How much is ice skating at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Ice skating at Edinburgh's Christmas Market (typically on George Street) costs around £15 for adults and £11 for children, with prices varying by session (off-peak, standard, peak), and local EH postcode residents often get discounts (around 20-25%). Entry to the markets is free, but the ice rink is a separate ticketed attraction, with payments usually card-only.

How much is ice skating at Edinburgh Christmas Markets?

Edinburgh Christmas Ice Rink on George Street

Dates & Session Info: From 20 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with 40-minute sessions between 10 am and 10 pm. Price: From £15 for adult; child from £11. Local residents with EH postcode get 20% discount.

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

Entry into Edinburgh's Christmas at East and West Princes St Gardens is free! You can pre-book a selection of rides and attractions online in advance such as Ice Skating, The Big Wheel, Santa's Stories and more. All rides, including those bookable online, can be paid for at the point of entry to the ride or attraction.

Why is ice skating so expensive in the UK?

“The cost of the refrigeration is astronomical,” explained Ms Coombes, citing electricity bills of £3,500 per day just to keep the rink cold 24/7. And at Christmas, you're paying for more than just time on the ice.

How much is the Ferris wheel at 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.

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 – First Look & Honest Review!

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.

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 should I eat before ice skating?

Eat a carbohydrate-rich snack a half hour to an hour before practice. Carbohydrates fuel our muscles and our brains, which are both necessary before getting on the ice for practice.

Is ice skating worth it?

Yes, ice skating is widely considered worth it for its excellent full-body workout, significant mental health benefits (stress relief, endorphins, confidence boost), and improved balance/coordination, making it a fun, low-impact way to build strength and endurance, though it requires some initial investment in gear or lessons and perseverance.
 

Do you have to book Edinburgh ice skating?

Tickets are restricted to a maximum of 6 tickets per transaction and 4 tickets per ice skating session. Advance online booking is required.

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.
 

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.

How much is Edinburgh Christmas ice skating?

🌟 Ice Rink, 📌 George Street. From 20 Nov - 4 Jan. Price from £15 for 40 minutes. 🌟 Christmas Markets 📌 East Princs Street Gardens.

How much do ice skates cost?

Ice skate prices vary widely, from $50 for basic youth hockey skates to over $1,000 for high-end figure or custom skates, with recreational skates usually falling in the $40 to $150 range, mid-range hockey skates around $200-$400, and advanced figure skates often costing $300-$400+ for durable models that last longer than cheaper options.
 

What should I wear for ice skating in Edinburgh?

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.

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.

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.

How much does it cost to go to the 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. 

Do you need gloves for ice skating?

Wearing gloves is important to keep the hands warm and to protect them should you experience any falls.

What to do first time ice skating?

Whether you're planning to join a class or teach yourself, these basic techniques can give you the confidence to step onto the ice.

1. Wear the Right Clothing. ...
2. Lace Your Skates Properly. ...
3. Check Your Posture. ...
4. Get Comfortable on the Ice. ...
5. Practice Falling. ...
6. Start with Gliding. ...
7. Learn to Stop Safely. ...
8. Try Turning.