Edinburgh Christmas Market 2024 Dates Confirmed: 15th Nov

Edinburgh’s winter festivals, which combine Christmas and Hogmanay from November to January, are one of the best times to visit the city. You can pick and choose from many events and things to do.

Edinburgh Christmas Market is one of the most popular events, and in this guide, I list the dates for 2024 with opening times and locations.

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Edinburgh Christmas Market dates: 15th November 2024 to 4th January 2025 (confirmed).

Expected Update: Last year’s tickets came on sale in October. Want to know when they are released? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser’s trader application form, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Locations:
East Princes Street Gardens: Traditional European-style market with 70 stalls, the Big Wheel, Starflyer and Helter Skelter.
West Princes Street Gardens: Children’s market, funfair rides and family-friendly attractions.
George Street: Scottish Christmas Fair, Ice Rink and vintage funfair rides.
St Andrew Square: Santa and the Santa’s Stories group sessions.

Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: 12pm to 8pm.
New Year’s Eve: 10am to 6pm.
New Year’s Day: 12pm to 8pm.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Take Edinburgh’s most popular tour, a ghost tour of Edinburgh’s vaults.
Public transport: Edinburgh Waverley train station or St Andrew Square tram stop.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tip: Hogmanay is a 3-day event that includes the Party at the Bells and the Torchlight Procession. You can book Hogmanay tickets.
Where to stay: Market Street Hotel is an excellent option in the Mound Precinct.

Tickets and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Tickets: Tickets are only required for rides and attractions. Purchase online in advance or at the event. Click here to book (likely available in October).
Payment: Ticket purchases are cashless.
Ice rink: Yes. Take your own skates or get them at the rink at George Street.
Big Wheel: Book tickets online or at the event at East Princes Street.
Santa: Yes. Santa Stories require ticket online or at the event at St Andrew Square.
Christmas lights switch-on: On the Mound. 17th November 2024 at 5:30pm (unconfirmed).

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options as is typical in Edinburgh.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited. Ask before ordering.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: It’s advised to keep dogs at home.

Convenient Hotels

The Mound Precinct is the central area where you’ll most likely want to stay to be near the main sights and attractions.

I suggest staying at Market Street Hotel as it’s a 6-minute walk to both East Princes Street Gardens and George Street.

You might also like to stay in one of Edinburgh’s cool neighbourhoods, such as Stockbridge, Dean Village, or even Leith on the waterfront.

If you’d prefer to stay elsewhere, my guide to hotels in Edinburgh lists several well-located hotels covering all budgets.

Recommended Tours

This ghost tour of Edinburgh’s vaults is one of Edinburgh’s most popular things to do.

This Old Town history tour is the way to go if you’d prefer a regular walking tour.

Alternatively, you could consider a food tour to learn about the local Scottish culture through their cuisine.

Most of Edinburgh’s food tours are alcohol-based, but I prefer this tour, which is all about the food.

Read our UK Christmas Markets List for additional places to go this winter.

To stay in the region, our guide to Christmas Markets in Scotland can help you plan.

Location Map

Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!

What to Expect

About the Market

Experiencing Christmas in Edinburgh is undoubtedly an end-of-year highlight.

You’ll find classic mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, festive lights, live music, ice skating, rides, and Santa Stories; there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The markets have traditional snacks, interesting gifts and stocking fillers, and unique souvenirs.

Food Specialties

• Haggis: The traditional Scottish dish with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs mixed with onions, oatmeal, and spices, served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
• Cranachan: A Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, honey, toasted oatmeal, raspberries, and a dash of whisky.
• Mince pies: Bite-sized pies filled with dried fruits and spices, best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or brandy butter.
• Shortbread: The classic buttery and crumbly Scottish biscuit made with sugar, flour, and butter, often served as a snack or with tea.

