More blogs
Aside from London, the Edinburgh Christmas Market (otherwise known as Winter Fest) is one of the most famous in the UK, drawing thousands of visitors each year. And it's not surprising why. Aside from the fun festive activities on offer, the Edinburgh Christmas Market's historic setting with the impressive castle looming over, is truly one of a kind and should be experienced in person at least once. Luckily for you, we'll unpack all the details you need to help you plan your visit to the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 including:
- How to plan your visit
- Where to go for the Edinburgh Christmas market
- Things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas
- Where to stay in Edinburgh at Christmas
How To Plan Your Visit
When does the Edinburgh Christmas Market start?
This year, the Edinburgh Christmas market will open on Friday 15 November 2024 and running until 4 January 2025.
Where is the Edinburgh Christmas Market?
The Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 is spread across multiple locations in Edinburgh's city centre including:
- East and West Princes Street Gardens
- George Street
- St Andrew Square
If you're not familiar with Edinburgh, you'll be happy to know that all of these locations are within easy walking distance of each other and can easily be reached by public transport.
What time does the Edinburgh Christmas Market open?
The Edinburgh Christmas markets are open from 10 am - 10 pm daily, except on 24th December where you can join in on the Christmas fun from 10 am - 8 pm. On Christmas Day itself, the Edinburgh Christmas market is shut.
Is the Edinburgh Christmas Market free?
Yes, entrance to the Christmas markets is free making it a cheap and cheerful day out for families, friends and couples! Naturally, you will have to pay to go on the fun fair rides and enjoy the food and drink on offer
Do you need a ticket for the Edinburgh Christmas Market?
No, you do not need a ticket to enter the Christmas market, but you can pre-book a selection of rides and activities online in advance such as Ice Skating, The Big Wheel, Santa’s Stories and more. This is particularly handy on busier nights to ensure you get on the best attractions.
Is the Edinburgh Christmas Market open every day?
Yes, the Christmas markets in Edinburgh are open daily aside from Christmas Day.
Is there an ice rink at the Edinburgh Christmas Market?
Yes, the George Street ice rink (which is 100% real ice) is one of the best features of the Edinburgh Christmas market. Whether you're a pro or need the help of the penguin pals for balance, it's a fun and active way to celebrate the season.
Are dogs allowed at the Edinburgh Christmas Market?
Yes, the Edinburgh Christmas markets are in fact, dog-friendly (as long as they're on a lead)! Be warned though, the Christmas markets can get insanely crowded so perhaps consider going at a quieter time or leaving your pup at home if possible.
Where To Go For The Edinburgh Christmas Markets
1. East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
This is the main Edinburgh Christmas market 2025 that's located just below the castle and has over 70 stalls. The East Princes Street Gardens is free and is home to the Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel standing at 46m tall that's definitely worth a ride.
2. West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair
West Princes Street Gardens will be another free and family-friendly zone this year. Make sure to check out the Ross Bandstand to watch live events like choirs, St Andrew's Day Ceilidh, Nativity Carol Concert, Light Night Concert, Santa Stories in the Piccolo Spiegeltent and the Santa Fun Run.
3. George Street West & Castle Street
Edinburgh Ice Rink
On swanky George Street, you'll find the Edinburgh Christmas Ice Rink, a standout of any Christmas visit. Ticket prices for the ice rink start from £14.50 and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Toddlers or children under this height can attend toddler-focused sessions and you can see the schedule for those online.
Festive Workshops
Once you've skated your way around the ice rink, warm up with a hot drink or treat from food stalls in the George Street warming zone head to the Festive Workshops area where you can create unique Christmas gifts like wreaths, Christmas decorations or ice carvings (just make sure it doesn't melt before).
4. St Andrew Square Winter Garden
Santa's Stories
Let the little ones meet Santa and his elves on St. Andrew's Square. Santa's Stories are group sessions for up to 22 children with every child guaranteed to meet Santa and get a Christmas gift. Please note that this event does require advanced booking.
Christmas Tree Maze
On St. Andrew's Square you can also get lost in one of the UK's largest illuminated Christmas Tree trails that's great for insta pics.
