Do you have to pay to enter the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Entry to the main Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens is generally free, allowing visitors to walk through and browse the stalls without paying an entrance fee. While the market itself is free, tickets are required for specific attractions like the LNER Big Wheel, Star Flyer, and Santa's Stories.

How much is the Big Wheel Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Prices for a spin on the Big Wheel are £12 for and adult and £9.60 for concessions, while a family ticket - with a maximum of two adults - costs £38.40 - again card payments only. And it costs from £13.50 per person for a ride on the 80 metres high Starflyer.

Do you need tickets for Edinburgh Hogmanay?

Yes, you absolutely need tickets for the main Edinburgh Hogmanay events, like the famous Street Party and the Concert in the Gardens, as they create ticketed arenas with specific entry gates; however, the city still has a festive atmosphere and some free elements, with many people enjoying the fireworks from outside the main zones (like Calton Hill) or attending smaller, ticketed events like ceilidhs or cathedral concerts. 

Where to enter the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

East Princes Street Gardens is fully accessible from both Princes Street and Waverley Bridge. Accessible entrances are available at the gate between the galleries on the mound and the Waverley Bridge entrance gate. The Market Street entrance grants accessible entry to the South-side attractions.

How many stalls are at the Edinburgh Xmas market?

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. And when hunger calls, the tempting aromas from the various local and international food and drink stalls are sure to tempt you.

FIRST DAY of Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2025 | a guide with walkthrough and prices

What time of day does Edinburgh Christmas Market open?

Times (2024)

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

Can you walk around Edinburgh Castle without a ticket?

Edinburgh Castle

Whilst entry into Edinburg Castle isn't one of the things to do in Edinburgh for free, walking up to and around the outside or simply viewing from almost anywhere in the city, certainly is. We'd recommend The Vennel for a great place to take photos of it.

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

General admission is $15 plus HST and admin fee during select peak periods between Nov. 21 and Dec. 31, with free entry at other times and for children nine and under. Organizers say ticket revenue funds more than 700 seasonal staff and covers operational costs, including security and paid duty officers.

What is the 2 for 1 ticket at Edinburgh Fringe?

What is a 2for1 day? Shows can choose to take part in the 2for1 offer on the first Monday and Tuesday of the Fringe. Purchase two (or multiples of two) full-price tickets and the discount will be automatically applied to your basket. Please note: this offer does not apply if you purchase one ticket.

Are there toilets at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

We recommend speaking to a member of security or staff who can direct you nearest accessible entrance. Accessible Toilet is available on site near the Big Wheel - Please speak to security or our Front of House Team if unsure of directions and contact security for the key.

Do you have to book Edinburgh Fringe?

You have a show in a venue in Edinburgh. It's either free, in which case people just turn up and pay by donation at the end, or it's in a paid venue, in which case people have to book and pay for tickets in advance either at the Fringe Box office, online, on phone, or at venue.

Why are Christmas markets so expensive?

A large part of it comes down to the 'captive audience' of revellers at a Christmas market, though there are a few other reasons too. In major cities like London or Manchester, stallholders can pay upwards of £10,000 for a spot at a Christmas market - a fee that's reflected in higher prices.

Is Edinburgh still Christmassy in January?

Yes, Edinburgh retains a festive, "Christmassy" feel into early January, with its main Winter Festival attractions and Christmas Markets typically running until around January 4th, featuring lights, ice skating, markets, and fairground rides, though the core festivities wind down after the New Year's Hogmanay celebrations conclude. The atmosphere is magical, but the main events shut down shortly after the holiday, leaving the general ambiance but not all attractions past the first few days of the month. 

Why was Christmas banned for 400 years in Scotland?

Christmas was banned in Scotland for nearly 400 years primarily due to the Protestant Reformation, where the strict Presbyterian Church (the Kirk) viewed Christmas as an overly indulgent Catholic festival, leading to an official ban in 1640 by the Scottish Parliament, making it a workday for centuries until it became a public holiday in 1958. 

Are Edinburgh Trams free for over 60s?

Yes, if you are over 60 in Edinburgh, you can get free tram travel if you have a Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC) issued by the City of Edinburgh Council; cards from other council areas are generally not valid on trams, but visually impaired passes with the eye symbol are accepted. You must tap your card on the platform validator before boarding and board within 30 minutes of validating. 

How many stalls are there at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

East Princes Street Gardens - Edinburgh Christmas Market

Around 70 stalls in the market feature some of the finest local and international artisans offering a wide array of items, from handcrafted gifts and bespoke products to delectable treats and delightful beverages.

What can I buy at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

You can't visit the Edinburgh Christmas market without sampling some of its key specialties. Of course, Edinburgh's festive foods are a must, such as rich minced pies, succulent bratwurst, earthy haggis, and buttery Scottish shortbread.