Hotels near LNER Big Wheel and Star Flyer

The LNER Big Wheel is the most visible part of the Edinburgh Christmas market. At 46 metres, it is the largest Ferris wheel in Scotland, and from the top you look across the castle, the Old Town and the lit stalls below, out towards the Firth of Forth on a clear day.

Next to it, the Star Flyer swings riders on chairs around a tall tower above the gardens for a faster, colder view of the city. Both rides are ticketed separately from the free market, with prices from around £12 per ride. More than 300,000 people rode the wheel or the Star Flyer during the 2025 to 2026 season, according to the organiser.

The wheel is busiest in the early evening, when visitors want the city lights. Daytime rides have shorter queues and clearer views of the castle and Arthur's Seat.

Pro Tip: Ride the Big Wheel just before sunset, around 3.30pm in December. You see the castle in daylight on the way up and the city lights coming on by the time you reach the bottom.