Edinburgh’s winter festivals, which span from November to January, combining Christmas and Hogmanay, are among the best times to visit the city. You can select from a variety of events and activities.
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is one of the most popular events, and in this guide, I list the confirmed dates for 2025, along with opening times and locations.
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 and Ticket Sales
Tickets for the activities will likely be available from October 3rd (unconfirmed). Jump straight to ticket information.
Dates – Confirmed
Edinburgh dates: 15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026 (confirmed).
Attraction tickets available: 3rd October 2025 (unconfirmed).
Update: The schedule for last year was released in October. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Official trader application form.
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 to enter. Tickets are only required for rides and attractions.
Purchase online in advance or at the event.
Tickets: Click here to book (likely available from 3rd October).
Payment: All ticket purchases are cashless.
Ice rink: George Street. Take your own skates or get them at the rink (no speed skates). Price: £14.50.
Big Wheel: East Princes Street Gardens. Price: £11.00.
Star Flyer: East Princes Street Gardens. Price: £12.50.
Santa Stories: St Andrew Square. Price: £6.00.
Tree Maze: St Andrew Square. Price: £5.00.
Castle of Light: Edinburgh Castle. 21st November to 3rd January 2026 (unconfirmed). Plan your castle visit.
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. There is ramp access and spaces for 2 wheelchair users in every standard session.
Quiet sessions: Smaller capacity sessions with ambient lighting and sound. Schedule to be announced.
Pet-friendly: Dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
The Mound Precinct is the central area where you’ll most likely want to stay, as it is near the main sights and attractions.
I suggest staying at the 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 the city’s most popular attractions.
This Old Town history tour is the ideal choice if you prefer a traditional walking tour.
Alternatively, you could consider a food tour to learn about the local Scottish culture through their cuisine.
Many of Edinburgh’s food tours are alcohol-based, but I prefer this one, which focuses on 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, roasted chestnuts, festive lights, live music, ice skating, rides, and Santa Stories; there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The market offers traditional snacks, interesting gifts and stocking fillers, as well as 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 firmer and crumblier texture.
- German-style bratwurst: A grilled sausage served on a fresh bread roll, often topped with onions and mustard, is a classic street food found on marketplaces.
- 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 clichéd.
- 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 fantastic 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: 30th November to 5th January 2026 (unconfirmed).
- Finally, the Royal Botanic Garden is a stunning escape from the city and an excellent 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: 14th November to 30th December 2025 (unconfirmed).
Sustainability
- Eco-friendly Stays: Hotels in Edinburgh often provide information on their sustainability practices. Book a place powered by renewable energy sources, such as 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.
- Transport: Edinburgh boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation network, comprising buses and trams. Walking is also an excellent option, as many events take place around the city centre.
If you have visited Edinburgh in winter or would like to share your review, please comment below. This will help others interested in visiting and planning 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 as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
This will be my 3rd visit to the Edinburgh Market. Beautiful and magical time! Can you tell me what day Ginger Day is this year (2023)?
I don’t know sorry, hopefully a reader can help.
Contradictory answers here, some people asking about tickets, some are told they dont need a ticket, others agreeing to let them know. Christmas markets themselves are free to enter.
The organiser initially said tickets (free) would be required but later changed their policy. It’s free to enter and no tickets are required.
Hello! Would you be able to email me when tickets have been released please 🙏🏻
The article was updated in October. This year I’ll be starting a newsletter so I can easily update people with dates. Sorry I wasn’t able to personally notify everyone last year.
Hi Andrea,
Please could you also e-mail me when the Christmas market tickets are made available?
I keep checking, and as I have already booked trains for myself and two friends to attend the Christmas market, I would be devastated if I couldn’t get three tickets. Thank you x
Sure, no problem.
Is there a way to be notified when tickets are made available? I would love if you could email me!
I can email you when I know.
Live in Deal Kent
Never been to christmarketEdinburgh
Stay in York and come to Edinburgh on 22 November 23 for the day.
Desperate to get ticket for that day.
When can I book for that day.
Please let me know as I am 84 years old
Henk Luppers
Hi Henk, Updating here to say that tickets are not required to enter, only for attractions like the Big Wheel and the Ice Rink.
Will the market be back to its original size on a 2 tier level? last time i went it was all on the top level and was very crowded.
They are spreading it out a lot more this year due to issues with overcrowding. Hopefully it’ll be better this year with the new organiser.
Hi, When will xmas tickets be available to book?
The organiser said the tickets will be available in the coming weeks. It shouldn’t be long now. I’ll update here as soon as I know.
How do I book 3 tickets for the 9 dec please Christmas market
Tickets aren’t available until closer to the opening date. Please check back in a couple of weeks.
Have been to Edinburgh christmas market for the last 4 year but last year 2022 the market was very poor & alot smaller than other years is this year going to be as before
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully this isn’t a trend and it’ll be better this year.
I also reckon and keeping in mind since it was covid, the travel industry was affected, causing lack of people and smaller environment like previous years. Hopefully, this year we shouldn’t have a problem.
I bought a dried citrus wreath and ornaments at the market and it was amazing smell. I really want their aroma oil… any one have any idea where there store is…?
Booked my stay according to the early release dates for 19th November so really disappointed the markets are not open until the 25th.
Sorry to hear that.
Is it going to be possible to book the Ice-skating this year?
Yes, you can book online or at the event.
Unfortunately, the other websites are incorrect. The Christmas markets start on the 25th November in 2022. You can find the confirmed dates at the official website here and at Visit Scotland.
Hi, do you have to book tickets to enter the Christmas market or can you just book accommodation and go there? Many thanks
There are no tickets and it’s free to enter.
Cant wait to get back to lovely Edinburgh for annual Christmas visit. Visited the Botanical Gardens for the first time last year, hoping to take my granddaughter this year
That’s great to hear!