Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Winter Festivals (2026 Guide)
The Edinburgh Christmas markets transform the city into a glittering winter wonderland for seven weeks every November–January. With a traditional German-style market in East Princes Street Gardens (around 70 stalls, Big Wheel, helter skelter, Starflyer), the Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience on George Street, a Christmas light trail at the Royal Botanic Garden, festive trails through the Old Town, and free Christmas tree lights at the Mound — plus Hogmanay celebrations as the grand finale — Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most magical winter city break destinations.
This complete 2026 visitor guide covers everything you need to plan a Christmas trip: dates, market locations, the ice attractions on George Street, food and drink stalls, rides, free vs paid activities, the Royal Botanic Garden Christmas at the Botanics light trail, family events, shopping and gift ideas, where to stay, and how to combine the Christmas markets with Hogmanay. Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh for a single-day market trip or a full festive weekend, this guide tells you everything to plan.
Edinburgh Christmas markets 2026 at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | 14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
| Main market location | East Princes Street Gardens |
| Ice attractions | George Street: Polar Ice Bar (18+) and Family Ice Experience |
| Number of market stalls | Around 70 traditional |
| Entry | Free |
| Rides & attractions | Paid: funfair rides from about £4, Big Wheel from £12, Starflyer from £15.50 |
| Opening hours | 10am – 10pm (most days) |
| Light trail at Botanics | 19 Nov – 30 Dec 2026; tickets through Ticketek |
| Closed | December 25 |
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market: what to expect
The main Edinburgh’s Christmas Market fills East Princes Street Gardens with around 70 stalls modelled on traditional German Christmas markets — wooden chalets serving mulled wine, bratwurst, hot chocolate, gingerbread, Scottish whisky, handmade jewellery, candles, crafts and gifts. The market is unticketed and free to enter, with payment only required for individual food, drinks and rides.
The market sits beneath Edinburgh Castle, with the iconic floodlit castle as its backdrop — creating one of the most photographed Christmas scenes in Europe. By night, illuminated trees, twinkling lights and the spinning Big Wheel make for genuinely magical evening visits.
The market layout
- East Princes Street Gardens — main market with stalls, food and drink, and family rides
- The Mound — Christmas tree (free) and additional lighting
- George Street — the Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience, plus the free-to-enter Coorie Inn
- St Andrew Square — light projections and seasonal pop-ups
- Royal Mile — Christmas lights, street performance and additional pop-up vendors
Rides and attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
The Big Wheel
The 46-metre Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens offers spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Christmas Market below. Particularly photogenic at sunset.
- Tickets: From £12, with 20% off for EH postcodes
- Pods: Up to six people in each
The Starflyer
An 80-metre rotating chair tower offering vertigo-inducing 360° city views. For thrill-seekers.
- Tickets: From £15.50
- Minimum height: 1.2m; riders under 1.4m need a responsible paying adult with them
Helter Skelter
The traditional helter skelter slide is a fun family activity. Budget about £4 a slide, the 2025 price. Good for kids 5+.
Christmas Carousel
The carousel adds Victorian charm. In 2025 a turn cost £6. Suitable for all ages.
Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience (George Street)
George Street has no skating rink in the 2026 programme. Its ice comes as hand-carved, Viking-themed sculpture inside two ticketed attractions run with Icelandair, while The Coorie Inn on the same street is free to enter. With children, the Family Ice Experience is the one to book: the bar admits over-18s only.
- Polar Ice Bar: 18+, in 30-minute slots, 19 November 2026 to 2 January 2027; the bar is kept at -8°C, so wrap up
- Family Ice Experience: 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- The Coorie Inn: Free to enter
- Booking: On sale since 2 October 2026; check prices and book on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website
Christmas at the Botanics light trail
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh hosts Christmas at the Botanics — a magical illuminated trail through the 70-acre gardens. The 2026 season opens on 19 November and ends on 30 December, the day before Hogmanay.
