Edinburgh Christmas Market Survival Guide: Tips for Visiting From a Local
I may be currently travelling the world, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m an Edinburgh girlie, born and raised. And when it comes to Christmas, Edinburgh is pretty hard to beat.
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is one of the city’s most popular festive attractions, but if you’re visiting for the first time, there are a few things I’d recommend knowing before you go. From navigating the crowds and knowing when to visit, to what to expect from the food, drinks, rides and prices, a little preparation can make your visit so much more enjoyable.
So, from a local Edinburgh girlie, here’s my Edinburgh Christmas Market survival guide, packed with everything you need to know before you go!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh Christmas Market?
If there’s one thing you should know before visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Market, it’s that it can get very busy. The market is incredibly popular with both tourists and locals, particularly at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas.
If you want a more relaxed experience, I’d recommend visiting during the week and earlier in the day. You’ll still get the full festive atmosphere, but you’ll have a much better chance of wandering around the stalls without constantly bumping into people.
That said, if you’re visiting Edinburgh specifically for the Christmas atmosphere, don’t be put off by the crowds. The market is at its most magical once the lights are on and the city is feeling properly festive.
My tip
If you have flexibility, visit Monday to Thursday and try to arrive earlier in the day. Then, if you want to experience the market after dark, you can always return later for the lights and atmosphere. Just expect it to be considerably busier!
Where Is Edinburgh Christmas Market?
The main Edinburgh Christmas Market is located in East Princes Street Gardens, right in the heart of the city centre. You’ll find it underneath the castle, with Edinburgh Castle providing a pretty spectacular backdrop.
The central location makes it really easy to combine the Christmas market with some of Edinburgh’s other attractions. Princes Street, George Street, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are all within walking distance, so you can easily make a full day of exploring the city around your visit to the market.
There are also usually festive events and attractions spread across other parts of central Edinburgh, so don’t assume the Christmas Market is the only place to find Christmas activities.
How to Get to Edinburgh Christmas Market
If you’re arriving by train, Edinburgh Waverley Station is the easiest option. The station is just a short walk from Princes Street Gardens, making the Christmas market particularly convenient if you’re visiting Edinburgh for the day.
If you’re travelling into the city by bus or tram, there are also plenty of stops around Princes Street and the city centre.
My tip: I’d avoid driving into central Edinburgh if you can, especially at weekends. Parking can be expensive and busy, and public transport makes getting to the Christmas market much easier.
What Is There to Do at Edinburgh Christmas Market?
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is much more than a few stalls selling Christmas decorations. There’s plenty to see, eat and drink, so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours wandering around and soaking up the festive atmosphere.
You’ll find rows of Christmas market stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and decorations to jewellery, clothing and festive treats. It’s a good place to pick up a few unique Christmas presents, although I’d definitely have a look around before buying anything as prices can vary between stalls.
And then, of course, there’s the food. Expect plenty of festive favourites, sweet treats and street food, alongside hot drinks to keep you warm while you explore.
For those who enjoy the rides, there are also usually fairground attractions and Christmas rides, including the famous Big Wheel. These are particularly popular once it gets dark, when you can see Edinburgh lit up below you.
The market itself isn’t huge, but with the food, shopping, rides and atmosphere, you can easily make an afternoon or evening of it.
My tip: Don’t just rush around the stalls and leave. Give yourself time to grab something to eat, have a festive drink and enjoy the atmosphere — that’s really what makes visiting Edinburgh at Christmas special.
Is Edinburgh Christmas Market Expensive?
Let’s be honest — Edinburgh Christmas Market isn’t the cheapest place to eat, drink or shop. Like most major Christmas markets, you’re paying a premium for the location and festive experience.
Food and drinks can add up quickly, especially if you’re visiting with children or as a group. It’s very easy to see something that looks delicious, grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, and suddenly realise you’ve spent much more than planned.
The rides and attractions are also an additional cost, so if you’re visiting on a budget, it’s worth deciding beforehand what you actually want to spend your money on.
That doesn’t mean you need to avoid the market if you’re travelling on a budget. You can still wander around the stalls, enjoy the decorations and soak up the atmosphere without spending much at all.
My tip
Set yourself a budget before you arrive. If you’re planning to eat and drink at the market, I’d allow some extra money for this rather than relying on your normal daily food budget.
And if you’re visiting Edinburgh for the whole day, consider having a meal elsewhere in the city and treating yourself to one festive snack or drink at the market instead. You’ll still get the experience without your bank account taking too much of a festive hit!
Free Things to Do at Edinburgh Christmas Market
One of my favourite things about visiting Edinburgh at Christmas is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the festive atmosphere. If you’re travelling on a budget, there are plenty of free things to do around the Christmas Market.
🎄 Wander Around the Christmas Market
The simplest one — and completely free — is to wander around the market itself. You can browse the stalls, look at the decorations and soak up the Christmas atmosphere without buying anything.
