What will the Advent markets be like in Edinburgh? Program and important information in one place

If you want to find a festive place in Europe, consider Edinburgh’s Christmas markets for your next trip. Edinburgh is full of history, beautiful buildings, and special holiday traditions.

In December, the city becomes a winter wonderland. If you’re ready to explore, follow our guide to the Christmas markets in Edinburgh.

You’ll learn where to go, what to see, and how to enjoy the best of this Scottish city at Christmas time.

Christmas Markets in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has become a popular spot for Christmas market lovers in recent years. It started simply, bringing a bit of German-inspired holiday spirit to Scotland, and has grown into one of the city’s main events.

From late November, these markets fill the city with festive charm. They offer traditional Scottish crafts and popular holiday treats. Families looking for fun, couples wanting a romantic getaway, or groups of friends on an outing will all find something to enjoy at Edinburgh’s Christmas markets.

Top Christmas Markets in Edinburgh

Where to Go and What to See Each year, Edinburgh hosts several festive Christmas markets, each adding its own twist to the yuletide cheer.

The following are the most famous ones to be included in one’s itinerary:

• Christmas Market-East Princes Street Gardens
• West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair
• St Andrew Square Winter Garden
• George Street West & Castle Street

Each of these markets will reveal another face of Edinburgh’s holiday spirit, and each of them has a number of activities and experiences waiting for you that will make your trip unforgettable.

Christmas Market-East Princes Street Gardens

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city center, East Princes Street Gardens offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the city’s iconic skyline.

When and where will everything take place?

This picturesque setting hosts the free-to-enter traditional Christmas Market, featuring around 70 stalls from both local and international producers.

Visitors can find a diverse range of items, including handmade gifts, bespoke products, tasty treats, and delicious drinks. Additionally, the gardens are home to the LNER Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel, which stands at an impressive 150 feet tall, providing a unique perspective of the city. The ever-popular Around the World Star Flyer also adds to the festive atmosphere.

What can you look forward to?

• The ice rink located in St Andrew Square.
• A rich cultural program featuring live music, street performers, and festive entertainment throughout the day.
• The Ice Bar, constructed entirely of ice, where your drinks will be served in ice glasses, providing you with an unforgettable winter experience.
• Extended opening hours that will last until late in the evening.

West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair

West Princes Street Gardens will be open to the public for free this year, starting on Friday, November 15. The area will feature funfair rides and attractions, as well as festive food and drink stalls.

Visitors can cozy up in various warming zones with a delicious hot chocolate or seasonal mulled wine. Additionally, the Ross Bandstand will host a festive program of family-friendly live events, including performances by choirs and other shows.

St Andrew Square Winter Garden

The George Street Market, located on one of Edinburgh’s famous streets, offers a more upscale Christmas market experience.

With beautiful lights and charming stalls, the market creates a festive holiday atmosphere. Santa Claus is back in a cozy corner of St. Andrew Square, along with his helpful elves, to provide a magical Christmas experience!

Children can write their Christmas wishes at the Post Box and Letter Writing Station. A 33-foot tall Kindness Tree stands in the square, encouraging gift donations and spreading joy throughout the season.

St. Andrew Square features one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree Maze, making it a beloved festive attraction and a perfect spot for Christmas photo opportunities in the heart of the city. Experience the magic as you wander through 450 illuminated trees with surprises along the way. Come and get lost in the magic at St. Andrew Square!

George Street West & Castle Street

George Street will host the Edinburgh Christmas Ice Rink, a must-visit attraction during the holiday season. This year, the rink will be covered, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful Georgian skyline of Edinburgh’s New Town while skating. After skating, you can warm up with a hot drink or snack from the food stalls in the George Street warming zone.

You can also enjoy traditional fairground rides like a double carousel or visit the Festive Workshops to try wreath-making, create Christmas decorations, or learn ice carving.

Don’t forget to shop in Edinburgh for last-minute Christmas gifts. This year, we will introduce The Polar Ice Bar, a great place to enjoy a festive drink. Be sure to dress warmly!

The Castle Street Christmas Fair has become a staple of the Edinburgh Christmas market calendar. Located in the shadow of the castle, the market features colorful stalls offering a wide range of goods. If you’re in search of unique Christmas shopping, this is the perfect place to visit. Browse through the stalls to discover a treasure trove of arts and crafts, jewelry, scented candles, woodwork, and homemade seasonal foods.

Experience the charm of Edinburgh’s Christmas markets and see what makes them truly special in the video below:

Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Christmas Night Walking Tour 2023【4K HDR】| Edinburgh Christmas Market

Must-See Spots in Edinburgh During the Holidays

While Christmas markets might be the headliner, there’s so much more to see when you make a holiday visit to Edinburgh. Each of these spots offers something particular with which to experience Edinburgh’s festive spirit, even beyond the Christmas markets.

Edinburgh Castle

This castle overlooks the city and is quite special in winter. It offers great views, interesting history, and Christmas decorations, too.

During Christmas, you can see stunning projections and bright displays at Edinburgh Castle after dark. Now in its fifth year, this event features impressive installations that show the city’s history through a nighttime walking trail around the castle grounds. You will encounter stories from Scotland’s past as they come to life through engaging projections.

Royal Mile

The historic Royal Mile runs from the castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. During the holidays, it’s lined with decorations, lights, and seasonal shop displays.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral, founded in 1124 by King David I, has been an active church for almost 900 years. It has witnessed significant events in Scotland’s religious history and served as John Knox’s parish church during the Reformation. Today, it hosts key civic events like the Kirking of the Parliament. Everyone is welcome to worship, visit, and enjoy music, art, and history at St Giles’ Cathedral.

Scott Monument

Set over Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is especially breathtaking when strung up in its Christmas lights. The Scott Monument, standing 200 feet tall, is the largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer – Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The dark structure features 64 figures from Scott’s novels. A white marble statue of Scott shines in the sunlight.

Final Conclusion

Holiday markets, historic atmosphere, friendly holiday vibe—all this is combined in Edinburgh, the perfect destination to get a truly European Christmas. From the busy hub of East Princes Street Gardens to the Castle Street, all tastes of holiday travelers will have something to satisfy their needs.

Besides the markets, Edinburgh’s historical sites and beautiful winter landscapes plunge headlong into the love affair during the holiday season.