Yes, the Edinburgh Christmas Market (running for the 2025/2026 season) features numerous rides for all ages, primarily located in East Princes Street Gardens and the surrounding area. Major attractions include the 80m-tall Around the World Starflyer, the Big Wheel, and a traditional carousel.
There is a separate area in the park across the street for carnival rides which is good fun for children and adults. If you are here, yes, have a visit. Make a special trip just for the market no. Spend time touring all the great sights Edinburgh has to offer.
How much is the Ferris wheel at the Edinburgh Christmas Market?
The helter skelter costs £4 a time - card payments only - and the carousel costs £6 a turn. 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.
Traditional Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens, with charming wooden stalls offering everything from handmade ornaments to indulgent hot chocolate and bratwurst. Over three-quarters of vendors are expected to be local or Scottish businesses, showcasing the best of artisan food, crafts, and festive treats.
Is there ice skating at Edinburgh Christmas Market?
15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
George Street will be home to the spectacular Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink, a vital part of any Christmas visit. This year's rink will be undercover, allowing visitors to enjoy the majestic Georgian skyline of Edinburgh's New Town from the ice.
Edinburgh is widely considered Scotland's most Christmassy place, transforming into a magical winter wonderland with its famous Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens, ice rink, giant wheel, festive lights on the Royal Mile, and numerous events. Other top contenders for festive cheer include the Cairngorms for its reindeer and snowy landscapes, Oban for its community-focused Winter Festival, and charming local streets like Lavender Drive in Newton Mearns known for spectacular lights.
If you're planning to visit the ice skating rink in downtown Edinburgh, here are a few tips to make your experience even better: 1. Dress warmly: Don't forget to bundle up. Wear warm clothing, gloves and a hat to keep cozy on the ice.
How much does it cost to go to Edinburgh Christmas Market?
Entry to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets themselves is free, but you pay for individual attractions like the Big Wheel, Starflyer, ice rink, and Santa's Stories, with prices around £10-£15 per ride/session, and tickets often bought on the day or pre-booked. All sites are cashless, accepting card payments only, and local residents (EH postcode) can get a 20% discount on some tickets.
Step inside The Ice Queen's Castle for our family-friendly sessions at The Polar Ice Bar. Designed for all ages, these sessions invite you to wander through a glittering frozen world and discover breathtaking ice sculptures carved by hand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, Edinburgh is widely considered worth visiting at Christmas for its magical atmosphere, large Christmas markets, festive lights, unique attractions, and the lead-up to Hogmanay, though visitors should be prepared for cold, potentially wet weather and crowds, especially around the main markets. It transforms into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, markets in Princes Street Gardens, rides, ice skating, and unique experiences like George Street's light displays, offering a blend of traditional Scottish charm and European-style festivities, making it a popular and enchanting winter destination.
Edinburgh's Christmas Market features thrilling rides like the Big Wheel (LNER Ferris Wheel) and the Around the World Starflyer, offering skyline views, alongside traditional fairground attractions in the Festive Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens, including the Sizzler, Dodgems, and family rides like the Toy Carousel. Entry to the markets and gardens is free, with separate costs for rides, which can often be pre-booked online for convenience.
For budget-minded travelers, it costs around £45-£90 per day to visit Edinburgh. These prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another £60-£85 per night depending on your hotel choice.
The average temperature in Edinburgh in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 42°F (6°C) to a low of 35°F (2°C). Some would describe the temperature to be cold. The general area may also feel slightly windy.
Session times and prices Skating Price - £11 admission and £3 skate hire Pay at the door or online at https://app.fanbaseclub. com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType...
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.
Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.
🎄 Glasgow has levelled up its festivities this year with Glasgow's Winter Wonderland spreading celebrations across the city. Edinburgh's Christmas, meanwhile, is still the nation's polished, postcard-perfect heavyweight.