✨ See Edinburgh’s Christmas Lights
Take a walk along Princes Street and through the city centre to see Edinburgh lit up for Christmas. The combination of the festive lights, historic buildings and Edinburgh Castle makes the city feel especially magical at this time of year.
📸 Take Photos of Edinburgh Castle
You don’t need to pay to get a great view of Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street Gardens and the surrounding streets give you some brilliant photo opportunities, particularly around sunset when the city starts to light up.
🎁 Explore the Christmas Stalls
Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, browsing the stalls is part of the experience. You’ll find plenty of festive decorations, gifts and handmade products to look at.
🚶 Explore the Old Town
The Christmas Market is within walking distance of Edinburgh’s Old Town, so why not combine your visit with a wander along the Royal Mile, Victoria Street and the historic streets around the city centre?
☕ Enjoy the Festive Atmosphere
Sometimes the best thing to do is simply grab a coffee from somewhere nearby, wrap up warm and wander around Edinburgh taking in the atmosphere. You don’t have to buy a £10 festive drink to enjoy Christmas in the city!
My tip: If you’re visiting Edinburgh Christmas Market on a budget, make the market just one part of your day. There are loads of free sights and beautiful streets nearby, so you can have a full festive day out without spending your entire Christmas budget in the market.
What to Wear to Edinburgh Christmas Market
If there’s one thing I can tell you as an Edinburgh girlie, it’s this: wrap up warm!
Edinburgh can be absolutely freezing in winter, and because you’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside, the temperature can feel even colder once the sun goes down.
I’d recommend wearing plenty of layers, a warm coat, scarf, gloves and a hat if it’s particularly cold. Comfortable shoes are also a must, as you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking around the market and the city centre.
And don’t forget an umbrella or waterproof jacket. This is Scotland, after all — there’s always a chance of rain!
My Edinburgh Christmas Market outfit essentials
- 🧥 A warm, waterproof coat
- 🧣 A scarf
- 🧤 Gloves
- 🧦 Warm socks
- 👟 Comfortable, weatherproof shoes
- ☔ A small umbrella or waterproof layer
- 🧢 A hat for particularly cold days
If you’re planning to stay until the evening, dress for the temperature you’ll have once the sun goes down, rather than just what it feels like when you first arrive.
Trust me, you’ll enjoy the Christmas market a lot more when you can actually feel your fingers!
Edinburgh Christmas Market Food and Drinks
One of the best parts of visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Market is trying some of the festive food and drinks. If you’re wondering what to eat at Edinburgh Christmas Market, you’ll find plenty of tempting options, from classic Christmas market treats and sweet snacks to hot food and warming drinks.
There’s usually a good variety of Edinburgh Christmas Market food, so whether you’re looking for something savoury, have a sweet tooth or simply want a festive snack while exploring the stalls, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
You’ll also find a selection of hot drinks, which are particularly welcome on a cold Edinburgh winter day. A hot chocolate, mulled wine or another festive drink can be the perfect way to warm up while wandering around the market.
Is Food at Edinburgh Christmas Market Expensive?
This is where your spending can quickly add up. Buying a drink, a snack and then a full meal can make your Edinburgh Christmas Market trip surprisingly expensive, particularly if you’re visiting with a group or family.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you don’t need to eat your entire meal at the market. Edinburgh city centre is packed with cafés, restaurants and pubs, many of which are within walking distance of Princes Street Gardens.
My Tip for Eating at Edinburgh Christmas Market
If you’re trying to keep costs down, eat before you arrive and choose one festive treat to enjoy at the market. Alternatively, make a proper meal of it and skip the extra snacks and drinks.
I’d also recommend having a look around before buying anything. With so many stalls to choose from, you might find something you like even more a few minutes later!
Edinburgh Christmas Market Rides and Attractions
The Edinburgh Christmas Market rides and attractions are a big part of the festive experience, and there’s much more to see than just the market stalls.
One of the most iconic attractions is the Sky Flyer, located next to the Scott Monument on Princes Street. This huge swing-style ride is hard to miss and gives you an incredible view over Edinburgh as you’re lifted high above the city.
If you’re brave enough to go on it, I’d definitely recommend experiencing it after dark when Edinburgh is lit up for Christmas. It’s not exactly a relaxing ride, but it’s certainly one you won’t forget!
🎡 The Big Wheel
Back at the Christmas Market, you’ll usually find the Big Wheel, which offers a much calmer way to get a view over the city.
It’s particularly pretty in the evening when the Christmas lights are glowing below you. Like the other rides, it costs extra, so factor this into your budget if you want to give it a go.
⛸️ Edinburgh Christmas Ice Rinks
Another festive favourite is the Christmas ice rink, which is usually located elsewhere in the city centre rather than directly inside the main Christmas Market.
Whether you’re a confident skater or spend most of your time clinging to the side, ice skating can be a fun addition to a Christmas trip to Edinburgh. It’s also a great option if you’re visiting with children.
