Is the Edinburgh Christmas Market free to enter?

Yes, entry to the main Edinburgh Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens is free and unticketed, allowing you to wander the stalls selling crafts, food, and drinks; however, you pay for specific attractions like the Big Wheel or Star Flyer, and for any purchases made.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What time of day does Edinburgh Christmas Market open?

Times (2024)

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

Where is the most Christmassy place in Scotland?

While Edinburgh is often hailed as the most traditionally "Christmassy" with its famous Winter Wonderland market in Princes Street Gardens and twinkling Old Town, Oban offers a unique, community-focused charm with its Winter Festival, complete with reindeer, ceilidhs, and coastal vibes, and the Cairngorms provide a magical, natural Christmas with free-roaming reindeer. 

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 have to pay to get into the Christmas market?

The admission fee is essential to cover various operational costs, ensuring a magical experience for all our guests. From venue rentals to labor, decorations, and supporting local vendors, your contribution helps us create a festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.

What do Scots call Christmas Eve?

The night before Christmas – Christmas Eve – is usually called 'Yule E(v)en' in Scots. In modern Christmas cards produced in the Scots language it is usual to see the message 'A Blithe Yule' meaning 'Happy Christmas' or even 'A Cantie Yule' meaning 'Cheerful or pleasant Christmas'.

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.