- Tickets: Sold through Ticketek, which shows 2026 prices only once you choose a session
- Anytime tickets: Enter at any point between first and last entry on your chosen date
- RBGE members: £3 off an adult ticket and £6 off a family ticket
- Duration: 60–90 minutes
- What to expect: Light installations such as the Christmas Cathedral and Fire Garden, illuminated trees, Santa somewhere along the route, mulled wine stalls
- Best time: Any evening works, as the sun sets before 4:10pm throughout the run; an early visit shows the same lights as a late one and gets younger children home sooner
Tickets sell out in November-December peak — book early.
Food and drink at Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
Stallholders set their own prices and the market publishes no price list, so the figures below are the latest reported, from the 2025 market. Treat them as a guide and check at the stall.
Drinks
- Glühwein / mulled wine — about £6.50 a cup
- Mulled cider — the same price as mulled wine
- Hot chocolate — from about £4, up to £7.20 for luxury versions
- Draught beer and cider — around £7 a pint
- Cocktails — £9–£9.50
Food stalls
- Bratwurst (sausages in rolls) — about £9, with toppings £1–£1.50 extra
- Schnitzel
- Currywurst
- Raclette potatoes
- Gourmet hot dogs
- Yorkshire pudding wraps
- Vegetarian options — falafel, mushroom strudel, vegetable stew
Sweet treats
- Gingerbread — heart-shaped or Christmas-themed
- Chocolate fondue
- Stollen — German Christmas bread
- Lebkuchen — soft gingerbread cookies
- Crepes — sweet and savoury
- Hot waffles
Free Christmas activities in Edinburgh
- The Mound Christmas tree — the city’s main free tree below Edinburgh Castle
- Light trails through the Old Town — Royal Mile, Cockburn Street and side streets have festive lighting
- St Andrew Square light projections — free seasonal projections on the surrounding buildings
- George Street lights — illuminated archways every December
- Window displays — Jenners (now closed) on Princes Street and Harvey Nichols on St Andrew Square both have a history of stunning Christmas displays
- St Giles’ Cathedral — free Christmas concerts and choir services
- Edinburgh Castle lights — the castle is illuminated nightly through December
- Free Christmas markets browsing — entry is free; you only pay for food and rides
Edinburgh Christmas market shopping
The markets sell genuine craft and gift items alongside touristy fare. Look for:
- Scottish whisky and gin miniatures
- Handmade jewellery and Celtic knot designs
- Tartan and Scottish wool products
- Beeswax candles
- Ceramic mugs and pottery
- Wooden Christmas decorations
- Leather goods and crafts
- Locally made chocolates
- Scented soaps
- Christmas tree decorations (Scottish-themed)
Most stalls accept card payment. Prices vary from chalet to chalet, so browse a few before you buy.
Edinburgh Christmas markets with kids
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are excellent for families:
- Helter skelter and carousel — ideal for ages 4–10
- Santa’s Stories — part of Edinburgh’s Christmas from 20 November to 24 December, and Santa also appears along the Botanics light trail
- Big Wheel — for older children who like heights
- Christmas at the Botanics light trail — magical for all ages
- Free Christmas tree at the Mound — photo opportunity
- Sweet treat hunting — gingerbread, hot chocolate, waffles
Avoid evenings (7pm onwards) for younger children — crowds get heavy. Daytime visits are calmer, and the market opens at 10am.
Edinburgh winter festivals beyond Christmas markets
St Andrew’s Day Festival (30 November)
Scotland’s national day, and a good moment to catch ceilidhs and traditional music.
Edinburgh’s Christmas at the Botanics
Already mentioned — the spectacular light trail.
Hogmanay
The famous 4-day New Year festival. See our Edinburgh Hogmanay guide.
Burns Night (25 January)
While not strictly a winter festival, Burns Night celebrations begin in late January with haggis, neeps and tatties, whisky toasts and Burns poetry readings. Many Edinburgh restaurants offer Burns Night menus.
