Few cities do Christmas like Edinburgh. This city glows with thousands of lights as it transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland. You can feel the holiday spirit everywhere. And at the heart of the celebrations is the Edinburgh Christmas Market. It is one of those rare seasonal events that lives up to the hype.
What’s special about this market is not just the Christmas cheer – it is the setting. You are in the middle of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by Gothic architecture, cobbled streets, and the buzz of winter excitement. So, if you are planning a winter vacation in Edinburgh, you are in for a treat.
The Christmas Markets light up Princes Street Gardens, and the festivities continue to Castle Street and George Street. But Edinburgh’s charm doesn’t stop there.
Stroll up the Royal Mile, and you will find cobblestones dusted with frost, historic buildings dressed in wreaths and garlands, and buskers playing Christmas carols on bagpipes.
By night, the city becomes even more magical. The Edinburgh Castle lits up, and George Street dazzles with its canopy of lights and the festive pop-up bars. From Calton Hill, you will witness the whole city glow.
I have been lucky enough to visit the Christmas Market almost every year for the past 10 years, and somehow, it never gets old. So, if you are a wide-eyed first-timer or a returning winter wanderer like me, there is something deeply magical about the whole experience.
Must-Visit Christmas Markets in Edinburgh
East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
Nestled right in the heart of the city with the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Hotel clocktower, the market sprawls across the East Princes Street Gardens in a riot of colour and sound. Rambling around this market is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh during the holiday season.
The moment you walk down from Waverley Bridge and into the heart of the festivities, the air shifts. You are hit with the scent of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, and sugar-dusted waffles.
Classic wooden chalets line the paths, each bursting with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and winter treats. Twinkling fairy lights crisscross overhead, while rows of wooden chalets brim with handmade crafts, quirky gifts, and an array of finger-licking food stalls. Every corner offers something tempting.
Honestly, I visit the Edinburgh Christmas Market for the food. A tip to fellow foodies – Go hungry. It is not the time for a light snack.
Grab a sizzling Bratwurst or Currywurst straight from the grill. We love the pies from Jarvis Pickle. Also, you can taste some delicious traditional Scottish dishes, like haggis and stoves. If you are super hungry, grab a big Angus Burger and chips.
You can find here various vendors selling Scottish shortbread and tablets in every flavour imaginable. If you have a sweet tooth like us, get a sweet Nutella crepe, sugar-coated churros, mini pancakes, Dutch Stroopwafels or a Christmas crumble with loads of toppings.
You can’t leave the market without trying a hot cider, spiced mulled wine or hot chocolate spiked with a little Baileys if you are feeling cheeky.
There are several rides that both kids and grown-ups can enjoy. The Starflyer is not for the faint-hearted. It spins you high in the sky, but the view is unbeatable.
The big Ferris wheel rotates slowly beside the gardens, giving panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument, and the rooftops of the Old Town.
West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair
Tucked beneath the towering Edinburgh Castle, the West Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market feels like a place to slow down and soak up the Christmas spirit.
My favourite moment is viewing the Victorian carousel shining in the shadow of the mighty medieval fortress. Also, the beautiful Ross Fountain magnifies the charm.
The funfair has a classic feel, like something out of a childhood memory. This part of the Christmas market is filled with family-friendly rides and a few stalls selling mulled wine and seasonal foods.
The rides are designed to cater to younger children. There’s the iconic Helter Skelter. For those after a bit more of a thrill, there’s the spinning teacups, the mini pirate ship and a train ride that winds gently through a small, festive track.
The highlight of the West Gardens during Christmas is Santa’s Grotto, tucked near the Ross Bandstand. It’s a favourite with families, where kids can meet Father Christmas.
The Ross Bandstand itself often hosts performances during the run-up to Christmas. Depending on when you visit, you might catch a local choir, a school performance, or a mini-concert.
George Street
After visiting the East Princes Street Garden, take a short stroll to reach the elegant George Street. Stretching from Charlotte Square to St Andrew Square, George Street is a hub of Edinburgh Christmas sparkle.
Surrounded by Georgian buildings and decorated with sparkling lights, in the evening, George Street looks like a scene straight out of a postcard.
The star attraction here is the undercover ice rink, where skaters glide beneath twinkling lights. Even if you’re not the most graceful on skates, the laughter and joy in the air make up for any wobbly moments.
Next door, the Polar Ice Bar invites you into a frosty wonderland, which is sculpted entirely from crystal-clear ice, including the walls, furniture, and glasses. Chilled to a crisp –8 °C, this might be the coldest place in the capital city.
When frost bites, retreat to the cosy embrace of the Coorie Inn, which evokes a Highland lodge with tartan throws, outdoor heaters, and gentle live music.
