Edinburgh Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in Edinburgh is a truly magical experience, as the city transforms into a festive wonderland filled with sparkling lights, charming wooden chalets, and the scent of mulled wine drifting through the crisp Scottish air. Nestled beneath the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the historic city centre glows with seasonal cheer, offering one of the most enchanting winter scenes in the UK. Whether you're visiting from another part of the country or planning your first festive trip to Scotland, Edinburgh promises a Christmas atmosphere that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
The Best Christmas Markets in Edinburgh
From twinkling wooden cabins to festive treats in every direction, Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets offer an unforgettable festive escape in the heart of Scotland. Whether you're exploring with friends, family or on a solo adventure, these markets capture the joy and warmth of Christmas in Scotland like nowhere else.
1. East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
- Entry fee: Free to enter. Charges apply for select attractions, rides, and food or drink.
- Location: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Numerous Lothian Bus routes stop nearby, including 1, 10, 11, 12, 22, 25, and 26.
- By Train: Edinburgh Waverley Station is just a 3-minute walk from the gardens.
- By Tram: Alight at the Princes Street stop; the market is a short walk away.
- By Car: Located in the city centre near Waverley Station. Closest car parks include Waverley Station Car Park and Q-Park OMNI Centre. Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is advisable.
- Opening dates: 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Closed on Christmas Day)
- Opening times: Daily timings may vary; typically open from 10am to 10pm.
- Decorations: This market dazzles with thousands of fairy lights strung across wooden chalets, a massive Christmas tree overlooking the Scott Monument, and festive garlands adorning every stall. Expect to see glowing light installations, seasonal wreaths, and a cosy, traditional alpine theme running through the entire space.
- Best Activities to do: Ride the towering LNER Big Wheel for panoramic views, brave the 80M Around the World Star Flyer, or enjoy classic family fun on the Helter-Skelter. This is also where the popular Santa’s Stories experience takes place, with children able to drop off their letters to Santa at the dedicated post-box.
- Food to try: Indulge in marshmallows and strawberries dipped in rich Belgian chocolate, hearty bratwurst sausages, hot churros, and plenty of mulled wine and cider. Sweet and savoury crêpes are also a visitor favourite.
- Shopping: Explore stalls run by local and Scottish artisans selling hand-made Christmas ornaments, scented candles, woollen accessories, art prints, and beautifully packaged seasonal treats. Ideal for picking up unique stocking fillers and souvenirs.
2. West Princes Street Gardens - Family Christmas Market & Funfair
- Entry fee: Free to enter. Specific attractions, rides, and Santa experiences may require a ticket.
- Location: West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Served by multiple Lothian Bus routes including 3, 4, 25, 26, 31, and 33.
- By Train: Just a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
- By Tram: Disembark at the Princes Street stop, then walk through the Gardens.
- By Car: Near Edinburgh Castle and accessible via Princes Street. Nearest parking is at Castle Terrace Car Park or Q-Park OMNI. Due to high demand, early arrival or public transport is strongly recommended.
- Opening dates: 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Closed on Christmas Day)
- Opening times: Timings vary slightly depending on the day, but most attractions open by 10am and close around 9pm.
- Decorations: This area sparkles with family-friendly cheer, from cheerful light tunnels and glowing snowflakes to festive signage and themed fairground decor. The surrounding gardens are subtly lit to enhance the ambience without overwhelming young visitors.
- Best Activities to do: Children can enjoy a variety of rides and games tailored for younger age groups, including merry-go-rounds and mini-coasters. This is also home to Santa’s Stories, a magical storytelling session with Santa and his elves, and the nearby Santa Post-box.
- Food to try: Find family-friendly favourites like hot dogs, festive cupcakes, gingerbread biscuits, and warm drinks including hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows. There are also healthy snack options and child-sized portions available.
- Shopping: While primarily focused on rides and activities, a few pop-up stalls sell children’s toys, Christmas-themed storybooks, and winter accessories like woollen hats, mittens, and scarves.
3. George Street Christmas Market
- Entry fee: Free to enter. Charges may apply for individual attractions and street performances.
- Location: George Street, New Town, Edinburgh EH2 2PB
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Accessible via several Lothian Bus routes including 10, 11, 16, and 27.
- By Train: Around a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
- By Tram: Get off at the West End or Princes Street stop and walk up to George Street.