Things To Do In Edinburgh At Christmas
1. The Castle of Light
Edinburgh Castle transforms into a spectacular light show during Castle of Light, where stunning projections bring the ancient fortress to life. Open from mid-November to January, it’s a magical experience for all ages.
2. Torchlight Procession
If you're spending Christmas in Edinburgh, why not join the annual Torchlight Procession through Edinburgh’s Old Town. This event is a highlight of the city’s festive season, with thousands of people lighting up the streets as they make their way to Holyrood Park for a final display of fire and fireworks.
3. Cinderella in Panto
No Christmas is complete without a panto, and this year’s show at the Edinburgh Playhouse is Cinderella. Expect all the usual fun, with slapstick comedy, dazzling costumes, and plenty of audience participation. Perfect for families!
4. The Dome
For an upmarket Edinburgh Christmas experience, head to The Dome for a festive drink and a mince pie. Famous for its extravagant decorations, this restaurant and bar is a must-see during the festive season. Whether you pop in for a drink or book a festive afternoon tea, the dazzling interiors make it feel like Christmas has come to life.
5. Swamplesque
For something a bit more out of the box, watch this Shrek-themed burlesque and drag parody once you've finished with the Christmas market. Be warned though, it's advised for people 16+ so maybe best not to take the kids.
6. Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair
Just a short trip from Edinburgh, Hopetoun House offers a beautiful setting for its Christmas Shopping Fair, complete with over 60 stalls of Christmas gifts, festive entertainment, and locally sourced food. The fair runs from 29 November to 1 December, 10am-4:30 pm.
7. Summerhall Christmas Market
At Summerhall’s Christmas Market, you’ll find vintage stalls, local crafts, vegan treats, and wreath-making workshops. With carols sung by the Summerhall Community Choir, this market is a quirky alternative to the city’s more traditional fairs. It takes place on 7th and 8th December 2024.
8. Jupiter Artland's Christmas Fair
Jupiter Artland, located just outside Edinburgh, is a magical place to visit at Christmas. The Christmas Fair features artisan stalls, live music, mulled wine, and fun for the kids, including Santa’s grotto and donkey rides. The fair runs on 7th and 8th December 2024, 10am-4pm.
Where to stay in Edinburgh at Christmas
The Best Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town for Christmas
Cheval Old Town Chambers | Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1PN | ★★★★★
A luxury aparthotel 8 minutes from the Princes Street markets. You'll also get incredible views of the Princes Street Gardens covered in Christmas lights.
The Scotsman Hotel | 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1TR | ★★★★
A luxe 1950 hotel in Edinburgh 2 minutes from Waverley Station.
Grassmarket Hotel | 94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JR | ★★★
You can't get much more central than this. At the foot of the iconic Victoria Street and under the castle.
The Best Hotels in Edinburgh New Town for Christmas
Haymarket Apartments | 6 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8JQ | ★★★★
A great option for travellers coming by train as it's minutes from Haymarket Train Station.
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand | 42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD | ★★★★★
A luxury Edinburgh hotel steps from George Street.
Stay Central | 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1LL | ★★★
A city centre hotel for socialising and good vibes, a ten-minute walk from the Royal Mile.
Will You Visit The Edinburgh Christmas Market 2024?
If you want to shake up your December and get into the festive spirit, you really can't go wrong with the Edinburgh Christmas market. Entrance is free, there are tons of stalls to stock up on Christmas gifts and aside from the Christmas market, there are plenty of other fun things to do to keep you entertained.
Give The Best Gift This Christmas With Experiencegift
Not finished your Christmas shopping yet? You've come to the right place! At Experiencegift, we make it super easy to gift hotels, flights, activities and trains in thousands of destinations around the world. All of our gift cards can be personalised by adding your own photo and writing a message. Then, you can choose to send your experience gift card:
- In the post (for free delivery worldwide)
- Via email as an eGift
- Via email to your inbox, for you to print at home and give in person
Plus, our experience gift vouchers are super flexible since you can add credit between £25 to £10,00024/7 customer service to suit your budget. Once they get their gift card, they'll have 2 years to redeem it and will have access to our if they have any questions.
