The AA examined parking charges at the UK’s top Christmas markets to reveal the most expensive places to park – one hotspot costs £44 for four hours
As hoards of excited gift-hunters head into town for Christmas markets this winter, new research from breakdown experts shows where drivers will pay the most to park for a short festive visit, as well as the cities where prices have risen the fastest since 2024.
The AA examined parking charges at the UK’s top Christmas markets to reveal the most expensive places to park – including cities hiking fees by 50 percent.
The breakdown recovery experts found that Leicester Square Christmas Market in London is the most expensive in the country for parking at an eye-watering £22.00 for a two-hour visit, as per The AA.
Covent Garden, Edinburgh, York and Greenwich also rank among the top ten most expensive markets to park at, with each costing over £10.00 for a two-hour stay.
York and Liverpool are the cities with the biggest parking price hikes since December 2024, each increasing fees by 50% – including a new ‘event day’ fee from York Council for 2025. Bristol, Greenwich and Birmingham also feature among the top price hikers.
One of the smaller Christmas markets, Leicester Square Christmas Market is a free entry festive pop-up in the heart of London’s West End. However, parking is not free and costs £22 for a two-hour stay.
Winter Wonderland is London’s most well-known Christmas market with over 150 rides and attractions including a free Santa’s Grotto, and the UK’s largest open-air ice rink centred around the park’s bandstand. A two-hour parking stay costs £21.
Differing from traditional German-style markets, Covent Garden’s free Christmas experience is a festive takeover of the Piazza, Apple Market, and surrounding streets, and it features 300,000 lights. Parking for two hours costs £16.
Taking place across East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street, Edinburgh Christmas Market is also free to enter. The market features a mix of alpine-style chalets selling Scottish artisan products and Christmas gifts. A two-hour parking ticket costs £14.
York St Nicholas’ fair is a charming, free-to-enter festive event is held in the city centre in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square and is home to 75 alpine-style chalets offering handmade crafts, seasonal food, decorations and local produce. For two hours parking costs £10.60. York Council have introduced an ‘event day’ parking charge at the Coppergate Centre car park during the 2025 markets. Prices have increased 50% for a 2-hour stay and 29% for a 4-hour stay, although after 6pm there is a flat evening rate of £4.80.
“Christmas markets are a fantastic seasonal draw, but drivers should be aware that parking charges vary dramatically by city and by car park,” says Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year. “If you’re planning a short festive trip, check the latest local parking tariffs before you go and consider public transport or park-and-ride options in city centres where parking is most expensive.”
Motorists are urged to check prices before they arrive, as many councils and car-park operators publish rates online. You should book in advance where possible using pre-booked parking as this often works out cheaper. Consider park-and-ride or outer-ring car parks- a short bus or tram ride can be cheaper and faster during peak market times.
Look for evening rates as some car parks run special evening prices that may be cheaper for market visits. Drivers are also urged to pay attention to permit or event day pricing. Markets in central locations sometimes trigger event tariffs that are higher than usual, like those in York.