Once you have wandered the stalls, head straight to The Dome for a drink. The massive Corinthian columns of this unmissable Edinburgh institution are wrapped in garlands and lights so bright they practically glow in the Edinburgh night.
After visiting the Christmas market each year, we always end up here for a pint before heading back home – it’s been a tradition for us, and we can’t recommend it highly enough.
Castle Street
Before heading to St Andrew’s Square, make a quick stop at the Castle Street Christmas Market. It might be smaller than its counterparts across Edinburgh, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with charm and its picturesque settings.
Walking up Castle Street in December, you are greeted with a neat row of wooden stalls that stretch toward the castle, each one dressed in fairy lights and brimming with handpicked goods.
You will find local artisans selling handmade jewellery, chunky knits, and skincare products alongside stalls filled with Scottish cheeses, chocolates and preserves. There are also a few food and drink vendors dotted among the stalls.
St Andrew Square
Unlike the larger markets that sprawl across Princes Street Gardens, the Christmas celebration at St Andrew Square is more intimate. We love walking underneath the canopy of lights here. Also, there are many benches where you can sit with a cup of hot drinks and enjoy the festive surroundings.
The main highlight here is the Christmas Tree Maze, one of the UK’s largest illuminated garden mazes. Wandering amid hundreds of glowing firs, you will twist through winding paths. It is a delight for kids and adults alike.
Just beside the maze is Santa’s Stories – a cosy, theatrical meet-and-greet experience. Santa, with his elves, tells engaging tales in sessions. Also, you will find a charming letter-writing station and a North Pole post box.
Things to Know Before Visiting Edinburgh Christmas Market
Princes Street Gardens hosts the main market. But the festivities spill over to Castle Street, St Andrew Square and George Street.
Now, I should tell you this – the Edinburgh Christmas Market is very popular and gets super busy, especially during the weekends. But don’t let that put you off though. If you want to avoid crowds, go on a weekday. Early evening is ideal.
Entry to the Edinburgh Christmas Market is free. But food, drinks, and rides can add up quickly. Expect to pay festival prices for everything.
Lastly, it is Scotland. It will be cold and wet. Possibly windy. Layers are your friend, and comfortable shoes are essential.
Opening Dates of Edinburgh Christmas Market
The festive season kicks off early in Princes Street Gardens, with both East and West areas opening from 15th November 2025 till 4th January 2026, 10 am to 10 pm daily.
George Street and Castle Street turn into a winter wonderland soon after. Ice Rink is open from 22nd November until 4th January.
Castle Street Christmas Market will be open from 25th November to 22nd December.The vast majority of stalls and activities close on Christmas Day.
What Makes Edinburgh Christmas Markets Worth Visiting?
Edinburgh Christmas Market is one of the most iconic winter attractions in the UK—and for good reason.
First, the setting is unbeatable. Edinburgh in winter already looks magical – add fairy lights and festive music, and the whole city feels like it has stepped out of a storybook.
Edinburgh Christmas Market is nestled right below the Scott Monument and has sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle and the medieval buildings of Old Town.
Personally, I go to these markets for the food and the holiday vibes! There is a genuine warmth here. From bratwurst to churros, mulled wine to hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and whipped cream, the Christmas Market is a food lover’s dream.
Other Festive Events in Edinburgh in December
While the Edinburgh Christmas Market steals the spotlight every December, the city’s holiday magic goes far beyond. If you find yourself in this city, there are an abundance of events and celebrations going around.
Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle – Head up to Edinburgh Castle after dark for Castle of Light, a dazzling after-hours light show that transforms this historic castle into a giant canvas. Expect projections that dance across the stone walls, immersive storytelling, and soundscapes that make the whole place feel alive.
Christmas at the Botanics at Royal Botanic Garden – For something more nature-meets-fantasy, Christmas at the Botanics is a must. Held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, this ticketed evening event transforms the grounds into a glowing winter trail.
Expect tunnels of light, fire gardens, oversized glowing sculptures, and twinkling displays reflected in ponds and tucked among trees. This is our favourite Christmas event in the city.
Mound Christmas Tree – At the foot of The Mound, just off Princes Street, stands one of Edinburgh’s most iconic symbols of the season – the massive Christmas tree gifted each year from Hordaland, Norway.
Torchlight Procession – Usually held in the final days of December, the Torchlight Procession is one of Edinburgh’s most breathtaking holiday traditions. Thousands of people walk through the city streets holding real torches, lighting up the night in a river of flickering flames.
Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s New Year Celebration – Hogmanay is Scotland’s world-famous New Year’s celebration. The main event is the street party, with live music, DJs, and thousands of revellers bundled up and counting down under the castle’s midnight fireworks.
Edinburgh knows how to do Christmas. Bundle up, bring your camera, and let yourself be swept up in the holiday magic. You will leave with a full heart, a warm belly, and probably a bag full of shortbread and fudge.
