Is Edinburgh Christmas Market free to enter?

Do I need an entrance ticket to Edinburgh's Christmas? 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.

Do you need to pay to get into Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Do I need to buy Edinburgh Christmas Market tickets before travelling? 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.

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.

Do you need tickets for Edinburgh Hogmanay?

Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party happens in the city centre, primarily along Princes Street, creating a ticketed arena with music and DJs. Separate tickets are required at the Concert in the Gardens in West Princes Street Gardens and at the Ross Bandstand.

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.

Edinburgh Christmas Market Scotland 🎅 Ranked One Of The World's Best!

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.

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.

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.

What time of day does Edinburgh Christmas Market open?

Times (2024)

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

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.

How much does ice skating cost in Edinburgh?

Adult: from £18.70. Child (3–12): from £11.50. Family tickets: available. ✔️ Skate hire is included in the ticket price.

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.

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.

Which city has the best Christmas market in the UK?

6 Best Christmas Markets to Visit in UK

• Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Oxford, England.
• Bath, England.
• Glasgow, Scotland.
• London, England.
• Manchester, England.

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.

Which hotel did JK Rowling stay in Edinburgh?

In 2007 J. K. Rowling finished the last book in her Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, at the Balmoral Hotel.

Why was Christmas banned for 400 years in Scotland?

Before the Reformation in 1560, Christmas in Scotland had been a religious feasting day. Then, with the powerful Kirk frowning upon anything related to Roman Catholicism, the Scottish Parliament passed a law in 1640 that made celebrating 'Yule vacations' illegal. The baking of Yule bread was a criminal act!

What hotel did Taylor Swift stay in Edinburgh?

We tried the five-star Scots hotel Sunday Roast where Taylor Swift stayed & it was under £25. THE luxurious The Caledonian is widely regarded as the grande dame of the Capital.

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?

10 Amazing free things to do in Edinburgh

• The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Arboretum Place. ...
• The Scottish National Gallery. The Mound. ...
• St Giles' Cathedral. Royal Mile. ...
• Museum of Childhood. Royal Mile. ...
• Dean Village. Dean Path. ...
• Pentland Hills Regional Park. Edinburgh. ...
• The Writers Museum and Makars Court. ...
• Royal Mile and Grassmarket.

What happens at 1pm in Edinburgh Castle?

The firing of the One O'Clock Gun dates right back to 1861, when the idea was brought to Edinburgh from Paris by John Hewat. Once used to set maritime clocks by ships in the Firth of Forth, the gun is still fired everyday at 1pm from Edinburgh Castle, with the exception of Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Do you need tickets for the Edinburgh Xmas market?

Do I need an entrance ticket to Edinburgh's Christmas? 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.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Scotland?

Glasgow. Glasgow is one of Scotland's liveliest festive hubs, offering a vibrant mix of world-class shopping and its spectacular Winter Wonderland event. The city sparkles with festive lights, street markets, and family-friendly events, including a Santa's grotto and holiday concerts.

What is the world's best Christmas market?

Here are the top 10 best Christmas markets in the world, each offering a unique blend of festive charm, twinkling lights, and holiday magic.

• Vienna, Austria. ...
• Nuremberg, Germany. ...
• Prague, Czech Republic. ...
• Strasbourg, France. ...
• Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
• Berlin, Germany. ...
• Rovaniemi, Finland. ...
• Brussels, Belgium.