Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide 2024

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When is Edinburgh Christmas Market?
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2023 What’s On
FAQS

Crowned one of Europe’s best destinations, Edinburgh is an excellent city to visit. Not only is it full of life, culture, and fascinating history, it also looks bloomin’ gorgeous at Christmas time! So we’re here to spread the festive cheer of the Christmas Market along with all the juiciest details in our Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide 2023…

When is Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Edinburgh Christmas Market at night time

Commencing on the 17th November 2023 to 6th January 2024 you can enjoy a wide range of festive treats from food stalls, mulled Irn Bru, local handmade goods, vegan pigs in blankets, the famous 60m star flyer, and so much more! This free event takes place on East Princes Street Gardens (a central location of the Scottish Capital).

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2023 What’s On

The Market at Edinburgh Christmas Market 2023

The market begins with over 70 stalls at the centre of the city in East Princes Street Gardens. If you are trying to get your bearings of the location there are a few attractions nearby that you may recognise such as Edinburgh Castle, Scottish National Gallery and Camera Obscura.

Bag yourself some festive treats and handmade gifts at traditional Scottish markets on Castle Street or head over the High Street on West Parliament Square to check out the artisan markets and pop up bars.

There is also a traditional Ferris wheel alongside delicious food market stalls where you can warm up over a wild game burger and other staple seasonal foods. Fill your cup with mulled Irn-Bru or dram of whisky and cheers, to Slàinte mhath! (good health).

Edinburgh Christmas Market Fairground Rides

What is the holiday season without magical fairground rides and attractions? If you get a thrill from climbing high, try the Forth 1 Big Wheel, it’s the most Instagrammable Christmas spot in Edinburgh.

There is also a Christmas Tree Maze, and of course the fairground’s staple attraction, the Helter Skelter. Little ones will be eager to climb aboard the Santa Train too – it’s a one way ticket to Christmas, no return!

Edinburgh Christmas Market Santa

If your feet have taken you to St Andrew’s Square, then you’ll find yourself at the door of Santa’s Grotto. A visit with big man really ties together an already memorable event for your little ones.

Santa will read you enchanting Christmas tales, along with some special guest helpers… It really is the ultimate Santa experience.

Ice Rink at Edinburgh Market

Market goers of all ages will want to head over to George Street for a whizz around the Ice Rink. Practise those dazzling routines or build your confidence on the ice, whatever your experience on the ice, you’ll have a blast! The George Street Ice Rink opens on the 18th November!

Christmas Music Edinburgh Christmas Market

If you are looking for a more wholesome event, head over to The Ross Bandstand where carol singers and community choirs will be performing every evening throughout the festive period.

FAQS

Do I need a ticket to the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2023?

Nope! These festive markets are free to roam, so roam away…

Is the Edinburgh Christmas Market worth visiting?

Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival has been running since 1999 and has grown into one of the most popular winter festivals in Britain. With over 70 vendors spread out over The Mound, fairground rides that allow you to see the stunning city skyline and community choirs that set the magical atmosphere, it’s a treat for all your senses. Christmas Tree World also voted it the best Christmas market in Europe!

What dates are the Edinburgh Christmas market 2023?

The Edinburgh Christmas Market begins on the 17th November 2023 to 6th January 2024. however, the opening of the market began on the 17th November in the Reimagined Light Night event.

Is the Hogmanay Street Party in the same place as Edinburgh Christmas Market?

The Hogmanay Street Party is held at Edinburgh Castle and 30,000 revellers from around the globe will dance their way into 2023 with live DJ soundtracks, giant screens, funfair attractions and a delicious selection of street food & drink throughout the arena.

What should I wear to a Christmas Market?

If there is anything we can stress the most, it’s wrap up warm! December is Edinburgh’s coldest month so although you may want to dress nice for this festive occasion make sure you were very warm and comfortable clothes. Pick up a snazzy parker, grab your favourite woolly hat, plonk on your boots and you’re sorted!

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide 2023! Whether you want to buy something from the craft fayre, listen to the community Christmas Choir, soar through the city skyline on the Big Wheel or gobble up some festive treats at the food shacks, there’s lots to explore at the Edinburgh Christmas Market.

This family friendly Christmas event is the perfect Winter treat to illuminate Christmas memories. So head to Princes Street Gardens, meet Santa Claus and embrace the festive period – all for for free!

Find even more magical Christmas family fun…

Why stop at Edinburgh? Take on all the UK’s Christmas markets with all our latest Christmas Market guides! Check out Bristol Christmas Market or the popular german market – Birmingham Christmas Market. Make sure to check out Hyde Park’s famous magical Winter Wonderland, from one capital to another.

Find other family friendly activities and attraction ideas on our hub page. Find out how to make Christmas Cakes, discover the best Grinch events near you or locate the best Santa experience in Santa’s Grottos Near Me.