Scottish Storytelling Centre Winter Tales
The Storytelling Centre runs a programme of winter storytelling events through December and January.
Where to stay for Edinburgh Christmas markets
Christmas market accommodation is moderately busy (much less so than August Festival or Hogmanay). Book 1–2 months ahead for best value:
- Premier Inn Edinburgh Central — book early for November and December
- Travelodge Edinburgh Central — another central chain option, so compare dates
- Apex hotels (Apex Grassmarket, Apex Waterloo) — mid-range, central
- The Caledonian / Hotel Indigo — luxury, walking distance to markets
- Hostels (Castle Rock, High Street, Safestay) — the dorm-bed option; reserve ahead
Hogmanay nights are in much higher demand than the rest of the markets season, so book them separately if you are combining the two.
How to get to Edinburgh Christmas markets
The main market is central — within easy walking of Waverley station and Princes Street tram stop:
- On foot: 2 minutes from Waverley to East Princes Street Gardens
- By bus: Any Lothian bus to Princes Street
- By tram: Princes Street stop, 1 minute walk
- By car: Limited parking; use Castle Terrace, Greenside Place, or Park & Ride
Best time to visit Edinburgh Christmas markets
By month
- Mid-November: Markets just opened, quieter, full daylight visibility
- Early December: Lights at their best, holiday atmosphere building
- Mid-December: Peak Christmas atmosphere, busy weekends
- Christmas week: Festive feel but partial closures
- Between Christmas and New Year: Markets open but lead-up to Hogmanay
- Early January: Last days, post-festive quiet
By time of day
- Morning (10am–12pm): The market opens at 10am, an easy start for families with young kids
- Afternoon (12pm–5pm): Full atmosphere, and daylight gives way to the lights as the sun sets around 4pm
- Evening (5pm–9pm): The most atmospheric stretch, with the full Christmas lights and the market at full energy
- Late evening (9pm–10pm): A romantic way to end the night, with the market open until 10pm, but the Big Wheel and Starflyer take their last riders at 9:30pm
Aim for late afternoon (4–6pm) for the best balance of atmosphere and crowds.
Insider tips for Edinburgh Christmas markets
- Visit in weekday daylight for quietest experience
- Bring cash for some smaller stalls — most accept card but some don’t
- Carry a card for the rides — in 2025 the helter skelter and carousel took card payments only
- Try the bratwurst — Edinburgh’s market sausages are genuinely good
- The Big Wheel sunset view is the best photo opportunity
- Book a Polar Ice Bar slot ahead — sessions last 30 minutes and admit over-18s only
- Christmas at the Botanics books out by mid-November — book in October
- Avoid late nights on weekends — markets get extremely crowded after 6pm Saturdays
- Combine with shopping — Princes Street, George Street and St James Quarter are walking distance
- Bring warm layers — Edinburgh November-December averages 4–6°C with possible snow
- Public toilets are at the markets but get queued — use Princes Mall or Waverley toilets if quieter
Edinburgh Christmas markets accessibility
East Princes Street Gardens is accessed via ramped entrances. The market is flat with wide aisles. Wheelchair-accessible portable toilets are provided. The Big Wheel and Starflyer have accessibility provisions; check at the ride. If you plan to visit the Polar Ice Bar or Family Ice Experience on George Street, ask the organiser about access when you book.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Christmas markets
When are the Edinburgh Christmas markets 2026?
From 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Edinburgh’s Christmas in 2025/26 ran 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026.
Are Edinburgh Christmas markets free to enter?
Yes — the main market in East Princes Street Gardens is free to enter. You only pay for food, drinks and rides.
How much do rides cost at Edinburgh Christmas markets?
Big Wheel tickets start at £12 and Starflyer tickets at £15.50; the organiser lists no separate child fares. On the funfair, 2025 prices were £4 for the helter skelter and £6 for the carousel. Multi-ride wristbands sometimes available.
