Edinburgh Christmas Market (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Edinburgh Christmas Market?
What makes it 89% Couple-Friendly: Couples can skate hand-in-hand, share mulled wine, and take panoramic pods on the Big Wheel, with festive lights creating romance; only queues at peak times reduce privacy.
Positives:
- Romantic backdrops: Edinburgh Castle lit up adds a magical view for photos.
- Varied experiences: Combine shopping, rides and ice skating in one spot.
Challenges:
- Cold and wind: Gardens are exposed; check wind forecasts and bundle up.
- Peak-time queues: Weekend afternoons can mean 15–20 minute waits for rides.
What is Edinburgh Christmas Market?
- A seasonal open-air market that occupies East and West Princes Street Gardens at the base of Edinburgh Castle
- An assemblage of over seventy festively adorned wooden chalets that house Scottish crafts, seasonal foods and holiday decorations
- A temporary winter village that blends decorative lighting, traditional fairground rides and purpose-built festive structures
What is so special about Edinburgh Christmas Market for couple trip?
- Over 70 artisan chalets with unique Scottish gifts
- Panoramic city views from the Big Wheel and Starflyer
- Ice skating under festive twinkle lights
- Street-food stalls and cosy bars for warming drinks
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can browse stalls, take a ride, and enjoy a drink without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Edinburgh Christmas Market
Browse wooden chalets:
Explore over 70 handcrafted gift stalls in East Princes Street Gardens.
Tip: Arrive when the market opens to avoid midday crowds.
Ride the LNER Big Wheel:
Enjoy 46 m-high panoramic views of the Old Town and castle.
Tip: Book tickets online to secure your preferred time slot.
Try the Around-the-World Starflyer:
Experience an 80 m chair-swing with 360° city vistas.
Tip: Go on a clear evening for sparkling lights across Edinburgh.
Skate at George Street Ice Rink:
Glide together under twinkling lights to festive music.
Tip: Reserve skates online in advance to guarantee your session.
Sample festive street food:
Share bratwurst, mini pancakes or roasted nuts at a picnic bench.
Tip: Head to the Ross Bandstand area for heated seating and live music.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Edinburgh Christmas Market
- Pre-book online: Reserve ride and rink tickets in advance to skip lines.
- Contactless payments: Use cards or mobile pay at stalls to speed up ordering.
- Weekday evenings: Enjoy festive lights with fewer visitors and quicker service.
Reviews of Edinburgh Christmas Market
PolarisBee
What a winter wonderland. Beautiful lights a music, great atmosphere. The food can be a bit expensive and the crowd levels are abit high sometimes but the layout is easier to navigate then last year
Brett Mills
Great location, great atmosphere, all kinds of stalls not the same handful constantly repeated like Manchester however the pricing is just as bad, would definitely go again. If you visit Edinburgh before 6pm be aware that parking is horrendous and extortionate, on street was going to cost close to £30 for 3 hours! So save yourself a fortune and use the park and ride!
MARIO
Edinburgh Christmas Market spacious, lively… but missing a bit of Christmas magic. The market is undeniably spacious and full of energy, with plenty of charming stalls that are well stocked and genuinely pleasant to browse. As always in Edinburgh at this time of year, there’s a lot of people it’s part of the tradition now, almost as iconic as the mulled wine. But I have to say: it didn’t feel as C...
Dave Boyer
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is one of those enchanting things that you are happy to experience, at least once in your life. There are rides, if you want to go on rides. There are merchant shops, if you want to look at gifts from local artisans. There are a LOT of different food and drink kiosks that will appeal to every member of the family. When the sun goes down and the market lights up for ...
Mark Parsons
What a fantastic Christmas vibe. We visited from Dublin Nov 2025. Absolutely loved the Markets. Excellent food choices . Bit pricey but thats to be expected at markets like this. Also some great photo opportunities. My wife who is a christmas freak thought they were the best Christmas Market she'd ever visited. Whoever decided on the one way system should get an award. Really helps with the feelin...
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh Christmas Market (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
Market runs late November to early January. Wear waterproof layers. Visit weekdays or early evenings for smaller queues.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Big Wheel ride (2 adults) | GBP 24 |
| Ice rink session (2 adults) | GBP 30 |
| Mulled wine (2 cups) | GBP 12 |
| Festive snacks | GBP 15 |
| Cocktails (2) | GBP 18 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 99 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Edinburgh Christmas Market
Address: Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2HG, UK
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About Edinburgh Christmas Market
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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