Edinburgh Christmas Market: A Festive Feast for the Senses

Some cities know how to put on an amazing Christmas market, and Edinburgh is definitely one of them. The Scottish capital is incredibly charming even without the festive magic, but when December arrives, the city transforms completely. 

It turns into a dazzling winter wonderland with Edinburgh’s holiday lights, decorated trees, the Christmas market, and thrilling rides for the kids. With stalls offering traditional goods, children singing carols, and plenty more to enjoy, Edinburgh’s Christmas market has it all, leaving no reason to seek out others.

The city’s first Christmas market was held in East Princes Street Gardens back in 1999 and has grown tremendously since. Edinburgh’s Christmas market in 2025 will draw visitors from across Europe and beyond, with large numbers expected to show up for this year’s event.

Today, it’s much more than a basic fair, as it features stalls selling ornaments and some of Edinburgh’s foods that everyone loves, as well as hosting concerts and shows spread throughout the city’s enchanting streets. On top of that, there’s plenty of family fun for everyone, with ice rinks and more.

Ask anyone who’s been on my Edinburgh food tours about their favorite festive destination in the UK, and most will answer the same: Edinburgh. This market is unlike anywhere else in the country, and the continent, in my opinion. In this article, I’m going to show you everything it has in store.

Where to Find the Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2025

The Edinburgh Christmas market centers around three main locations: East Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, and George Street. Here’s a closer look at each.

East Princes Street Gardens lie to the east of Edinburgh Castle and form a long, bustling avenue filled with stalls. You can easily walk there or take buses 124, 141, 26, 29, or 31, or hop off at the Princes Street tram stop.

St Andrew Square is also lively at Christmas, with Santa Claus having made appearances there in the past to check who’s naughty or nice. This smaller square is packed with festive activity and is very walkable. To get there, take buses 141, 29, 3, 31, or 4, or use the tram.

George Street is home to the festival’s ice rink and the Polar Ice Bar. Like the other streets, it’s a long stretch that’s best explored on foot. If you’re taking public transport, buses 100, 3, 31, 37, and 4 all stop nearby, or you can take the tram to Princes Street, and it’s only a short walk from there.

Since it’s technically only one market, all areas stay open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the dates running from November 15th to January 4th, 2026.

What to Eat and Drink at the Market

You can’t visit the Edinburgh Christmas market without sampling some of its key specialties. Of course, Edinburgh’s festive foods are a must, such as rich minced pies, succulent bratwurst, earthy haggis, and buttery Scottish shortbread. 

Don’t forget to try a variety of seasonal drinks alongside these flavorful bites, like warm spiced mulled wine, a sweet hot toddy, crisp local craft beers, and luxuriant hot chocolate with fluffy marshmallows.

Some other treats I noticed people enjoying were the pretzels, which I had to try myself. The salty flavor was perfect for pairing with spiced mulled wine. If you have a little extra room afterward, be sure to try the warm, sugary churros. Each portion comes with roasted chocolate sauce, providing a creamy dip for every piece.

There’s plenty for vegetarians too, with oozing toasted cheese sandwiches being a popular choice for non-meat eaters. If you’re not in the mood for something so heavy, a diverse selection of soups is also available. Or better yet, grab both and dip the sandwich in the soup for an extra burst of flavor.

Of course, since you’re in Scotland, whisky is bound to be on the menu. Drinking it is one of the many Scottish Christmas traditions after all. And, what better way to warm up than with one of the whisky-infused cocktails sold by some vendors? 

Watch a bartender shake up your favorite drink with Scotch and fight off the freezing cold that Edinburgh is so well known for, just like the locals do, with a tasty sip.

Shopping & Souvenirs: Bringing Edinburgh Home

There are some Christmas markets where the shopping can feel lackluster, but the Edinburgh Christmas market is the exception. The main hub of activity at this place is in East Princes Street Gardens. 

This is where you’ll find numerous vendors selling a wide range of handcrafted gifts and ornaments, wool scarves, and other beautiful artisan goods created by local producers, as well as a variety of other Scottish-made items.

Entertainment & Family Fun

Edinburgh’s Christmas market comes alive with festive activities that create a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Glide across the ice skating rink and give your best figure eight a whirl, or take in the city views from the sparkling Ferris wheel. 

The little ones will love visiting Santa’s grotto, where he’ll be checking his list to see who’s been naughty or nice. There will also be lots of live music performances at Edinburgh’s winter festival, adding to the entertainment and keeping everyone’s spirits high.

Tips for Visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Market

• The crowds tend to be smaller at Edinburgh’s Christmas market during the week compared to the weekends when people have more free time.
• Don’t forget your jacket as Edinburgh gets very cold in winter. Wearing long trousers is also a smart idea.
• Book everything beforehand, including tours, hotels, and flights, as things sell out faster than other times of the year.
• Generally, as markets open early in the season, fewer people visit, so it can be a good time to go, especially if you want to save some money.
• Be sure to try some seasonal specialties such as a hot toddy and mulled wine.
• If you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas when you arrive, ask the staff at your hotel. They’ll know all the best spots to send you to for a full festive experience.

Final Thoughts: Experience the Spirit of Christmas in Edinburgh

Edinburgh might only have one Christmas market, but it’s one of the most magical in all of Europe. It’s a pure winter wonderland filled with tasty festive snacks and exciting experiences that people of all ages will enjoy. 

If you’re considering visiting a Christmas market for the holiday season, be sure to put the one in the Scottish capital right at the top of your list. You get everything you’d expect from a winter market, but the city’s centuries-old Georgian streets add a layer of character to Edinburgh’s Christmas market, making it feel like a world apart from others.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (2025, April 6). 10 Best Foods to Try in Edinburgh & Where to Find Them. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/best-food-edinburgh/ Eating Europe

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh Food Tours | Eating Europe. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/ Eating Europe

Edinburgh Winter Festivals. (n.d.). Edinburgh Christmas. https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas