Thousands descend on Edinburgh Christmas Markets as queues stretch around block

Massive queues were spotted snaking around the city centre on Friday evening as the Christmas market officially opened its doors.

The highly anticipated annual festive event has begun on East Princes Street Gardens as the gates opened at 6pm on November 15.

Thousands were lining up outside the gardens while work was still underway, right down to the last minute, to get the stalls and attractions ready.

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The massive queue began at the entrance to the gardens on Waverley Bridge and snaked around to Princes Street.

A police officer warned people at Princes Street to stay off the road as the crowds built, forcing many to step onto the road as they made their way through the city centre. Parents with buggies struggled to get past while some tourists were heard debating whether to come back 'tomorrow'

The first entrance opposite Waverley Market opened briefly to let in a small crowd before closing. Punters were then herded along to Market Street for the main event.

Shortly after 6pm, the mass crowd was guided down Waverley Bridge with the event’s staff standing by the railings and opening them wider.

The Market Street entrance to the markets leads visitors to the new illumination walk where the first set of market stalls are.

Speaking to Edinburgh Live, one couple who were making their way down Waverley Bridge in the crowd said: “We were waiting 20 minutes. It hasn’t been bad at all. We were just told to come this way.”

Last year the queues were described like ‘Disneyland’ style as they were spotted snaking through the street. Organisers of Edinburgh’s Christmas, Assembly, told Edinburgh Live they are expecting large crowds at peak times, such as the weekend. For those wanting to avoid them is best to pop by at the start of the week.

The Christmas markets are offering an array of stalls from Scottish and international producers, offering a range of gift ideas on the run-up to Christmas. There are plenty of food and drink options including the classic German sausages and mulled wine stalls.

Towering over the markets is none other than the LNER Big Wheel and the 80m Star Flyer, which puts people’s stomachs into knots - We would try that one before indulging in the food.

The Christmas markets run from November 15 2024 January 4, 2025.