What's in Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Traditional Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens, with charming wooden stalls offering everything from handmade ornaments to indulgent hot chocolate and bratwurst. Over three-quarters of vendors are expected to be local or Scottish businesses, showcasing the best of artisan food, crafts, and festive treats.

How much does it cost to go to the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Entry to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets themselves is free, but you pay for individual attractions like the Big Wheel, Starflyer, ice rink, and Santa's Stories, with prices around £10-£15 per ride/session, and tickets often bought on the day or pre-booked. All sites are cashless, accepting card payments only, and local residents (EH postcode) can get a 20% discount on some tickets. 

What stalls are at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Across the three days, over 100 hand-picked local independent artists and makers will be selling a wide range of goods, from paintings, prints and homewares to jewellery, textiles and ceramics - perfect for last minute Christmas present shopping.

What can I buy 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.

What's on in Edinburgh over Christmas?

Upcoming Events

• Traditional Christmas Markets. 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. ...
• LNER BIG WHEEL. COMING SOON.
• Around the World Starflyer.

What’s New at Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025?

What time is the Edinburgh castle light show?

Edinburgh Castle lights up for special events like "Castle of Light," which usually has timed entries starting around 4:30 PM and running into the evening, with specific dates often in late autumn/winter. Normally, the castle is floodlit, but lighting times depend on the season and special events, so check Historic Environment Scotland for current event schedules or general floodlighting times as daylight fades.
 

What is there to do at Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Browse the Edinburgh Christmas market

What is this? The market in East Princes Street Gardens has 70+ stalls selling food, drinks, gifts, and more, along with iconic rides like the LNER Big Wheel (Ferris wheel) and the Starflyer set up next to the towering Scott Monument.

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 is unique to buy in Edinburgh?

If you're wondering what to buy in Edinburgh Scotland, here are some ideas that locals and returning visitors often recommend.

• Harris Tweed Products. ...
• Scotland Whisky. ...
• Art Prints of Edinburgh Scenes. ...
• Scottish Made Ceramics and Pottery. ...
• Greyfriars Bobby Souvenirs. ...
• Traditional Scottish Food Gifts. ...
• University of Edinburgh Gifts.

Do you have to pay to get into the distillery Christmas market?

General admission is $15 plus HST and admin fee during select peak periods between Nov. 21 and Dec. 31, with free entry at other times and for children nine and under. Organizers say ticket revenue funds more than 700 seasonal staff and covers operational costs, including security and paid duty officers.

What food is sold at Christmas Markets?

Food & Drink

• Pyramid Stage Bar. Original Bratwurst.
• Dutch Pancakes & Belgian Waffles. German Chocolate Kisses.
• Hot Chocolate. Yorkshire Pudding Wraps.
• Olive Branch. Souvlaki Corner.
• Sweets. Pasta alla Ruota – The Cheese Wheel.

Is there ice skating 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.

How much money do I need for 4 days in Edinburgh?

For budget-minded travelers, it costs around £45-£90 per day to visit Edinburgh. These prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another £60-£85 per night depending on your hotel choice.

What time of day does Edinburgh Christmas Market open?

Times (2024)

10am - 10pm daily, except: 24 December: 10am - 6pm. 25 December: Closed.

What is a must buy souvenir in Scotland?

The best Scottish souvenirs include iconic textiles like tartan scarves, cashmere jumpers, and Harris Tweed accessories, famous Scotch whisky, traditional foods like shortbread and haggis, and cultural items such as quaichs (drinking bowls) and Celtic jewellery, alongside local crafts featuring heather and shortbread. Don't forget unique sweets like tablet or Irn Bru, and practical items like woollens or a sporran.
 

What is Edinburgh's famous food?

Edinburgh's famous foods center on hearty Scottish staples like Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, creamy soups such as Cullen Skink, classic baked goods like Shortbread & Tablet, comforting pies like the Scotch Pie, and fresh seafood, alongside unique deep-fried treats and the iconic national drink, Irn-Bru.

What to wear to Edinburgh Christmas Markets?

Dressing in layers, including a warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf, will keep you comfortable. What should I wear when visiting Edinburgh in winter? Layering is essential. Start with a thermal base layer or long-sleeved top, add a warm jumper or fleece and finish with a waterproof, windproof coat.

Can you keep the mugs at German Christmas Markets?

Basically, you're going to give three or four extra euro for the mug and if you bring it back, they give the three or four euro back to you and if you don't bring it back, then, you keep your mug. There are a lot of people that want to come to Christmas markets and collect the mugs which I think is amazing.

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.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Scotland?

While Edinburgh is often hailed as the most traditionally "Christmassy" with its famous Winter Wonderland market in Princes Street Gardens and twinkling Old Town, Oban offers a unique, community-focused charm with its Winter Festival, complete with reindeer, ceilidhs, and coastal vibes, and the Cairngorms provide a magical, natural Christmas with free-roaming reindeer. 

How much are tickets to Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Entry to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets themselves is free, but you pay for individual attractions like the Big Wheel, Starflyer, ice rink, and Santa's Stories, with prices around £10-£15 per ride/session, and tickets often bought on the day or pre-booked. All sites are cashless, accepting card payments only, and local residents (EH postcode) can get a 20% discount on some tickets. 

What to do in a Christmas Market?

Find locally handmade ornaments, crafts, jewellery and even a Christmas cake or two. You can browse artisan gifts, including handmade homewares, textiles and artwork. For something a bit different, why not visit a craft fair? At many of these you can warm up from the cold weather with mulled wine and a mince pie.