Breathtaking views. Iconic landmarks. Festive lights. And Santa himself. It’s all here at the Christmas markets in Edinburgh.
Of course, Edinburgh is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year. But it truly comes alive with light and magic around the festive period. Stroll around festive markets. Jump on a Ferris wheel. Take to the ice for Christmas fun. And make unforgettable Christmas memories during your visit to Scotland’s capital.
Explore the Christmas markets in Edinburgh
Sample some Scottish Christmas traditions
Just a short flight away, Christmastime offers the perfect opportunity to get a taster for some of Edinburgh’s best loved traditions. From the lighting of the Christmas tree, tasting Scottish delicacies and seeing the city lit up, you can’t help but revel in Edinburgh’s festive spirit.
Try hearty haggis with neeps and tatties. Get cosy with a hot chocolate. Skate around the city’s ice skating rink. Take in the amazing views from the top of the Ferris wheel. And load up on unique and traditional gifts for friends and family. It’s time to plan an unforgettable trip to Edinburgh for Christmas 2024.
5 of the best Christmas markets in Edinburgh
From handmade gifts and souvenirs to meeting Father Christmas himself, Edinburgh’s Christmas markets tick all the festive boxes. Wrap up warm and experience it for yourself with a hot drink and tasty snack in hand. Here’s where to start. We’ve got all the Edinburgh Christmas market dates too, so you can plan your trip.
East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
Iconic views
15 November – early January 2025
Set against a backdrop of many of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks, including its impressive castle, the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market runs from 15th November to early January. It’s free to enter and features around 70 festive stalls. You can also catch a ride on Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel.
Edinburgh’s Christmas at the Botanics
Incredible Christmas lights
21 November – 30 December
Experience an immersive light show at Edinburgh’s botanic gardens this Christmas. Head to the city’s Royal Botanic Gardens between 21st November and late December and make your way along the festive trail. Make sure you enjoy a warm drink or tasty snack from one of the food vendors too. Fingers crossed you might see Santa as well.
George Street Christmas Market
Great for gifts
17 November – early January 2025
Running from 17th November through to early January, Edinburgh’s George Street Christmas Market is all about high-quality Christmas products in truly elegant surroundings. If you’re hunting for special gifts for loved ones, this is the place to do it. And while you’re here, you may as well take a spin around the ice rink and warm up with a tasty hot chocolate or mulled wine.
St. Andrew Square Scottish Market
Local crafts and food
Mid-November – 4 January 2025
The vibrant St. Andrew Square Scottish Market is open throughout the festive period from mid-November until 4th January. It’s the place to go for local crafts, Scottish culinary specialties and festive traditions. Don’t miss the Christmas tree maze for some festive fun too.
Santa Land
Family fun
Mid-November – early January 2025
Head to West Princes Street Gardens from mid-November to early January with the little ones in tow to meet up with the big guy in real life. You can meet Santa and his elves in Santa’s Grotto before hopping on the rides and checking out the attractions. Festive feels, yes please.
Top tips for visiting Edinburgh’s Christmas markets:
Scottish weather is unpredictable, so pack warm and waterproof layers
Try haggis, Scotland’s national dish for a unique culinary experience
Christmas markets in Edinburgh are spread across the city, so plan your route in advance
6 Christmas events in Edinburgh not to miss
Celebrations, decorations, and attractions
Yes, Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are always a treat, but there are so many other things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas. From taking a ride on Edinburgh’s big wheel to finding your way out of a Christmas tree maze, this is what you can expect.
Christmas Tree Maze
Biggest in the UK
St Andrew Square
23 November – 24 December
Head to St Andrew Square and test your navigation skills with one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas tree trails. It’s fun for the whole family and ideal for a photo opp. Just don’t get lost!
The Big Wheel
Christmassy panoramas
East Princes Street Gardens
15 November – 4 January 2025
Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the Edinburgh Christmas Ferris wheel. The wheel has 36 pods, each of which can accommodate six people. Remember to take some snaps from up high above the city.
Cultural fact file:
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages
A Christmas wonderland, Edinburgh is aglow with lights and decorations
Discover a culturally diverse variety of products and culinary specialties
Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink
Take to the ice
Uniqlo Ice Rink, 125 George Street
22 November – 4 January 2025
Ice skating in Edinburgh at Christmas is always a popular activity. Take to the ice on Edinburgh’s famous George Street (between Charlotte Square and Castle Street) as you test your balance during this fun, festive activity.
Tree Lighting Ceremony 2024 Edinburgh
A Christmas tradition
The Mound
18 November
See the city’s impressive Christmas tree being lit up on Edinburgh’s Mound in a tradition dating back to 1947. Often accompanied by music and shows, the ceremony marks the beginning of the city’s fabulous Christmas festivities.
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
Shimmer and sparkle
Five Sisters Zoo
15 November to 23 December
Make your way to the family-run Five Sisters Zoo, just outside the city for the famous annual illuminations. The zoo will shimmer and sparkle every night from mid-November to just before Christmas. It’s fun for the whole family.
Hogmanay
New year celebrations
Throughout Edinburgh
29 December – 1 January 2025
If you’re spending the whole festive season in Edinburgh, you’re in for a treat. The entire city goes all out for its annual Hogmanay celebrations. Expect concerts, firework displays and street parties. There’ll be plenty of Scottish delicacies to try too.
Average prices at Edinburgh’s Christmas markets
Your Christmas market budget
Edinburgh is a welcoming destination for all budgets. Wander around the markets and keep an eye out for the best prices. Use public transport for a cheap and convenient way to move between the markets and events you’re planning to visit. Book accommodation in advance for the best choice and most competitive rates.
Mulled wine: £4-6
Haggis, neeps & tatties: £10-15
Casual meal: £15-25 per person
Bus/tram ticket: £1.80
Budget hotel: £50-80 per night
Santa. Fireworks. A big wheel. An ice rink. And a Christmas tree maze. It doesn’t get any better than a Christmas trip to Edinburgh.
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