Christmas shopping in Edinburgh
From bustling festive markets to stylish shopping streets and sprawling retail centres, Edinburgh offers a magical mix of places to find the perfect Christmas gifts. Below, we’ve rounded up nine of the best spots where you can shop, dine and soak up the festive atmosphere in 2025.
The Royal Mile
Christmas shopping on the Royal Mile is a truly magical experience, blending history with festive charm. This cobbled street is lined with shops selling traditional Scottish gifts, from luxurious cashmere and tartan scarves to fine whisky and handmade crafts. Special stops include the Nutcracker Christmas Shop and Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, both bursting with unique ornaments and seasonal treasures. With artisan boutiques, whisky specialists, and plenty of cosy cafés, the Royal Mile is the perfect place to tick off your Christmas list while enjoying Edinburgh’s Old Town ambience.
Princes Street
Princes Street is the heart of Edinburgh’s Christmas shopping scene, offering a mix of high-street favourites, tech giants, and beauty brands all set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. From Marks and Spencer to Lush, shoppers can find everything from fashion to festive gifts while enjoying views across Princes Street Gardens. The street also links seamlessly to Waverley Market and St James Quarter, adding even more choice for clothing, accessories, and seasonal treats. Whether you are picking up last-minute presents or indulging in a festive day out, Princes Street is a must-visit destination during Christmas.
George Street
George Street is the place to head for a touch of luxury during your Christmas shopping in Edinburgh. Lined with elegant Georgian architecture, the street is home to high-end fashion stores like AllSaints, GANT, Whistles and Anthropologie, alongside chic jewellery and beauty boutiques. Its stylish ambience is enhanced by trendy bars and restaurants, making it perfect for combining festive shopping with a celebratory meal or drink. With grand venues like The Dome and the Assembly Rooms adding to its charm, George Street offers a sophisticated shopping experience at Christmas.
Multrees Walk
Multrees Walk is Edinburgh’s premier destination for luxury Christmas shopping, bringing together some of the world’s most exclusive fashion and lifestyle brands. Home to Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols and Louis Vuitton, it also boasts iconic names like Gucci, Burberry, Mulberry and Canada Goose. The elegant setting offers not just premium fashion but also jewellery, beauty and accessories, making it ideal for finding that extra-special Christmas gift. With impeccable service and festive events often taking place, Multrees Walk guarantees a world-class shopping experience during the holiday season.
St James Quarter
St James Quarter is is a large shopping and lifestyle centre in Edinburgh, designed in a striking crescent shape with a glass roof. This striking four-storey galleria is home to more than 80 retailers, from global fashion favourites to lifestyle and beauty brands, alongside over 40 restaurants and bars. With a boutique Everyman Cinema, luxury hotels and panoramic views of the city, it offers much more than just shopping. Just minutes from Waverley Station, St James Quarter is a must-visit for festive gift hunting, dining and entertainment all under one stylish roof.
The West End
The West End of Edinburgh is a charming spot for Christmas shopping, with its cobbled streets lined with independent boutiques, galleries and artisan gift shops. William Street and Stafford Street are the heart of the area, offering everything from bespoke jewellery at Lily Luna to stylish fashion at Frontiers Man and Oska. Shoppers will also discover quirky cards at Paper Tiger, contemporary art at Gallery Ten, and beautiful blooms at Rogue Flowers, making it easy to find thoughtful festive presents. With cosy cafés and delis nearby, the West End combines unique Christmas shopping with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Grassmarket and Victoria Street
Grassmarket and Victoria Street are two of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric spots for Christmas shopping, brimming with independent boutiques, artisan stores and quirky gift shops. From tweed tailoring at Walker Slater and handmade hats at Fabhatrix to magical merchandise at Museum Context and unique finds at The Red Door Gallery, there is something here for every festive shopper. Book lovers will be delighted by second-hand treasures at Armchair Books and John Kay’s, while unusual gifts like fossils, art and natural skincare add to the variety. With its cobbled streets, colourful shopfronts and castle views, this historic quarter is a must-visit for unique and enchanting Christmas shopping.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most charming areas for Christmas shopping, with its village feel, Georgian streets and abundance of independent boutiques. From vintage fashion at Those Were the Days and eco-friendly style at Treen to artisan jewellery at Sheila Fleet Gallery, it is a treasure trove for unique festive finds. Food lovers will adore the delis, cheesemongers and the lively Sunday Stockbridge Market, where handmade crafts and gourmet treats make perfect gifts. With bookshops, homeware stores and cosy cafés adding to its character, Stockbridge is an unmissable destination for thoughtful Christmas shopping.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
No Christmas shopping trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to the city’s famous Christmas Market. Running from mid-November to early January, the market is filled with twinkling wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts, festive decorations and seasonal treats. Shoppers can sip mulled wine, sample delicious delicacies, and pick up unique presents while soaking in the magical atmosphere. With fairground rides and ice-skating rinks adding to the fun, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is a highlight of the festive season.
To know more about the Edinburgh Christmas Market locations, opening times and other things to do, check out our exclusive guide - Edinburgh Christmas Market.
Livingston Designer Outlet
Just under an hour from Edinburgh, Livingston Designer Outlet is Scotland’s largest designer outlet and a fantastic spot for Christmas shopping. With over 80 stores offering discounts of up to 70% off RRP, you’ll find everything from iconic labels like Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger to high-street favourites such as M&S and Next. The outlet also features a cinema, adventure golf and a great choice of cafés and restaurants, making it easy to combine shopping with leisure. With perks like free Hands Free Shopping, it’s a convenient and budget-friendly way to tick off your Christmas list.