Edinburgh Christmas Market (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Edinburgh Christmas Market?
What makes it 71% Baby-Friendly: Pram-friendly paths, baby-change cubicles and a free Parent Room help carers, yet dense crowds, winter cold and lack of buggy parking make long stays tiring with an infant.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly paths: Wide ramps and ground-level chalets make navigation with a stroller easy.
- Free baby facilities: Accessible baby-changing tables and a parent room are available at multiple points.
- No entry fee: Entry to the market and live events is free, so you can stay flexible.
Challenges:
- Weather: Outdoor site can be cold and windy; wrap your baby in warm layers and use a weatherproof pram cover.
- Crowds: Popular stalls get busy at weekends, which can be stressful with a baby.
- Buggy parking: No formal buggy park; you must watch your pram or leave it at your own risk outside some venues.
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 with baby?
- Stroll wide, paved paths past festive chalets with a stroller
- Relax in the Curiosity Shop pop-up with complimentary mulled wine
- Hear free live carols at Ross Bandstand for a calming break
- Use accessible baby-changing tables and parent rooms around the market
- Explore quieter stalls at Castle Street Market for more seating and fewer crowds
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to stroll stalls, enjoy the cosy pop-up, and use baby facilities without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Edinburgh Christmas Market
East and West Princes Street Gardens Market Stroll:
Walk along wide, paved paths past wooden chalets selling crafts and treats.
Tip: Visit early afternoon on weekdays for fewer crowds.
The Christmas Curiosity Shop Pop-up:
Relax in a cosy space with complimentary mulled wine while browsing decorations.
Tip: Ask at the entrance for a sheltered seat suitable for a pram.
Free Live Music at Ross Bandstand:
Enjoy carols and gentle tunes under festive lights to calm your baby.
Tip: Stand near the edge for easy exit if your baby needs a break.
Castle Street Artisan Market:
Browse smaller market stalls with more seating and less foot traffic.
Tip: Combine with the main market by crossing George Street for a quieter route.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Edinburgh Christmas Market
- Visit off-peak: Go on weekday afternoons to enjoy fewer crowds and shorter waits.
- Plan baby breaks: Locate baby-changing and parent rooms via the event map or an Info Booth.
- Dress for weather: Bring warm layers and a rain cover to keep your baby comfortable outdoors.
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 mid-November to early January. Aim for weekday afternoons in December to avoid weekend crowds and catch better weather.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bratwurst for two adults | GBP 19 |
| Hot chocolate for two adults | GBP 8 |
| Christmas ornament souvenir | GBP 10 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 37 |
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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