Why Do Christmas Markets Flood? A Festive Look at SuDS in the UK

Every December, the UK transforms into a cosy patchwork of Christmas markets, mulled-wine stalls, and festive pop-ups. But there’s something else we all notice at this time of year - the mud, the puddles, the soggy walkways, and the sense that we should have worn wellies instead of our nice winter boots.

From Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland to local Christmas fairs and pop-up ice rinks, one question lingers:

Why do so many festive events end up waterlogged - and what could SuDS do about it?

The Real Reason Christmas Markets Get So Wet

December in the UK brings:

• Heavy, persistent rainfall

• Compact footfall on grassed areas

• Temporary structures and impermeable surfaces

• Poor drainage beneath seasonal installations

All of these combine into the perfect recipe for surface water flooding.

Large events often build over parks, plazas, and green spaces that were never designed to support high visitor numbers, temporary roofs, or additional runoff. When the ground becomes saturated, water simply has nowhere to go - so it pools, sits, and turns into the classic “Winter Wonderland mud bath”.

Where SuDS Come In

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) aren’t just for housing developments or commercial schemes - they can play a major role in improving the resilience of temporary and seasonal events.

With the right approach, Christmas markets could stay festive rather than flooded.

Permeable Ground Protection

Temporary permeable matting allows infiltration rather than creating a sealed, muddy barrier. It handles footfall while still letting water pass into the soil.

Surface Water Storage Zones

Pop-up attenuation crates - or even temporary above-ground storage - can manage extra runoff during peak rainfall.

Rain Gardens and Planters

Seasonal planters, often used at Christmas markets for decoration, can double as rain gardens, capturing runoff while adding to the festive ambience.

Swales Along High-Traffic Routes

These can be discreetly integrated around market perimeters and help channel water away from footpaths.

Smart Drainage Design for Temporary Structures

Temporary roofs, cabins, stages, and stalls often drain water unpredictably. Simple adjustments - guttering, redirection, permeable bases - can make a big difference.

A More Sustainable Winter Wonderland

Imagine a Christmas market where:

• Pathways stay walkable

• Stalls aren’t surrounded by puddles

• Grass recovers quickly after the event

• The whole site manages rainfall naturally

That’s the impact SuDS can have - not just for long-term developments, but for seasonal pop-ups too.

With climate change bringing wetter, stormier winters to the UK, the case for integrating SuDS into festive events has never been stronger. A few straightforward drainage interventions could make Christmas markets safer, cleaner, and far more enjoyable for the millions who visit each year.

Planning a Winter Event Next Year?

SuDS Designs by JMS Engineers supports developers, landowners, councils, and event organisers with SuDS Reports, Drainage Strategies, and Flood Risk Assessments across the UK.

Whether you’re planning a major Christmas attraction or simply want to improve drainage on your site, we can help prepare it for the next winter downpour.

After all - nobody wants their festive season ruined by unexpected mud.