiday hours.