Your guide to the Edinburgh Christmas markets 2026

That time of year has come again! The Edinburgh Christmas markets are set to open this Saturday. Here’s all of the information you need to know to navigate this busy, festive period.

When and Where?

The markets are open from Saturday from 14th November until 3rd January, spanning Princes Street Gardens and George Street.

They will be open between 10am and 10pm and will close for Christmas day.

What’s On?

Throughout the illuminated Princes Street Gardens, there will be 70 different stalls in total, featuring a variety of food, drinks, and festive-themed items! There will be a range of local Scottish businesses with different handmade, artisanal products on offer. 

Unfortunately, the George Street ice rink is not set to return this year. Edinburgh’s Christmas told the BBC in October that the decision was made this summer after the Princes Street closures following the recent department store fire. 

However, there are many other activities to try out at the Christmas markets. The LNER wheel is one of many funfair rides at the markets. The ‘around the world star flyer,’ is another top contender among visitors. Both rides give a full rooftop view of the city!

Aside from the rides, there are more relaxed events too. The markets offer a candle-making workshop on 13th December, a festive wreath-making workshop on 28th November, and a bauble workshop on 6th December (providing you with six personalised baubles and an alcoholic drink on arrival).

If you are a resident of Edinburgh and are planning to visit, the markets offer EH postcode discounts, giving you a 20% off of all tickets to anything inside. To make use of the discount, create an Edinburgh Christmas account, provide an eligible address, and then book any activity.

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Worth all of the fuss?

This year, the Edinburgh Christmas markets were named the ‘most searched for festive destination’ in the UK, with around 2.3 million people visitors last year and ranking seven times higher than Glasgow’s Christmas markets. The space is also home to the Hogmanay street party on 31st December.

However, some people have mixed opinions on the relevancy of the markets.

One student told The Tab:

“The Edinburgh Christmas markets can be overpriced and too busy to enjoy anything so I don’t think I’ll be going back this year”.

Another student disagreed, saying:

“The markets are worth visiting at least once! They are a fun place to walk around with hot chocolate and catch up with friends”.