Do you have to pay to enter Edinburgh Christmas Markets?

Entry into Edinburgh's Christmas sites is free, but you may have to pay for additional rides and attractions, either by pre-booking tickets or purchasing on the day. Please note that each site is cashless, and so will be taking card payments only.

Is Edinburgh Christmas Market free entry?

Do I need an entrance ticket to Edinburgh's Christmas? Entry into all Edinburgh's Christmas sites is free! You can pre-book a selection of rides and activities online in advance such as Ice Skating, The Big Wheel, Santa's Stories and more.

How much does it cost to go to the Christmas Market in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens

Free to enter, shoppers can browse around 70 stalls featuring everything from clothing and jewellery to handmade gifts for the home.

Do you need tickets for Christmas Markets?

Do I Need Tickets for the Christmas Markets in London? Some of the London Christmas Markets will require entry tickets (such as the Winter Wonderland), whereas others have free entry. Rides and attractions for most markets can be purchased ahead of time online – head to their websites for more details.

Is the Edinburgh Xmas market worth it?

We managed to walk the entire market whilst looking within about 30 mins. We were really underwhelmed as we thought it would be bigger than what it was. Overall, it was probably one of the worst Christmas markets I've been too. Incredibly disappointed.

Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2024: First look, Stall Overview, Day vs. Night visit on opening weekend

What is the biggest Xmas market in the UK?

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester is home to a jolly gigantic Christmas market, perhaps the biggest in Britain, boasting over 300 traders. The city centre has multiple streets packed with stalls offering a multitude of tantalising food and drink, as well as an extensive range of gifts to buy for loved ones.

Where is the entrance to Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Overview. If you been to Edinburgh's Princes St, Gardens before, you will know that it is particularly hilly. If you enter via the back entrance (at the bottom of Cockburn Street) and take advantage of the lift within the art gallery, this will give you the best access to browse the stalls.

Do I need cash for Christmas markets?

Comfortable (and, ideally, waterproof) shoes are a must. Bring an extra (collapsible) shopping bag or two, in case browsing turns to buying. While more and more vendors take credit cards, it's wise to have cash, including small change for mug deposits, pay-to-pee bathrooms, and so on.

Do you have to pay to get into the distillery Christmas market?

Admission is FREE during the week, until 6pm on Fridays. We strongly encourage all visitors to purchase tickets in advance. The Distillery District and it's stores are open 7 days a week from 10am with free entry on weekends before the noon Christmas Market opening.

Which Christmas market is best?

1. Gdansk. Gdańsk's Christmas Market is awarded the title of European Best Christmas Market 2025 with +90,000 votes!

What to buy at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

You will find stalls selling Christmas tarten gifts, Christmas Highland Cattle, and of cause Haggis and the famous Scottish Mac and Cheese! But not only that, there was something else I loved about Edinburgh Christamas Markets. They had plenty of Vegan options, including Vegan haggis pie!

What time does the Edinburgh Xmas market open?

Times (2024)

10am - 10pm daily, except: 24 December: 10am - 6pm. 25 December: Closed.

Do Edinburgh residents get a discount at Christmas Markets?

Edinburgh local resident discount

Tickets can be booked on Edinburgh's Christmas website or in-person at one of the on-site box offices at West Princes Street Gardens, East Princes Street Gardens, and George Street.

Is Edinburgh Hogmanay free?

the world-famous Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party with live bands, DJ's, street theatre and unforgettable Midnight Fireworks. and a packed New Year's Day of free events with live music and family events throughout the city centre.

What date is the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025?

15 November 2025 - 04 January 2026

Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink, plus so much more. We can't wait to see you all again this year!

How much is it to get into the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Entry into Edinburgh's Christmas sites is free, but you may have to pay for additional rides and attractions, either by pre-booking tickets or purchasing on the day. Please note that each site is cashless, and so will be taking card payments only.

Is The Distillery District Christmas Market worth it?

This event is hugely over-rated. There is not much there to see or do. And the crowds and line ups are very big. I find smaller Christmas Markets in small towns or rural areas are much nice than the Toronto Distillery District Christmas Market.

What to drink at Christmas markets?

Hot mulled wine — called Glühwein in the German speaking world — is a staple of Christmas markets in Europe. What better way to warm up while shopping outdoors? It is typically prepared using red wine that is heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cardamom, orange, sugar and at times, vanilla pods.

How much cash should I bring to German Christmas markets?

Take cash!

You could budget around €30 to €50 for each market, which should be enough to buy drinks, bratwurst and other snacks. For food you can expect to pay around €3 to €6 per beer or wurst.

Can you haggle at Christmas markets?

Don't be afraid to barter

If you're buying for family and friends, why not quote another price you've seen or ask if they'll do a bulk discount. Familiarising yourself with the local language can be a big benefit when haggling because the locals will respect the effort and may reduce the price.

Are shops in the UK allowed to refuse cash?

Cash is legal tender in the UK, but businesses are not obliged to serve people who only want to pay with notes and coins. Some countries, such as Australia, are planning rules that would force essential services to accept cash.

Which is the best Christmas market in Edinburgh?

East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic city centre, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the city's iconic skyline, East Princes Street Gardens hosts the free to enter traditional Christmas Market.

How far is Edinburgh Christmas Market from train station?

The nearest railway station to Edinburgh's Christmas is Edinburgh Waverley which is approximately 2 minutes' walk to the entrance to East Princes Street Gardens. The most direct route is via the Waverley Bridge exit, which is also step-free.

What is the best Christmas market in the UK?