Do you need tickets for Edinburgh Xmas Markets?

No, entry to the main Edinburgh Christmas Market areas (like East Princes Street Gardens) is generally free, but you need to buy separate tickets for specific attractions such as the Big Wheel, ice skating, Starflyer, Polar Ice Bar, and Santa's Stories. It's recommended to book these attraction tickets online in advance, especially for peak times, as the markets get very busy.

Do you have to book tickets for Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Edinburgh's Christmas is free to enter, with tickets available online for attractions including the LNER Big Wheel, Star Flyer, Polar Ice Bar, Ice Rink and Santa's Stories. There are Box Offices across all three sites, but as Christmas gets closer these can be pretty busy, so we'd advise booking online.

Do I need cash for the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

You can use both cash and card at the Edinburgh Christmas Market, but cards (especially contactless/phone payments) are widely accepted and often preferred, though it's wise to carry some cash for smaller stalls, emergencies, or patchy Wi-Fi/signal issues. Most major stalls and attractions take cards, but some smaller vendors might be cash-only or have minimum card spends. 

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. 

How much is a ride at 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.

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 – First Look & Honest Review!

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 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.

How many stalls does the Edinburgh Christmas Market have?

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.

What to wear to Edinburgh Christmas Markets?

Dressing in layers, including a warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf, will keep you comfortable. What should I wear when visiting Edinburgh in winter? Layering is essential. Start with a thermal base layer or long-sleeved top, add a warm jumper or fleece and finish with a waterproof, windproof coat.

Can you keep the mugs at German Christmas Markets?

Basically, you're going to give three or four extra euro for the mug and if you bring it back, they give the three or four euro back to you and if you don't bring it back, then, you keep your mug. There are a lot of people that want to come to Christmas markets and collect the mugs which I think is amazing.

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.

What time is the Edinburgh Castle light show?

Edinburgh Castle lights up for special events like "Castle of Light," which usually has timed entries starting around 4:30 PM and running into the evening, with specific dates often in late autumn/winter. Normally, the castle is floodlit, but lighting times depend on the season and special events, so check Historic Environment Scotland for current event schedules or general floodlighting times as daylight fades.
 

Which is the best Christmas market in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh's 5 Best Christmas Markets In 2026

• East Princes Street Christmas Market. Location: Princes Street, EH2 2HG. ...
• Edinburgh Farmer's Market. Location: Castle Terrace, EH1 2EN. ...
• Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair. ...
• Summerhall Christmas Market. ...
• Jupiter Artland's Christmas Fair.

Do you have to book tickets for Edinburgh Fringe?

Types of ticketing

Performances where a standard or concessionary ticket price is purchased before the performance – either in advance or on the door. Shows that can be ticketed or non-ticketed but do not charge in advance. The Fringe Box Office can issue tickets for free ticketed shows.

Do you need tickets for the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025?

No, you do not need tickets to enter the Edinburgh Christmas Market itself, as general admission to the stalls and atmosphere in areas like Princes Street Gardens is free, but you do need tickets for specific attractions like the Big Wheel, Ice Rink, Starflyer, Santa's Stories, and the Tree Maze, which should be booked online in advance to avoid long queues and disappointment, with all ticket purchases being cashless (card only) at the event.
 

Is there food at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

What to Eat and Drink at the 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.

Are there any areas to avoid in Edinburgh?

Leith, Sighthill & Gorgie, andCraigmillar are less safe areas in Edinburgh and have higher crime rates.

What to visit in Edinburgh for free?

Edinburgh offers many free attractions, including exploring the historic Old Town (Royal Mile, Grassmarket), walking through Princes Street Gardens, hiking Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park, visiting top museums like the National Museum of Scotland, admiring art at the National Galleries, wandering the picturesque Dean Village, and enjoying the Royal Botanic Garden. 

Is it better to buy Edinburgh Castle tickets online or walk in?

Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry. Once tickets are sold out online, there will be no further tickets available at the castle. You should set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.

Is there more than one Christmas Market in Edinburgh?

Christmas markets are a huge draw during festive trips, and Edinburgh is a city with a really lovely selection of them. The daddy of them all is the huge East Princes Street Gardens market, but there are several smaller ones too, that are no less charming.

How far is Edinburgh Christmas Market from train station?

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

Is there ice skating at Edinburgh's market?

15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

This year's rink will be undercover, allowing visitors to enjoy the majestic Georgian skyline of Edinburgh's New Town from the ice. Once you've skated your way around the rink, warm up with a hot drink or treat from food stalls in the George Street warming zone.