Winter 2025 has clearly shown how cold it can really get in many regions of Europe. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the perceived temperatures in November and December are noticeably lower than in previous years. It is precisely in this particularly cold winter that the image of Christmas markets changes: classic bar tables / high tables are no longer enough – fire tables and especially gas fire tables are becoming the new key equipment for mulled wine and gastronomy stands.
This article shows how the concept is evolving from a simple bar table to a standing fire table and finally to the Gas Fire Table – and why this development is crucial to the business of many retailers at the Christmas market, especially in winter 2025.
1 The classic bar table: basic infrastructure at every Christmas market
For many years, simple bar tables were the silent foundation of every Christmas market. They still fulfill important functions today:
- Storage area for mulled wine, punch and hot chocolate
- Meeting place for friends and colleagues who drop by “for a mulled wine”
- Equalization of the crowd directly at the stand
- Increased length of stay and therefore potentially higher sales
But in winter 2025, one problem is more apparent than ever before: It is simply too cold to linger for long at a simple bar table. Guests freeze faster, the mulled wine cools down quickly and many visitors just have a cup of and move on. The length of stay decreases – and with it the chance of a second or third sale.
2 The next step: bar tables with fire – more atmosphere, more warmth
To counteract this development, many operators have started to upgrade their bar tables in recent years: small ethanol fireplaces, table fires or integrated flame modules are used on or in the tables. This trend will gain further momentum in winter 2025 due to the particularly cold weather.
Why are bar tables with fire so attractive?
- Fire as an eye-catcher: A living flame automatically attracts attention.
- More dwell time: Guests stay longer when they are close to a heat source.
- Mood and atmosphere: The interplay of light, warmth and mulled wine creates a particularly cozy ambience.
- Social media effect: fire and light scenes are photographed and shared more frequently – free advertising for the stand.
Nevertheless, many simple table-top fire solutions have limitations – especially in windy conditions and very low temperatures, such as those we experience more frequently in winter 2025. This is exactly where the next evolutionary stage comes into play.
3 Gas fire tables: The answer to the particularly cold winter of 2025
The gas fire table is the logical next step for many stand operators: It combines the function of a high table with a powerful, adjustable and clean fire source. The exceptionally cold winter of 2025 in particular shows just how big the difference is in practice.
3.1 Stable flame even in windy conditions
Compared to wood or coal fires as well as open ethanol flames, gas fire tables offer the same benefits:
- Constant flame height
- Hardly any influence from wind (especially with glass surround)
- Infinitely variable heat output
In winter 2025, when wind and cold occur more frequently and more intensively, this stability is a decisive advantage – both for the comfort of guests and for the planning security of operators.
3.2 More heat, more turnover
Gas fire tables not only produce a beautiful flame, but also noticeable warmth. In a winter that is colder than in previous years, this leads directly to a measurable effect:
- Guests stay much longer at the stand.
- The likelihood of a second or third round of mulled wine or punch increases.
- The entire environment looks more inviting, which makes new guests more likely to stay.
The gas fire table is therefore a real sales lever, especially at busy Christmas markets.
3.3 Smoke-free, odorless and gentle on clothing
While wood or coal fires are increasingly viewed critically in winter 2025 – due to smoke development, odor and particulate matter – the gas solution scores points:
- No smoke
- no flying sparks
- no strong odor
For guests wearing thick woollen coats, scarves and high-quality winter jackets, this is a big plus: Nobody wants to smell like a campfire after a visit to the Christmas market. Gas fire tables are the much more pleasant solution here.
3.4 Simple handling and predictable costs
In contrast to wood or coal, which are expensive to procure, store and handle, gas fire tables can be operated very efficiently:
- Replacing the gas cylinder instead of constantly adding fuel
- No ash or soot production
- Minimal cleaning effort
- Manageable and calculable operating costs
This is a decisive advantage, especially in the intensive Christmas market business in 2025, where staff are scarce and time is valuable, .
3.5 Safety and approvability
Many cities have tightened the regulations for open fires in recent years. Gas fire tables with tested components, glass surrounds and clearly defined safety zones are generally easier to approve and monitor than improvised fireplaces.
In a winter like 2025, when Christmas markets are once again busy and safety requirements remain high, a controlled gas solution is often the most pragmatic and professional choice.
4 Conclusion 2025: From bar table to gas fire table – those who offer warmth sell more
Winter 2025 is colder than in previous years – and this is precisely what is changing the behavior of visitors to the Christmas market. Retailers who continue to rely solely on traditional bar tables, run the risk of quickly losing guests again.
The development can be clearly summarized:
- Bar table / high table: Basic equipment, but quickly reaches its limits in very cold weather.
- Bar table with fire: More atmosphere, first significant improvement in dwell time.
- Gas fire table: Stable, warm, safe, smoke-free – the consistent solution for winter 2025.
