The AA examined parking fees on the UK’s high Christmas markets to disclose the most costly locations to park – one hotspot prices £44 for 4 hours
As hoards of excited gift-hunters head into city for Christmas markets this winter, new analysis from breakdown consultants reveals the place drivers can pay essentially the most to park for a brief festive go to, in addition to the cities the place costs have risen the quickest since 2024.
The AA examined parking fees on the UK’s high Christmas markets to disclose essentially the most costly locations to park – together with cities climbing charges by 50 p.c.
The breakdown restoration consultants discovered that Leicester Square Christmas Market in London is the most costly within the nation for parking at an eye-watering £22.00 for a two-hour go to, as per The AA.
Covent Garden, Edinburgh, York and Greenwich additionally rank among the many high ten most costly markets to park at, with every costing over £10.00 for a two-hour keep.
York and Liverpool are the cities with the largest parking worth hikes since December 2024, every growing charges by 50% – together with a brand new ‘occasion day’ price from York Council for 2025. Bristol, Greenwich and Birmingham additionally characteristic among the many high worth hikers.
One of the smaller Christmas markets, Leicester Square Christmas Market is a free entry festive pop-up within the coronary heart of London’s West End. However, parking is just not free and prices £22 for a two-hour keep.
Winter Wonderland is London’s most well-known Christmas market with over 150 rides and sights together with a free Santa’s Grotto, and the UK’s largest open-air ice rink centred across the park’s bandstand. A two-hour parking keep prices £21.
Differing from conventional German-style markets, Covent Garden’s free Christmas expertise is a festive takeover of the Piazza, Apple Market, and surrounding streets, and it options 300,000 lights. Parking for 2 hours prices £16.
Taking place throughout East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street, Edinburgh Christmas Market can also be free to enter. The market options a mixture of alpine-style chalets promoting Scottish artisan merchandise and Christmas presents. A two-hour parking ticket prices £14.
York St Nicholas’ honest is a captivating, free-to-enter festive occasion is held within the metropolis centre in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square and is dwelling to 75 alpine-style chalets providing handmade crafts, seasonal meals, decorations and native produce. For two hours parking prices £10.60. York Council have launched an ‘occasion day’ parking cost on the Coppergate Centre automobile park in the course of the 2025 markets. Prices have elevated 50% for a 2-hour keep and 29% for a 4-hour keep, though after 6pm there’s a flat night price of £4.80.
“Christmas markets are a improbable seasonal draw, however drivers must be conscious that parking fees differ dramatically by metropolis and by automobile park,” says Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year. “If you’re planning a brief festive journey, test the most recent native parking tariffs earlier than you go and contemplate public transport or park-and-ride choices in metropolis centres the place parking is most costly.”
Motorists are urged to test costs earlier than they arrive, as many councils and car-park operators publish charges on-line. You ought to e-book upfront the place potential utilizing pre-booked parking as this usually works out cheaper. Consider park-and-ride or outer-ring automobile parks- a brief bus or tram experience could be cheaper and sooner throughout peak market instances.
Look for night charges as some automobile parks run particular night costs that could be cheaper for market visits. Drivers are additionally urged to concentrate to allow or occasion day pricing. Markets in central areas generally set off occasion tariffs which are greater than normal, like these in York.