The exact location, dates and attractions can change from year to year, so it’s worth checking the official Edinburgh Christmas programme before your visit.
My Tip
Don’t think of the Edinburgh Christmas Market as one single attraction. The festive events are spread around the city centre, so give yourself time to explore beyond the main market.
You can combine the market with the Sky Flyer, Scott Monument, Christmas lights and ice rink to create a full festive day or evening in Edinburgh — without needing to spend the entire time inside the market itself.
How Busy Is Edinburgh Christmas Market?
If you’re wondering how busy Edinburgh Christmas Market gets, the short answer is: very!
The market is one of Edinburgh’s most popular festive attractions, so you should expect crowds, particularly during Friday evenings, weekends and the closer you get to Christmas Day.
The busiest periods can make it difficult to browse the stalls at your own pace, and queues for popular food stalls, drinks and rides can get quite long.
How to Avoid the Crowds at Edinburgh Christmas Market
If you want a more relaxed visit, timing really does make a difference.
My top tips for avoiding the crowds are:
- Visit Monday to Thursday if you can.
- Go earlier in the day rather than during the evening rush.
- Avoid the final weekends before Christmas if you have flexibility.
- Visit the market first and explore the rest of Edinburgh later.
- If you want to see the Christmas lights, consider going earlier in the evening rather than waiting until peak time.
That said, if you’re visiting Edinburgh for the festive atmosphere, I wouldn’t let the crowds put you off completely. The market is naturally going to be busier at Christmas — and there’s something quite fun about seeing the city buzzing with people enjoying the festive season.
My Edinburgh girlie tip: If you want the best of both worlds, visit during the day when it’s quieter, then stick around until sunset to see the lights come on. You’ll get the festive atmosphere without having to spend your entire visit fighting through the busiest crowds.
How Long Do You Need at Edinburgh Christmas Market?
You don’t need an entire day just for the Edinburgh Christmas Market. If you’re mainly interested in browsing the stalls, grabbing some food and soaking up the atmosphere, I’d allow around 2–3 hours.
However, if you want to go on the rides, visit the ice rink or spend time taking photos and enjoying the festive atmosphere, you could easily make a full afternoon or evening of it.
I’d actually recommend combining your Christmas Market visit with some of Edinburgh’s other attractions. The market is right in the city centre, so it’s easy to explore Princes Street, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town and Edinburgh Castle during the same day.
My Suggested Edinburgh Christmas Day Out
If you’re visiting Edinburgh specifically for Christmas, you could plan your day something like this:
Morning: Explore Edinburgh Old Town and the Royal Mile.
Afternoon: Head towards Princes Street, browse the Christmas Market and grab some festive food.
Late afternoon: Explore the Christmas stalls, visit the ice rink or try one of the rides.
Evening: See the Christmas lights, take a ride on the Sky Flyer or Big Wheel and enjoy the market after dark.
This gives you plenty of time to experience Edinburgh Christmas Market without rushing, while also seeing some of the city beyond the festive attractions.
Edinburgh Christmas Market Survival Tips
Now for the tips that will hopefully make your Edinburgh Christmas Market visit a little easier — and help you avoid some of the classic mistakes!
💷 Plan a Budget
It’s surprisingly easy to spend money at a Christmas market. Decide beforehand how much you want to spend on food, drinks, shopping and rides so you don’t get carried away.
🧥 Wrap Up Warm
Edinburgh in winter can be very cold, particularly once the sun goes down. Layers, a warm coat and comfortable shoes are essential.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll probably be doing a lot more walking than you expect, especially if you’re combining the Christmas Market with Edinburgh Old Town and the Royal Mile.
💳 Bring a Card
Most larger stalls and attractions should accept card payments, but I’d still make sure you have a suitable payment method with you rather than relying on one option.
🚻 Plan Your Toilet Stops
This is one of those things nobody thinks about until they need one! If you’re spending several hours in the city centre, make a mental note of nearby cafés, restaurants or public facilities where you can stop.
📸 Go After Dark for the Atmosphere
While daytime is generally better if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, Edinburgh Christmas Market is particularly magical after dark. The lights, rides and decorated stalls really create that festive atmosphere.
🚆 Consider Public Transport
If you’re travelling into Edinburgh specifically for the Christmas Market, public transport is often much easier than trying to drive and park in the city centre.
🎄 Don’t Try to Do Everything
There’s a lot happening around Edinburgh at Christmas, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to see every stall, ride and attraction. Pick the things you’re most interested in and enjoy them.
And finally, my biggest tip? Leave yourself plenty of time to simply wander. Some of the best parts of Christmas in Edinburgh are the things you stumble across while walking around the city.
After all, I may spend a lot of my time travelling the world, but Edinburgh will always be home, and there’s something pretty special about seeing your hometown dressed up for Christmas. So, with your coat on, your budget set and your comfortable shoes ready, you’re officially prepared to take on the Edinburgh Christmas Market!