Where is the Edinburgh Christmas Market located?
East Princes Street Gardens (main market) and George Street (Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience). Both are in central Edinburgh, a short walk apart, and the gardens are about two minutes on foot from Waverley station.
Is there an Edinburgh Christmas ice rink in 2026?
No. George Street had a rink in 2025, but the 2026 programme has none. The street’s ice attractions this year are the Polar Ice Bar (18+, 30-minute slots) and the Family Ice Experience, both with Icelandair, alongside the free-to-enter Coorie Inn. Book the two ice attractions through edwinterfest.com.
What’s at Christmas at the Botanics?
An illuminated light trail through the Royal Botanic Garden, running 19 November to 30 December 2026. Installations named so far include the Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden, Light Sphere, Fireflies and Laser Garden, with Santa along the way and marshmallows to toast. Ticketek shows prices once you choose a session; RBGE members get £3 off an adult ticket.
Can I bring kids to Edinburgh Christmas markets?
Yes — Edinburgh Christmas markets are family-friendly with carousel, helter skelter, Santa’s Stories (until Christmas Eve) and the Big Wheel. Avoid late evenings for younger children.
What food do Edinburgh Christmas markets serve?
Traditional German Christmas food — bratwurst, schnitzel, currywurst, mulled wine — alongside street-food favourites like Yorkshire pudding wraps and gourmet hot dogs.
Is Edinburgh Christmas Market worth visiting?
Yes — Edinburgh’s combination of historic Old Town backdrop, castle views, traditional market style and central location makes it one of the UK’s best Christmas markets.
How long does it take to walk around Edinburgh Christmas markets?
Allow 2–3 hours for the main East Princes Street Gardens market, plus time to queue for and ride the Big Wheel. Adults booking the Polar Ice Bar on George Street should add its 30-minute slot. Half-day total.
When do the Edinburgh Christmas markets open in the morning?
Most stalls open at 10am, and on standard days so do the Big Wheel and Starflyer. The market closes at 10pm every day it is open, weekends included, with last admission to the two big rides at 9:30pm. A few dates keep different ride hours, among them the 14 November opening day, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and New Year’s Day.
Are Edinburgh Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?
No — closed December 25, the one day of the run without a market. Every other date, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day included, is a normal 10am to 10pm day. The Big Wheel and Starflyer are the exception: their hours change on both of those days, so check the ride times on the organiser’s site before you go.
Plan your Edinburgh Christmas markets trip
The Edinburgh Christmas markets are one of Britain’s most magical winter experiences — castle-backed market stalls, classic German market food, the iconic Big Wheel, the hand-carved ice of George Street, and the Royal Botanic Garden light trail combine for a perfect 1–2 day festive visit. Plan a weekend in late November or early December for the best balance of atmosphere and crowds, book Christmas at the Botanics and the George Street ice attractions in advance, and arrive late afternoon for the magical sunset-into-lights transition.
For more festival planning, see our Edinburgh festivals pillar guide, our Edinburgh Hogmanay guide, our Edinburgh Fringe Festival guide, and our Edinburgh festival accommodation guide.
History of Edinburgh’s Christmas markets
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets grew from traditional wooden stalls in Princes Street Gardens into a season of rides, lights and festivals that runs from mid-November into early January, and the city’s winter calendar has become a major tourism draw.
Historically, Christmas was discouraged in Scotland for nearly 400 years after the Reformation of 1560, and the Scottish Parliament’s Yule Vacance Act of 1640 formally abolished it. The Presbyterian Church saw Christmas as a Catholic festival; it remained a normal working day until 1958. The result is that Hogmanay (December 31) developed as Scotland’s primary winter holiday — and that Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, in their large modern form, are a relatively recent addition to the city’s seasonal calendar.
