FestivalsEdinburgh

Edinburgh's Christmas

Edinburgh's city-centre Christmas market, big wheel, ice rink and light trail return against the backdrop of the Castle.

Date14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
VenueEast Princes Street Gardens & St Andrew Square
CityEdinburgh
CategoryFestivals

Overview

Edinburgh's Christmas turns the city centre into a market and festival site every winter, with the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle giving it one of the more dramatic settings of any UK Christmas market.

As with most large UK Christmas markets, the market stalls themselves are free to browse while rides and some ticketed experiences are paid separately.

Visitor information

The main market sites are East Princes Street Gardens and St Andrew Square, both in the very centre of Edinburgh.

Getting there

Edinburgh Waverley station is within walking distance of both main sites.

Age guidance

Suitable for all ages; evenings and weekends get considerably busier.

Accessibility

Pathways across the main market areas are generally accessible, though Princes Street Gardens has some sloped and uneven sections — check the official event site for current accessibility guidance before visiting.

Frequently asked questions

Is Edinburgh's Christmas market free?

Browsing the market stalls is free; the big wheel, ice rink and some other attractions are ticketed separately.