Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026: Dates, locations and tips

Le Edinburgh Christmas Market It returns from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027, at the foot of the castle. Having lived in Edinburgh since 2012, we see it set up every autumn. Here are the dates, locations, attractions, and our tips for enjoying it without the crowds.

The market is part of Edinburgh's Christmas, the city's major end-of-year celebration. It actually continues until... Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year.

Dates for the Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2026

Edinburgh's Christmas takes place from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, according to the official city website. Entry to the market is free. Only the attractions, such as the Ferris wheel or the ice rink, require payment.

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The market is usually closed on Christmas Day. Finally, check the opening hours before your visit, as they vary from day to day.

Where is the Edinburgh Christmas market?

The festivities are spread across three city centre locations, all within a short walk of Waverley Station. For comparison with Glasgow or Aberdeen, see our guide to Christmas markets in Scotland.

East Princes Street Gardens: the traditional market

This is the heart of Edinburgh's Christmas market. Around 70 stalls offer crafts, handmade gifts, Scottish specialties, and hot drinks. The site also features the 46-meter Ferris wheel, which offers a unique view of the illuminated castle and Old Town.

Thrill-seekers will also find the Starflyer, an 80-meter-high ride. Younger children, on the other hand, will prefer the little Santa train, which travels through a light-up display.

West Princes Street Gardens: the family area

At the foot of the castle, the west gardens host a family funfair, also free to enter. There you will find rides, food stalls and areas to warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine.

George Street: the ice rink

In the new town, George Street boasts an indoor ice rink, perfect for rainy days. The Polar Ice Bar, kept at -10°C, also offers a unique experience for adults.

What else is there to do in Edinburgh at Christmas?

The market is just one part of the festive atmosphere. Here are our other ideas for a successful Christmas stay.

• Christmas at the Botanics: From November 19 to December 30, 2026, the Royal Botanic Garden transforms into a nighttime light show. Book early, as weekend slots fill up quickly.
• The illuminations of George Street and Princes Street, to be discovered on foot at nightfall.
• The view from Calton Hill is magnificent with the city lights.
• A Christmas concert at St Giles' Cathedral, on the Royal Mile.
• A historic pub in the Grassmarket, perfect for warming up after visiting the market.

To complete your program, also consult our guide to learn more What to do in Edinburgh in all seasons.

Our tips for visiting Edinburgh's Christmas market

It's best to come during the week, and preferably in the late morning. Friday and Saturday evenings are very busy, especially in December. Late November is ideal: everything is open, and the crowds are still manageable.

As for the weather, temperatures are often between 3 and 7°C, with wind and rain. So pack warm layers, a hat, and a waterproof jacket. The sun sets around 3:40 pm in December, so the Christmas lights can be seen from mid-afternoon onwards. Our guide to climate in Scotland provides detailed weather information month by month.

Finally, book your accommodation several months in advance if you are aiming for a December weekend or the Hogmanay period.

Combine the Edinburgh Christmas market with a trip

Two to three days are enough to enjoy the market and visit the city. You can also extend your trip to the Highlands, magnificent under the snow, or to other towns. Our guide to train routes in Scotland will help you get to Stirling, Glasgow or Inverness without a car.

Are you hesitating between several destinations? Compare with the Christmas markets in England, like those of York or Bath, or with our Christmas markets in London, or even with Christmas in Dublin.

Frequently asked questions about the Edinburgh Christmas Market

When will the Edinburgh Christmas Market take place in 2026?

Edinburgh's Christmas takes place from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The traditional market is located in East Princes Street Gardens.

Is entry to the Edinburgh Christmas market free?

Yes, access to the market and the funfair is free. You only pay for the rides, the ice rink, and your purchases.

How many chalets are there in the market?

The traditional market comprises around 70 chalets. It is therefore smaller than the large German markets, but its setting, facing the castle, is exceptional.

Is the Edinburgh Christmas market open on December 25th?

Generally, no. The market closes on Christmas Day and then reopens until January 3rd. However, please check the official opening hours for the 2026 edition.

Go to Edinburgh for Christmas with Brightside Travel

Our team lives in Edinburgh and knows the city in every season. We offer, among other things, a stay Christmas in Edinburgh, adaptable to your dates, and we can integrate it into a tailor-made trip to Scotland.

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