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Edinburgh Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the city centre into a winter wonderland, filled with traditional markets, funfair rides, live outdoor events, and delicious food.
Where are the Christmas markets?
The festive attractions are spread across several key locations in Edinburgh, each offering something unique:
- East Princes Street Gardens: This location features the traditional Christmas market with around 80 stalls, Scotland's largest Ferris wheel, and the towering Starflyer ride.
- West Princes Street Gardens: Here, you can enjoy a family funfair with exciting rides, food stalls, and a Christmas-themed illuminated trail featuring photo opportunities.
- St Andrew Square: Santa's Grotto, a massive Christmas tree, and the new Christmas Tree Maze make this a must-visit spot for families and children.
- George Street and Castle Street: The ice rink, warming zones, and an artisan Christmas market on Castle Street provide plenty of festive activities and treats.
When do the Edinburgh Christmas Markets start?
The festivities begin on Friday 15 November 2024 and run until 4 January 2025. The markets and attractions open on different dates to offer plenty of festive fun throughout the season:
- East Princes Street Gardens Market: This market runs from 15 November to 4 January, offering festive treats and gifts for the entire season.
- West Princes Street Gardens Funfair: Opening on 16 November, the funfair offers exciting rides and festive food stalls for all ages.
- St Andrew Square and George Street: The attractions, including Santa's Grotto and the ice rink, open during the week of 23 November to bring more festive cheer.
Do you need tickets?
While entry to Edinburgh Christmas Markets is free, please note that certain attractions may require tickets. For added convenience, consider pre-booking a variety of exciting experiences online in advance, including ice skating, the Big Wheel (Scotland's largest Ferris wheel), and more.
How to get to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets?
With so many festive activities and easy transport links, reaching the Edinburgh Christmas Markets is straightforward.
- By train: The Edinburgh Waverley Station is just a short 3-5 minute walk from the market. Services from Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, and ScotRail run frequently, making this a convenient option.
- By bus: Several bus routes, including the 100, 22, 31, 37, 909, X25, X37, X38, and X60, all serve the market area. The nearest stops are Princes Street, South St David Street, Hanover Street, and George Street, each within a 2-5 minute walk from the market.
- By car: Those travelling from outside Edinburgh can leave their vehicles at the Ingliston Park & Ride, which offers free parking and tram access directly into the city. For those driving directly into Edinburgh, nearby car parks include Castle Terrace and Holyrood Road.
Where can you park?
Visitors have a few parking options when coming to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets. Ingliston Park & Ride offers free parking with a tram connection directly into the city centre. Alternatively, for closer proximity, paid parking is available at Castle Terrace and Holyrood Road car parks, which are a short distance from the market area.
What to expect at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets?
Christmas in Edinburgh is magical and will see a whole host of events, festivities, markets, shows, and more, bringing the city to life for the most wonderful time of the year.
Things to do
- Ice Skating at George Street: At the iconic George Street Ice Skating Rink, glide along a wavy track beneath twinkling Christmas lights in 40-minute sessions. For spectators, there's a rink-side platform serving drinks and hot food, making it a memorable experience for everyone.
- Santa Land: Santa Land in East Princes Street Gardens offers an array of enchanting experiences for all ages. Children and the young at heart can delight in a reindeer merry-go-round, enjoy a thrilling mini-rollercoaster ride, and embark on an adventure in the Christmas Tree Maze.
Food and Drink Delights
Here, you can satisfy their cravings with Bavarian delights, Scottish delicacies, craft beers, and hot chocolates from the market's street food vendors and bars. It's an opportunity to treat their taste buds to a festive feast.
Stalls
With over 70 stalls offering artisan festive products and local crafts, Edinburgh Christmas market is the perfect place to find unique decorations and gifts for loved ones. It's a chance to shop to your heart's content.
Where to stay in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, you can immerse yourself in the festive spirit by choosing from a range of hotels near the Christmas Markets. Options include charming boutique hotels and well-known chains, all within easy reach of the festivities. The Old Town offers historic charm, while the New Town boasts elegant architecture and vibrant dining. Be sure to check out the incredible deals on this page, some of which include return flights alongside fantastic hotel offers for a memorable festive getaway.
Other things to do in Edinburgh
During the winter season, Edinburgh offers a multitude of enchanting experiences beyond the Christmas markets.
- Edinburgh Castle Tour: Discover the historic Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich history through fascinating exhibits and captivating displays, including seasonal offerings that bring the castle's past to life.
- Visit The Palace of Holyroodhouse: After a walk along the Royal Mile, explore this Palace, a working royal residence with deep historical ties to figures like Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Festive Light Trail: Wander through the Royal Botanic Garden's captivating light displays, transforming the winter landscape into a glowing wonderland.
- St Giles' Cathedral Concerts: Enjoy a festive Christmas piano recital in the breathtaking, candlelit St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile, where leading concert pianists perform a selection of beloved classical and romantic works.
- Visit Edinburgh Zoo: Explore one of Scotland's top attractions, home to a variety of animals, including the famous giant pandas, and enjoy interactive exhibits and parkland; plus, meet Mr and Mrs Claus on selected dates this December for a festive treat.
Christmas Essentials: Christmas Shop | Christmas Gifts | Christmas Pyjamas | Christmas Decorations | Christmas Market Breaks | Christmas Jumpers | Christmas Trees