- By Car: Located in Edinburgh’s New Town, close to Charlotte Square. Parking is available at Castle Terrace or NCP Edinburgh Car Park on George Street, though spaces fill up quickly.
- Opening dates: Typically runs alongside the main market from 15 November 2025 to early January 2026. Confirm dates closer to travel.
- Opening times: Usually open from late morning (around 11am) to 9pm daily.
- Decorations: George Street shines with elegant light canopies stretching across the street, giving it a more refined, sophisticated Christmas vibe. Expect giant baubles, light sculptures, and a backdrop of Georgian architecture subtly lit with festive hues.
- Best Activities to do: While more relaxed than the other markets, George Street often hosts small performances, pop-up carol concerts, and artisan workshops. Previous years have featured a vintage carousel and outdoor seating areas with heaters and live music.
- Food to try: This is the place for gourmet street food—think raclette, artisan cheeses, gourmet toasties, and smoked meats. Sip on hot gin cocktails or locally brewed winter ales from boutique pop-up bars.
- Shopping: Perfect for high-quality gifts and artisan wares, including bespoke jewellery, leather goods, handmade homeware, and luxury festive hampers. You’ll also find premium skincare products and stylish decorations with a modern touch.
Tips & FAQs
When is the best time to visit the Edinburgh Christmas Markets to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings - particularly Monday to Thursday before 12pm - are the quietest times to visit, especially during late November or early December. Evenings and weekends tend to be busiest, especially in the final two weeks before Christmas.
Do the markets accept card payments or is cash better?
Most traders accept card payments, including contactless, but it's still advisable to carry some cash - particularly for smaller food stalls or pop-up attractions where signal can sometimes be patchy.
What should I wear when visiting the markets?
Edinburgh can be very chilly and often windy in winter, so come prepared with a warm coat, scarf, gloves and sturdy footwear. If you plan to stay into the evening, layers are key to staying comfortable while enjoying the open-air festivities.
Any tips for families visiting with children?
Arrive early in the day to make the most of family-friendly rides before queues build up. Santa’s Stories and the Helter-Skelter are firm favourites, and don’t forget to bring your child's letter for the Santa Post-box - it's a lovely extra detail they’ll remember.
Where to stay in Edinburgh?
For the full festive experience, staying close to the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh’s city centre is highly recommended. We’ve listed some of the best areas below, all within easy reach of the festivities - whether you're walking to East Princes Street Gardens or hopping on local transport to other events. Don’t forget to check this page for exclusive discounts on hotel stays during the 2025 Christmas season.
- Old Town: Just a 5 to 10-minute walk from East Princes Street Gardens. Perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors who want to soak up Edinburgh’s medieval charm while being close to the heart of the action.
- New Town: Around 5 minutes on foot from both George Street and Princes Street Markets. Ideal for those who enjoy elegant Georgian architecture, boutique shopping and a more polished atmosphere.
- West End: Approximately 10 to 15 minutes’ walk to the main Christmas attractions. Great for couples or groups looking for a quieter stay with easy access to trams and stylish bars.
- Leith: About 20 minutes by bus or tram from the city centre markets. A good choice for foodies and those seeking a more local, laid-back experience near the waterfront.
- Bruntsfield & Morningside: Around 15 to 25 minutes by bus from Princes Street. Ideal for families and longer stays, with a village-like feel and independent cafés just outside the hustle and bustle.
Other things to do while in Edinburgh
This historic city offers a variety of activities beyond the enchanting Christmas markets, making it a magical destination for winter travel.
- Explore the St Andrew Square Winter Garden: Step into one of Edinburgh’s most festive spaces, where you can wander through a Christmas tree maze, enjoy storytelling sessions with Santa, and admire charming light installations.
- Visit Edinburgh Castle: Perched above the city, this iconic fortress offers breathtaking views and fascinating history - especially striking when dusted with winter frost.
- Experience the Castle of Light: Don’t miss this spectacular after-dark trail where Edinburgh Castle becomes the canvas for vibrant light projections and immersive storytelling.
- Take a festive stroll down the Royal Mile: Lined with historic buildings, boutique shops and seasonal street performers, it’s a perfect route to soak up the city's festive ambience.
- Enjoy Christmas Nights at Edinburgh Zoo: Delight in a luminous trail of wildlife-inspired light installations, festive food, and family-friendly surprises after dark.
- Join the Edinburgh Hogmanay Celebrations: Ring in the New Year Scottish-style with world-famous street parties, torchlight processions, live concerts, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.
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