Edinburgh Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is one of the UK’s most popular festive events, drawing locals and tourists alike with its vibrant setup. From locally made crafts to continental street food, the market is bursting with variety. Street performers, seasonal tunes, and dazzling lights keep the atmosphere lively all day long. Whether you’re shopping or sightseeing, it’s a highlight of winter in the capital.
Where are the Christmas markets?
The festive attractions are spread across several key locations in Edinburgh, each offering something unique:
- East Princes Street Gardens: This is the main Edinburgh Christmas Market, featuring around 80 traditional wooden stalls, the Big Wheel, fairground rides like the Starflyer, and plenty of food and drink options.
- West Princes Street Gardens: A more relaxed area with a family-friendly funfair and occasional live performances at the Ross Bandstand, ideal for those with little ones or looking to take a break from the crowds.
- St Andrew Square: Often transformed into a Winter Garden, this space is home to Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Tree Maze, story-time sessions, and family-friendly attractions in a spacious, relaxed layout.
- George Street: Known for its beautiful light displays, covered ice rink, pop-up bars, and festive workshops. It often features vintage rides and local market stalls in the lead-up to Christmas.
- Castle Street & the Royal Mile: These areas host smaller festive stalls and installations, often focused on local crafts and artisan gifts, with Castle Street offering views towards the Castle for a picture-perfect shopping stop.
When do the Edinburgh Christmas Markets start?
While the official dates for 2025 have not been released, last year the festivities began in mid-November and continued until early January. If past years are anything to go by, you can expect the 2025 markets to return around the same time with plenty of seasonal cheer. Do check our site later to confirm the exact dates once they're announced.
Do you need tickets?
While entry to the Edinburgh Christmas Market is completely free, some attractions do require tickets. To make the most of your visit, it’s a good idea to pre-book popular experiences in advance, such as ice skating, the Big Wheel (Scotland’s largest ferris wheel), Santa’s Stories, and other family-friendly activities.
Things to do at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets
The Edinburgh Christmas Market offers a festive mix of sights, tastes, and experiences for all ages. Here are five things to enjoy:
- Shop at traditional stalls: Browse handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and seasonal treats from local and international traders in East Princes Street Gardens.
- Skate at the George Street ice rink: Glide under sparkling lights on this open-air rink, complete with skate hire and a warming festive atmosphere.
- Ride the Big Wheel: Take in panoramic views of the city’s Christmas lights from Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel.
- Enjoy mulled wine and festive food: Tuck into bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and sweet treats from the many food stalls dotted throughout the market.
- Visit Santa’s Stories: A must for families with young children, this magical storytelling experience brings festive tales to life in a cosy setting.
How to get to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets?
Reaching the Edinburgh Christmas Markets is simple, with a variety of travel options that bring you right into the festive heart of the city.
- By train: Edinburgh Waverley Station is just a short 3ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ5 minute walk from the market area. It’s served by frequent services from ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, and CrossCountry, making it a convenient option for both local and long-distance visitors.
- By bus: Several routes, including the 100, 22, 31, 37, 909, X25, X37, X38, and X60, stop near the main market locations. The closest stops include Princes Street, South St David Street, Hanover Street, and George Street, all within easy walking distance.
- By car: Visitors driving in can use the Ingliston Park & Ride, which offers free parking and a tram service straight into the city centre. If you’re heading directly into Edinburgh, nearby car parks such as Castle Terrace and Holyrood Road are good central options.
Where to stay in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, you can immerse yourself in the festive spirit by choosing from a range of hotels near the Christmas Markets. Options include charming boutique hotels and well-known chains, all within easy reach of the festivities. The Old Town offers historic charm, while the New Town boasts elegant architecture and vibrant dining. Be sure to check out the incredible deals on this page, some of which include return flights alongside fantastic hotel offers for a memorable festive getaway.
Other things to do in Edinburgh
During the winter season, Edinburgh offers a multitude of enchanting experiences beyond the Christmas markets.
- Edinburgh Castle Tour: Discover the historic Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich history through fascinating exhibits and captivating displays, including seasonal offerings that bring the castle's past to life.
- Visit The Palace of Holyroodhouse: After a walk along the Royal Mile, explore this Palace, a working royal residence with deep historical ties to figures like Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Festive Light Trail: Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden's captivating light displays, transforming the winter landscape into a glowing wonderland.
- St Giles' Cathedral Concerts: Enjoy a festive Christmas piano recital in the breathtaking, candlelit St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile, where leading concert pianists perform a selection of beloved classical and romantic works.
- Visit Edinburgh Zoo: Explore one of Scotland's top attractions, home to a variety of animals, including the famous giant pandas, and enjoy interactive exhibits and parkland; plus, meet Mr and Mrs Claus on selected dates this December for a festive treat.
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