Are German Christmas Markets in the UK Really “Rip-Offs”? Here’s How to Create Your Own at Home for a Fraction of the Cost

Every November and December, UK cities burst into life with twinkling chalets, the scent of sizzling bratwurst and sweet Glühwein drifting through the frosty air. 

German Christmas markets have become a festive staple, but recent press reports have sounded a rather sour note, claiming that many of these markets are “rip-offs”, with eye-watering prices for food, drink, and gifts.

For families already feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, the idea of paying upwards of £7 for a single bratwurst or £6–£8 for a small cup of Glühwein can make a festive outing feel more stressful than magical.

So, is there truth in the criticism? And if so, how can you still enjoy the spirit of a German-style market without draining your Christmas budget?

The good news: you absolutely can recreate the experience at home, and often using the very same brands you’d find at German stalls, thanks to Lidl, Aldi and a bit of creative flair.

Why the “Rip-Off” Headlines?

UK-based German markets are wonderful for atmosphere, but they come with real issues:

1. High stall fees for traders

Many operators charge premium fees for vendors to participate. These costs inevitably trickle down to the consumer.

2. Imported ingredients and logistics

Bringing authentic German sausages, mulled wine, pretzels and pastries into the UK adds transport and storage costs, particularly now, post-Brexit.

3. Attraction pricing

Because these markets have become seasonal “experiences”, prices often reflect what visitors will tolerate rather than what products are worth.

4. Central city locations

Whether it's Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds or Edinburgh, city-centre rents are steep, and consumers end up footing the bill.

None of this diminishes the charm of the markets… but it does make them pricier than many families can comfortably manage.

Create Your Own Mini German Christmas Market at Home

Recreating the magic is far easier, and cheaper, than you’d think. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a festive family night, or simply want the flavours of Christmas without the queues, here’s how to bring Bavaria to your living room or garden.

1. Stock Up on German Christmas Market Classics at Lidl or Aldi

Both supermarkets offer large German speciality ranges in the run-up to Christmas, many of them the exact foods and brands sold at UK markets.

Bratwurst & Bratwurst XXL

Lidl’s “Deluxe Nürnberger Bratwurst”

Aldi’s “Bavarian Bratwurst” and “Frankfurter-style sausages”

Just grill or pan-fry, nestle in a crusty roll and add mustard.

Glühwein / Mulled Wine

Aldi’s Christkindl Glühwein is a genuine German import.

Lidl’s Glühwein is similar in flavour and strength — and often half the price of market stalls.

Warm gently (never boil!) and serve in festive mugs. Which you can also buy at the same retailers. 

Pretzels

Frozen Bavarian-style pretzels appear at both supermarkets in November and December. Sprinkle with salt, bake for five minutes and enjoy.

Stollen & Lebkuchen

Import labels such as Favorina, Wicklein and Berggold regularly appear in Aldi and Lidl. These are the same brands featured in many European markets, just at supermarket prices.

Potato Rösti & Sauerkraut

A tasty and traditional pairing with sausages, available year-round in both stores.

2. Create a Cosy Market Atmosphere

A German Christmas market is as much about ambience as flavour. You can easily recreate that magical feeling:

Lighting

Use warm fairy lights indoors or LED lanterns in the garden. Hang them along fences, windows, or an outdoor pergola.

Market Stall Vibes

Create small “stations” around your home:

Sausage Grill Stall – your kitchen or BBQ

Glühwein Bar – slow cooker or hob

Sweet Treats Chalet – stollen, gingerbread, waffles

Craft Corner – handmade decorations, children’s crafts

Music

Play traditional German Christmas songs or instrumental festive playlists featuring accordions, violins and glockenspiels.

Outdoor Option

If you have a garden, add blankets, a firepit, and hot drinks for a cosy Nordic-style experience.

3. Offer Market-Style Treats and Activities

Make Your Own Baubles

Let the children decorate clear plastic baubles with glitter, paint or fake snow.

Marzipan & Chocolate Tasting

Pick up assorted German chocolates (Dominosteine, marzipan bars, fruit jellies) and create a tasting board.

Warm Waffle Station

Use a waffle maker and serve with cherries, Nutella, or cinnamon sugar.

DIY Photo Spot

Hang lights and evergreen garlands for an instant Christmas-market photo backdrop.

4. Cost Comparison: A Pleasant Surprise

Item Typical UK  Market Price Lidl/Aldi Price

Bratwurst in a bun £6–£8        £0.80–£1.20 per sausage

Glühwein (small cup) £6–£8        £3–£4 per bottle (4–6 servings)

Pretzel £4–£5                                40p each (frozen batch)

Stollen slice £3–£4                       £1.49 for a whole loaf

In fact, hosting your own market evening for a family of four can cost less than two snacks at a city centre market,  and you enjoy it in comfort, with no crowds or parking costs.

German Christmas markets in the UK bring plenty of magic, but the headlines calling them “rip-offs” reflect a real frustration. With prices climbing each year, families are increasingly looking for budget-friendly alternatives that still offer the enchantment of a festive evening out.

By turning to Aldi or Lidl and using a little creativity, you can recreate the taste, smell, warmth and wonder of a German Christmas market right at home, for a fraction of the cost and with all the joy.

It’s cosy, affordable, fun, and truly captures the heart of the season. Prost... and Frohe Weihnachten!