If you position your stand as an inviting, warm meeting point instead of just a drinks dispenser, you benefit twice over: through higher sales and a stronger, more positive brand experience for guests.
In the particularly cold Christmas winter of 2025, the following applies more than ever:
Those who offer warmth sell more – and gas fire tables are the perfect tool for this.
5 Recommended fire tables for the 2025 Christmas market
As winter 2025 is particularly cold and gas fire tables have a clear advantage this year, we would like to recommend two models that are ideal for mulled wine, punch and gastronomy stands. Both variants are made of high-quality GFRC concrete (glass fiber reinforced concrete) – a robust, weather-resistant and professional material that is perfect for intensive use at Christmas markets.
5.1 LAFITE Barrel Bar Table
This barrel-shaped fire table combines a stylish barrel look with an exceptionally large table surface measuring 122 cm in diameter. Perfect for busy Christmas market stands where many guests linger at the same time. Its round shape creates a 360° gathering point that automatically attracts passers-by. The sturdy GFRC concrete construction is weatherproof, durable and ideal for daily, intensive use. The integrated gas burner provides a quiet, strong flame – just what you need in the particularly cold winter of 2025 to keep guests at the stand for longer.
5.2 MONTREALL bar table
The MONTREALL is the ideal solution for smaller stands or those with limited space. With a table size of 87 × 87 cm, it still offers enough space for several guests and drinks, while its high-quality dark gray travertine look immediately catches the eye. This model is also made of hard-wearing GFRC Beton and is optimized for daily outdoor use. Its square design has a modern and structured look – perfect for visibly enhancing even small areas and inviting visitors to linger.
Both fire tables offer warmth, atmosphere and practical functionality – exactly what the particularly cold Christmas winter of 2025 requires. Retailers who want to keep their visitors for longer will gain a clear advantage over classic bar tables with these models.
6 Frequently asked questions
Why are classic bar tables no longer enough in the cold winter of 2025?
Winter 2025 is significantly colder than in previous years. A normal bar table offers a place to put mulled wine, but no warmth. Guests freeze more quickly, stay standing for less time and often move on after a single cup. With a heated bar table or a gas fire table , the length of stay is significantly extended – and sales and atmosphere increase noticeably.
Do bar tables with fire really increase sales at the Christmas market?
Yes – and very clearly so. A bar table with a fire acts as a natural attraction: the flame attracts attention, guests stay longer, warm up, chat – and often order a second or third round of mulled wine. Especially in the cold winter of 2025, every extra minute spent here is worth money.
What are the advantages of a gas fire table over a wood or coal fire?
A gas fire table offers several advantages over wood or coal fires:
- Stable flame: hardly susceptible to wind and infinitely adjustable.
- Smoke-free & odorless: no clouds of smoke, no “campfire clothing”.
- Low maintenance: no need to add wood, no ash disposal, quick start.
- Compliant with regulations: easier to approve than open fireplaces.
Gas operation 2025 is therefore clearly the most professional solution for busy Christmas markets.
Is a gas fire table at the Christmas market safe?
Yes – as long as it is connected and operated correctly. A modern gas fire table has tested burner systems, thermocouples and safety valves. The important thing is:
- Always keep sufficient distance from decorations and flammable materials
- Ensure good ventilation
- Regularly check for leaks
- Always close the gas cylinder after operation
Compared to improvised wood fires, a gas fire table is much safer and more controlled.
Are stand-up fire tables also suitable for small or narrow stands?
Yes. Models such as the compact MONTREALL with 87×87 cm are ideal for smaller stands with limited space. Nevertheless, they create a clear meeting point and attract guests without blocking walkways.
For larger stands, larger round bar tables with fire – such as the LAFITE Barrel Table – are suitable for serving several people at the same time.
How durable are fire bar tables made of GFRC (GF concrete)?
Very durable. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) is significantly more resistant than normal concrete and can easily withstand cold, moisture, knocks and daily stress – perfect for Christmas markets where the tables are used intensively.
- High impact resistance
- weather resistant
- Dimensionally stable despite temperature changes
- Optically high-quality with night lighting
With a protective cover and occasional maintenance, a GFRC fire table can be used for many years.
When does a gas fire table pay for itself for stand operators?
This depends on the location and the number of visitors – but usually sooner than you think. A gas fire table ensures that guests stay longer and reorder more often. Many operators report that the purchase pays for itself within a single Christmas market.
Why is 2025 particularly suitable for switching to fire standing tables and gas fire tables?
Winter 2025 is exceptionally cold – and at the same time, visitors are demanding more atmosphere, warmth and quality of stay than before. A heated bar table or a gas fire table transforms a simple sales stand into a cozy meeting place that attracts guests and lasts longer.
It is precisely this additional length of stay that will make the decisive difference in sales in 2025.