Food and Drink Stalls

• Hot toddy: A warm and soothing drink made with whisky, honey, and lemon, often served in a glass mug, is a Scottish classic perfect for sipping while chatting with friends.
• Irn-Bru fudge: It’s a sweet and creamy fudge infused with the unique flavour of Scottish Irn-Bru.
• Scottish tablet: A traditional Scottish confectionery similar to fudge but with a harder and crumbly texture.
• German-style bratwurst: A grilled sausage served on a fresh bread roll, often topped with onions and mustard, a classic market street food.
• Crepes: French-style pancakes filled with sweet or savoury toppings, such as Nutella, bananas or ham and cheese. They’re made to order at the markets.
• Roasted chestnuts: A classic winter snack, roasted chestnuts are sold in paper cones.
• Mulled wine: Hot red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus peel is a popular German specialty.

Gifts and Souvenirs

• Tartan accessories: Scotland is famous for its tartan patterns, and you can find a range of tartan scarves, hats, gloves, and bags at the market. These make great souvenirs or gifts for friends and family, even if they’re a bit of a cliché gift.
• Whisky and gin: Scotland is also known for its spirits, and you can find a variety of locally produced bottles at the market.
• Edinburgh Gin baubles: A unique gift, these Christmas baubles are filled with Edinburgh Gin and come in flavours that include rhubarb and ginger, pomegranate and rose and classic gin.
• Scottish knitwear: Another traditional Scottish item, cosy knitwear, including jumpers, cardigans, and hats, can be found at some stalls.

Personal Insights

On my first visit to Edinburgh, travel was quite a new experience, making everything seem particularly exciting.

Wandering around Edinburgh Castle, exploring the cultural experiences at the museums, and indulging in the amazing food were highlights for me. There’s just so much to do.

I’ve been amazed at how vibrant and busy the city is in winter. Of course, the weather can be a bit gloomy during this time of year, but that’s to be expected and doesn’t detract from the city’s appeal.

Edinburgh always has something new happening, making every visit a unique experience.

Travel Information

Here are some more details on some of the top things to do in Edinburgh in winter:

• Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit attraction all year round, and winter is no exception. The castle has stunning city views, and you can explore its history with a skip-the-line tour. This is by far the most famous sight in the city.
• Ice skating at the George Street ice rink is a popular winter activity. Festive decorations surround the rink, and special events, such as ice discos, are often held there.
• The Christmas Tree Maze at West Princes Street Gardens is a fun and festive activity for all ages. You can navigate through the maze and take in the pretty decorations along the way.
• Santa’s Grotto is also located at West Princes Street Gardens and is perfect for families with young children. Meet Santa and his elves and take a few photos.
• The Festive Light Trail is a unique way to explore the city. It runs throughout and features unique light displays and installations.
• Winter Village at Edinburgh Zoo also has some exciting winter-specific events, including its own Christmas market, ice rink, Santa’s Grotto and Breakfast with the Clauses. Book online before you go. Dates: 1st December to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
• Finally, the Royal Botanic Garden is a beautiful escape from the city and a great way to connect with nature. The garden is a living museum of plants, and special events are often held, such as Christmas at the Botanics. Dates: 15th November to 30th December 2024 (unconfirmed).

Sustainability

• Eco-friendly Stays: Hotels in Edinburgh often provide information on their sustainability practices. Book a place powered by renewable energy sources like wind power, which is relatively common in Scotland.
• Minimising Food Waste: The markets in Edinburgh are a feast for the senses. Instead of overbuying, try sharing portions. Many stalls provide small-sized servings, making it easy to sample various dishes without wasting food.
• Mindful Spending: Be selective with what you buy. Prioritise items that are both local and made from sustainable materials.
• Plant-based Options: Edinburgh has an increasing number of vegan and vegetarian eateries, which generally have a lower environmental impact.
• Sustainable Transport: Edinburgh has an extensive and efficient public transport network, including buses and trams. Walking is also an excellent option since many Christmas events happen around the city centre.

If you have visited Edinburgh in winter or want to leave a review, please comment below. This will help others interested in visiting and trying to plan their holiday.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.