Edinburgh named the UK’s best Christmas market for 2025

Edinburgh has been crowned Locals Insider’s top UK Christmas market for 2025.

The Scottish capital scored an impressive 79.7 out of 100 in a nationwide index comparing 18 of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s most popular festive destinations. The study assessed each market across seven weighted criteria — namely annual visitors, number of stalls, duration, online reviews, accessibility, setting, and cost — to reveal which fairs deliver the ultimate Christmas experience.

Edinburgh’s market on East Princes Street Gardens came out on top thanks to its lengthy 12-week run, picturesque backdrop, and high visitor numbers, combined with strong reviews and overall value.

Close behind in second place is London’s Winter Wonderland (79.0), praised for its huge scale and over 200 stalls, while Manchester (78.8) secured third place for its variety of themed zones and festive food offerings.

Birmingham (76.3 / 100) and Glasgow (69.5 / 100) round out the top five, both recognized for their large-scale markets and easy accessibility, but with the former scoring low on value for money.

Bath finished an impressive sixth with near-perfect scores for accessibility and stalls, despite its shorter three-week run.

Meanwhile, smaller regional markets such as Leeds, Chester, and Exeter ranked toward the bottom of the table, scoring lower for duration, visitor numbers, and overall atmosphere.

A spokesperson for Locals Insider, Martin Danemaq, said: “Edinburgh continues to set the standard when it comes to festive markets in the UK. Its spectacular city center setting, variety of stalls, and long-running event make it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

“London’s Winter Wonderland and Manchester’s range of markets are unbeatable for sheer scale, but our analysis shows that smaller, more atmospheric destinations like Bath and Glasgow also offer incredible festive experiences — often at a more affordable price point.

“What’s clear is that the UK’s Christmas market scene remains highly competitive, with cities across every region offering something special — from traditional chalets and ice rinks to immersive light trails and live entertainment.”

A spokesperson for Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas market, said: “We’re delighted that Edinburgh’s Christmas market has been ranked as number one in the UK by Locals Insider. With over 85 beautifully decorated chalets lining East Princes Street Gardens offering everything from locally made crafts, bespoke gifts, and ornaments to an array of festive food and drink, we’re proud that Edinburgh’s Christmas continues to attract visitors year after year to experience the magic of winter in Edinburgh.

“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 Starflyer, and taking in the twinkling market set against Edinburgh’s iconic castle backdrop. Added to that, there is a brilliant program of community and charity concerts and dances, an Ice Bar, and of course an ice rink, as well as lots for families to enjoy.

“We’re excited to open the gates once again on Saturday, November 15, and hope that visitors from around the world will join us to see for themselves what makes Edinburgh’s Christmas truly special.”

UK Christmas Market Leaderboard 2025

Markets were scored out of 10, based on visitors (12%), stalls (18%), duration (12%), reviews (15%), accessibility (10%), setting (18%) & cost (15%) then weighted accordingly.