The markets have become one of Edinburgh’s biggest tourism earners. The organiser’s impact reports put the Christmas programme at about £150 million in 2024/25, and the whole winter festival season, Christmas and Hogmanay together, at a record £241 million in 2025/26. The festival’s success has inspired similar markets across other Scottish cities, but Edinburgh’s combination of historic Old Town backdrop and castle views remains unmatched.
What’s new at the Edinburgh Christmas markets for 2026
Two changes from last year stand out:
- No ice rink — 2025’s George Street rink is missing from this year’s programme; the street’s ice now comes from the Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience
- Dearer Starflyer tickets — from £15.50, up from £13.50 in 2025
The 2026 dates, 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, are confirmed, and most of the programme is out: the LNER Big Wheel, the Around the World Star Flyer, the Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience with Icelandair, The Coorie Inn, Santa’s Stories (20 November to 24 December) and La Clique Noël. Tickets for the two ice attractions went on sale on 2 October 2026. Sign up to the Edinburgh’s Christmas mailing list (edwinterfest.com) for the rest of the programme and ticket release notifications.
Edinburgh Christmas markets compared to other UK markets
| City | Stalls | Highlights | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | Around 70 stalls + rides | Castle backdrop, Big Wheel, Starflyer | Atmospheric, busy |
| Manchester | More than 210 stalls across 10 city-centre sites (2026) | Albert Square | Bustling, commercial |
Edinburgh’s distinctive selling point is the castle and Old Town setting, with the floodlit castle above the gardens. Manchester’s markets are bigger, but Edinburgh’s Christmas runs straight into Hogmanay, so one trip can take in both.
Edinburgh Christmas markets evening atmosphere
For many visitors, the magic of Edinburgh’s Christmas markets is best experienced after dark. From 4pm onwards in November-December (when sunset comes early in Edinburgh), the Christmas lights illuminate the markets, the Big Wheel rotates against the castle, and the entire Princes Street Gardens area takes on a fairy-tale quality. Photographers gather on the Mound, the North Bridge and Calton Hill for skyline shots; couples and families wander between stalls with hot chocolate.
The market gets noticeably busier on Friday and Saturday evenings. Big Wheel and Starflyer tickets are dated but not timed, so riders board first come, first served, and the organiser advises allowing extra time when it is busy. To avoid crowds while keeping the evening light atmosphere, aim for Sunday or Monday evenings or arrive at 3:30pm midweek to catch the sunset-into-lights transition before peak crowd.
Edinburgh Christmas markets shopping budget
A realistic budget for a day at Edinburgh’s Christmas markets:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry to main market | Free |
| Mulled wine | About £6.50 (2025) |
| Bratwurst lunch | About £9 (2025) |
| Hot chocolate or coffee | From about £4 (2025) |
| Big Wheel ride | From £12 |
| Starflyer ride | From £15.50 |
| Sweet snack (crepes or doughnuts) | About £7 (2025) |
| Christmas gift / craft purchase | Your choice |
| Total per person, before gifts | About £54 |
Families can keep costs lower by skipping rides and bringing a picnic — bringing your own thermos of hot chocolate works well in the markets. The free atmosphere and lighting alone justifies a visit if budget is tight.
Photography at the Edinburgh Christmas markets
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets produce some of the most-shared social media images in UK tourism. Best photo spots include The Mound (wide-angle with castle backdrop), the Big Wheel from below, the Mound Christmas tree, inside the Big Wheel (aerial views), Princes Street with markets and castle in frame, the North Bridge looking west, Calton Hill at sunset, and the Royal Mile lights. For golden hour photography, arrive around 3:30pm in December (sunset comes early). Bring a wide-angle lens or use phone panorama mode for the large scale of the market.
Photo Credits
The Christmas tree on the Mound: The Edinburgh Norwegian Christmas Tree – geograph.org.uk – 2733962 by Greg Fitchett, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
A sweet stall at Edinburgh Christmas Market: Christmas market (49212959242) by Mike McBey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
