{"id":3459,"date":"2026-09-18T09:25:55","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T07:25:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T10:03:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T09:03:08","slug":"edinburgh-christmas-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/edinburgh-christmas-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026: Dates, locations and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Le Edinburgh Christmas Market<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026 runs from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 in East and West Princes Street Gardens and on George Street, a few minutes\u2019 walk from Waverley Station. Entry is free \u2013 you only pay for rides such as the Big Wheel and the ice rink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dates for the Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

However, the market is usually closed on Christmas Day. Finally, check the opening hours before your visit, as they vary from day to day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is the calendar of end-of-year festivities in Edinburgh in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event<\/th>Dates 2026-2027<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Edinburgh Christmas Market opens<\/td>Saturday, November 14, 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Christmas at the Botanics (light trail)<\/td>From November 19 to December 30, 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Christmas Day<\/td>December 25: Market generally closed<\/td><\/tr>
Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year<\/td>From December 29, 2026 to January 1, 2027<\/td><\/tr>
Market closure<\/td>Sunday, January 3, 2027<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Christmas in Edinburgh: Scottish traditions and winter lights<\/div>
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Opening hours and prices for the Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The market is generally open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, the hours change during holidays. Here are the hours announced for 2026, for informational purposes only:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day<\/th>2026 Timetable<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
From November 14th to December 23rd<\/td>From 10am to 10pm (November 17th: from 4pm to 10pm)<\/td><\/tr>
December 24<\/td>From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.<\/td><\/tr>
December 25<\/td>Farm<\/td><\/tr>
December 26<\/td>From 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.<\/td><\/tr>
December 31<\/td>From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/td><\/tr>
January 1st<\/td>From 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.<\/td><\/tr>
Until January 3, 2027<\/td>Reduced hours on the last day<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Entry remains free. However, the attractions are not: the 46-meter Ferris wheel costs from around \u00a312 per adult, and the Starflyer ride from around \u00a315.50. Expect to pay around \u00a315 for the George Street ice rink. Finally, most chalets primarily accept credit cards. Opening hours and prices are subject to change, so check the official website for details. Edinburgh's Christmas<\/a> before your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is the Edinburgh Christmas market?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

East Princes Street Gardens: the traditional market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

West Princes Street Gardens: the family area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the foot of the castle, the west gardens host a family funfair, also free to enter. You will also find rides, food stalls and areas to warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

George Street: the ice rink<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the new town, George Street boasts an indoor ice rink, perfect for rainy days. The Polar Ice Bar, kept at -10\u00b0C, also offers a unique experience for adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else is there to do in Edinburgh at Christmas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The market is just one part of the festive atmosphere. Here are our other ideas for a successful Christmas break. To continue your holiday in York, Bath, or London, also check out our calendar of Christmas markets in the United Kingdom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n