Inverness and Aberdeen Christmas Markets 2026: Dates and Tips

Fancy a Scottish Christmas away from the crowds? Indeed, the Christmas markets in Inverness and Aberdeen They offer a more intimate atmosphere than Edinburgh, with the snow-capped Highlands and Loch Ness just a few kilometers away. Having been based in Scotland since 2012, we'll give you the 2026 dates, the best markets, and our tips.

In short: Aberdeen's Christmas Village runs from Thursday, November 12, 2026, to Sunday, January 3, 2027, on Broad Street, Upperkirkgate, and Marischal Square. In Inverness, there isn't one large Christmas village; instead, Christmas markets take place from mid-November to the end of December at Eden Court, the Victorian Market, and Cawdor Castle. Entry to the markets is free.

Aberdeen and Inverness Christmas Market Calendar 2026

On the one hand, Aberdeen has already announced its dates. On the other hand, in Inverness, the organizers usually publish their program between October and November: we will update this table as announcements are made.

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Walk	Dates 2026	Place
Aberdeen Christmas Village	From November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027	Broad Street, Upperkirkgate, Marischal Square
Curated in the Square (Aberdeen)	From mid-November to the end of December	Marischal College
Eden Court Christmas Markets (Inverness)	Several weekends in November	Eden Court, on the banks of the Ness
Inverness Illuminations	End of November	City center
Cawdor Castle Christmas Market	A weekend in December	Cawdor Castle, 25km from Inverness

To compare with Edinburgh and Glasgow, also see our guide to Christmas markets in Scotland.

Aberdeen Christmas Village

It is, in fact, the largest Christmas market in the north of Scotland. The village is set up in the heart of the "Granite City," between Broad Street, Upperkirkgate, and Marischal Square, at the foot of Marischal College, one of the largest granite buildings in the world. Chalets, rides, food stalls, and illuminations create a truly festive atmosphere.

In practical terms, the Christmas Village is open every day except December 25th, December 26th, and January 1st. Furthermore, entry is free; only the rides and activities require payment. The full program is available on the official website. Aberdeen Inspired. In addition, nearby, the Curated in the Square market showcases local creators and producers, ideal for original gifts.

Inverness Christmas Markets

In contrast, the capital of the Highlands doesn't offer a single large village, but rather a series of human-scale markets. This is precisely their charm: you mainly encounter local residents and artisans.

Eden Court: the artisan markets

The Eden Court cultural center, on the banks of the River Ness, hosts its Christmas markets on several weekends in November. You'll find Highland crafts, jewelry, textiles, soaps, and gourmet food: it's the perfect place for handmade gifts. In December, Eden Court also presents its pantomime, the great theatrical tradition of Christmas.

The Victorian Market and the city centre

In the heart of the city, this 19th-century covered market is adorned with decorations in December. Children's choirs often perform there during Advent. Then, the city center's Christmas lights are switched on at the end of November, and Inverness's farmers' market holds special editions before Christmas.

The Christmas market at Cawdor Castle

Located 25 km from Inverness, Cawdor Castle, associated with Macbeth, hosts a Christmas market for a weekend in December. The setting is truly magical. However, the exact date is announced at the end of the year, so be sure to check before you go.

What to do around Inverness at Christmas?

• Walk along the River Ness to the Ness Islands from the city center.
• Reach Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, a 30-minute drive away. Find our suggestions in our guide. What to do around Loch Ness.
• Visit the Culloden battlefield, a key site in Jacobite history.
• Sample a Speyside whisky, an hour from Inverness, by following the whisky route.
• Watch for the Northern Lights on clear nights: winter is the best season. See our guide to Northern Lights in Scotland.

Our tips for Christmas in the north of Scotland

First, take into account the short days: in Inverness, the sun sets around 3:30 pm in December. Therefore, plan your sightseeing for the morning and save the markets for the late afternoon, when the Christmas lights come on.

Next, opt for the train rather than the car if snow is forecast. As a guide, allow approximately 3 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh to Inverness, 2 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and 2 hours 15 minutes from Aberdeen to Inverness. Our guide to train routes in Scotland detail these lines.

Finally, pack very warm clothing: temperatures are often between 0 and 6°C, with wind. Consult our guide to...’Scotland in winter to properly pack your suitcase.

A Christmas itinerary between Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness

In five to six days, you can visit the markets of three cities: start with the Edinburgh Christmas Market, Take the train to Aberdeen and its Christmas Village, then cross Speyside to Inverness and Loch Ness. Prefer to stay in the south? Discover the Glasgow Christmas market.

Also read: Things to do in Inverness: sightseeing, Culloden and Loch Ness.

Frequently asked questions about the Christmas markets in Inverness and Aberdeen

Will there be a Christmas market in Inverness in 2026?

Yes, but in the form of several markets: Eden Court in November, the Victorian Market and the farmers' market in December, and Cawdor Castle for a weekend. However, there isn't a single large Christmas village like in Edinburgh.

When will the Aberdeen Christmas Village take place in 2026?

It takes place from November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027, so every day except December 25, December 26 and January 1.

Are the Christmas markets in Aberdeen and Inverness free?

Yes, entry is free. Only the rides, certain activities, and your purchases require payment.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Inverness in December?

It's possible, especially on clear nights without light pollution, by getting away from the city. However, they remain unpredictable: consider them a bonus.

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