Edinburgh's Winterfest Market Named Best Christmas Market in the UK
By Vladyslav Melnyk Via Unsplash
By Abby Paterson
In the lead up to Christmas, millions of festive fans will flock to Christmas markets across the UK, but which one is top of Santa’s nice list?
According to the travel website, Locals Insider’s 2025 list of top Christmas markets in the UK, Edinburgh's Winterfest market came out on top. Beating other popular competing markets such as those in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
The East Princes Street event stole the top spot due to the market’s long seven-week duration, scenic backdrop, high visitor counts, positive feedback and overall value for money.
A spokesperson for Unique Assembly, the team behind the market, said: “Last year over 2.3 million visitors enjoyed the markets, experiencing impressive views of the city’s historic skyline from the LNER Big Wheel and exhilarating Star flyer, and taking in the twinkling market set against Edinburgh’s iconic castle backdrop.”
The Scottish capital scored a remarkable 79.7 out of 100 in a nationwide index comparing 18 of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s most popular festive destinations.
Local Insider analysed each market over several criteria, including annual visitors, online reviews, stalls, setting, cost, duration and accessibility to reveal which market will truly get you into the Christmas spirit.
Taking second place on the list is London's Winter Wonderland, scoring 79.0 for its large variety of stalls and extensive scale. After scoring 78.8 on the index, third place was awarded to Manchester for its festive food options and themed zones.
Followed by Birmingham markets in fourth place and Glasgow in fifth place. Both markets placed highly for their large scale, but ultimately fell short due to value for money.
For those looking to get in the festive spirit, there's no need to wait; Edinburgh city centre transformed into a magical winter wonderland last weekend.
The market opened Saturday,15 November and is anticipated to attract millions of visitors from around the UK, across its seven-week run.
Edinburgh's Winterfest is open every day apart from Christmas Day from 10 am-10 pm, excluding select dates. On Christmas Eve, the market will be open from 10 am-8 pm, with hours also changing to 12 pm-8 pm on Boxing Day.
Closing after the fourth of January 2026, the Edinburgh Christmas markets have something for everyone, according to one of the event's organisers it’s "one of the most iconic Christmas markets in Europe”