Mulled it over? Whether Christmas markets are a festive party-starter or just a rip-off

Festive shopping stalls are big business - but are they worth it?

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A highlight of the festive season or an overpriced ripoff? Attitudes to Christmas markets differ wildly, depending largetly on quality and expectation.

When you're paying a tenner for a small plastic glass of mulled wine, you want it to be drinkable, not reminiscent of something that's been used to pickle beetroot.

You've probably seen the horror stories on Facebook (where else? It's the home of the furious consumer) about shoppers forking out an extortionate amount of money for a sausage then being bitterly disappointed.

Others have complained that markets aren't just overpriced, they're crowded, full of tat and over-commercialised.

Visitors have criticised their lack of authenticity, complaining over the mass-produced Christmas decorations and gifts, while the traders themselves say pitch fees are too high.

On the other hand, they create seasonal jobs, bring in millions for the local economy and support small, artisan producers - not to mention creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

BOOMING BUSINESS

There's no escaping the fact that festive markets can be big business.