What time do Edinburgh Christmas markets close?

Edinburgh's Traditional Christmas Markets typically close at 10 PM (22:00) daily, though they may close earlier on the final day (e.g., 8 PM for January 4th in past years), so always check the EdWinterFest website or their social media (@edinburghschristmas) for the latest times for your visit, as hours can vary slightly.

Do Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?

Yes, many Christmas markets stay open after Christmas, often until New Year's Eve or the first week of January, though some traditional ones close by December 23rd or 24th. Major cities like London, Edinburgh, Prague, and various French/German locations frequently run markets through the holiday period, sometimes rebranding as New Year's markets. It's essential to check specific market dates, as they vary widely. 

Which is the best Christmas market in Edinburgh?

Princes Street The Christmas Market on Princes Street is hands down the most festive place in Edinburgh. Filled with brightly lit wooden huts, fun fair rides and even a Christmas tree maze, it's the best place to start if you're looking for a festive pick me up.

Where exactly is Edinburgh's Christmas market?

Edinburgh's Christmas iconic Traditional Markets returns to East Princes Street Gardens to fill the city centre with the spirits, sights and smells of the holiday season.

What day does Edinburgh Christmas Market finish?

From Saturday 15th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026, Scotland's capital will once again transform into a sparkling Christmas wonderland, filled with iconic markets, dazzling entertainment, and seasonal magic for all ages.

Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2024: First look, Stall Overview, Day vs. Night visit on opening weekend

Where is the most Christmassy place in Scotland?

Edinburgh is widely considered Scotland's most Christmassy place, transforming into a magical winter wonderland with its famous Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens, ice rink, giant wheel, festive lights on the Royal Mile, and numerous events. Other top contenders for festive cheer include the Cairngorms for its reindeer and snowy landscapes, Oban for its community-focused Winter Festival, and charming local streets like Lavender Drive in Newton Mearns known for spectacular lights.
 

Where is the most beautiful Christmas market in the UK?

Bath Christmas Market is one of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe and the Best Christmas Market in the UK, set in the heart of Bath's UNESCO World Heritage city. Nestled among the cobbled streets and historic landmarks like Bath Abbey, it provides a magical, romantic atmosphere.

How many stalls are at the Edinburgh Xmas market?

Edinburgh Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens

Free to enter, shoppers can browse around 70 stalls featuring everything from clothing and jewellery to handmade gifts for the home. And when hunger calls, the tempting aromas from the various local and international food and drink stalls are sure to tempt you.

Which train station is best for Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Travelling to Edinburgh's Christmas by train couldn't be easier, with the action only a two-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station.

Do I need cash for the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

You can use both cash and card at the Edinburgh Christmas Market, but cards (especially contactless/phone payments) are widely accepted and often preferred, though it's wise to carry some cash for smaller stalls, emergencies, or patchy Wi-Fi/signal issues. Most major stalls and attractions take cards, but some smaller vendors might be cash-only or have minimum card spends. 

What to eat at Edinburgh Christmas 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.

Are there toilets at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

We recommend speaking to a member of security or staff who can direct you nearest accessible entrance. Accessible Toilet is available on site near the Big Wheel - Please speak to security or our Front of House Team if unsure of directions and contact security for the key.

What do Germans do on the 25th and 26th of December?

On December 25th (First Christmas Day) and 26th (Second Christmas Day, Zweiter Weihnachtstag), Germans enjoy official public holidays focused on quiet family time, large festive meals with traditional foods like roast goose or carp, exchanging gifts (which often happens on Christmas Eve), and visiting relatives, with most shops remaining closed as the celebration continues after the main gift-giving on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend).
 

Do you need tickets for the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025?

No, you do not need tickets to enter the Edinburgh Christmas Market itself, as general admission to the stalls and atmosphere in areas like Princes Street Gardens is free, but you do need tickets for specific attractions like the Big Wheel, Ice Rink, Starflyer, Santa's Stories, and the Tree Maze, which should be booked online in advance to avoid long queues and disappointment, with all ticket purchases being cashless (card only) at the event.
 

Where is the biggest Christmas market in Scotland?

The biggest Christmas market in Scotland is generally considered to be the Edinburgh Christmas Market, taking over East Princes Street Gardens with numerous stalls, fairground rides (like the Star Flyer and Big Wheel), an ice rink, and Santa Land, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, making it a major festive destination. Glasgow also hosts significant markets at St Enoch Square and Glasgow Green, while Aberdeen's Christmas Village offers an ice rink and stalls at Marischal Square, but Edinburgh usually takes the top spot for scale and popularity.
 

Is there an ice rink at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

This winter, step into a winter wonderland and have fun on the ice at Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink. Situated on picturesque George Street, perfect your ice skating skills on the undercover rink, before warming up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate or taking a spin on one of the vintage funfair rides.

What is the number one Christmas market in the world?

The Best Christmas Markets Around the World

• Bath Christmas Market. November 27 – December 14 | Bath, England. ...
• Old Town Christmas Market. November 15 – December 23 | Innsbruck, Austria. ...
• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. November 28 – December 24 | Nuremberg, Germany. ...
• Christmas Wonderland. ...
• Christkindelsmärik.

What is the easiest Christmas market to get to from the UK?

Brussels Christmas market

Voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Brussels' Winter Wonders is the perfect choice for a festive family getaway or a weekend shopping trip — and it's just 1 hour 53 minutes from London by Eurostar.

Is Edinburgh or Glasgow better for Christmas?

🎄 Glasgow has levelled up its festivities this year with Glasgow's Winter Wonderland spreading celebrations across the city. Edinburgh's Christmas, meanwhile, is still the nation's polished, postcard-perfect heavyweight.

Why was Christmas banned for 400 years in Scotland?

Christmas was banned in Scotland for nearly 400 years primarily due to the Protestant Reformation, where the strict Presbyterian Church (the Kirk) viewed Christmas as an overly indulgent Catholic festival, leading to an official ban in 1640 by the Scottish Parliament, making it a workday for centuries until it became a public holiday in 1958.