Where does the traditional Christmas market in Edinburgh take place?

The traditional Christmas market in Edinburgh is primarily located in East Princes Street Gardens. Situated in the heart of the city centre between the Scott Monument and The Mound, this premier festive event features numerous wooden chalet stalls, rides, and a bustling atmosphere directly below Edinburgh Castle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

10 BEST Christmas Things to Do in Edinburgh

Do you have to book Edinburgh Fringe?

You have a show in a venue in Edinburgh. It's either free, in which case people just turn up and pay by donation at the end, or it's in a paid venue, in which case people have to book and pay for tickets in advance either at the Fringe Box office, online, on phone, or at venue.

How far apart are Haymarket and Waverley?

The distance between Haymarket Station and Edinburgh Waverley Station is 1 miles. How do I travel from Haymarket Station to Edinburgh Waverley Station without a car? The best way to get from Haymarket Station to Edinburgh Waverley Station without a car is to train which takes 4 min and costs £1 - £16.

What tram stops for Edinburgh Christmas Market?

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.

How far is Edinburgh Waverley to city centre?

The distance between Edinburgh Waverley Station and Edinburgh is 920 feet. How do I travel from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Edinburgh without a car? The best way to get from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Edinburgh without a car is to bus which takes 1 min and costs £1 - £2.

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.

What date does the Edinburgh Christmas Market start in 2025?

Edinburgh's Christmas Market 2025 starts on Saturday, November 15, 2025, opening with the main Traditional Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens and running until Sunday, January 4, 2026, with other festive events and markets happening across the city during this period. 

Where to stay when visiting Edinburgh Christmas Market?

• hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street) hotel. ...
• Intercontinental Edinburgh The George By IHG. ...
• Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Waverley) hotel. ...
• 100 Princes Street Edinburgh. ...
• ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square. ...
• Malmaison Edinburgh City. ...
• CODE The Loft. ...
• Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel.

How do I get to Edinburgh Christmas Market?

By Rail. The nearest railway station to Edinburgh's Christmas is Edinburgh Waverley which is approximately a 2-minute walk from the entrance to East Princes Street Gardens. The most direct route is via the Waverley Bridge exit, which is also step-free.

Where is the most magical Christmas market?

• 44 Wildly Magical Christmas Markets to Visit in Europe (Ranked!) Last Updated: October 28, 2025. ...
• London, England. OOH. ...
• Budapest, Hungary* ...
• Düsseldorf, Germany. ...
• Stuttgart, Germany. ...
• Paris, France. ...
• Winchester, England. ...
• Essen, Germany.

What time do Edinburgh Christmas Markets close?

On opening day of Christmas Market 2021, long queues of people waited to enter the market at Waverley Bridge, testifying to the event's ongoing popularity. 10am - 10pm daily, except: 24 December: 10am - 6pm. 25 December: Closed.

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. 

Are Edinburgh trams free for over 60?

Yes, if you're over 60, you can get free travel on Edinburgh Trams, but only if your National Entitlement Card (NEC) was issued by the City of Edinburgh Council, which allows free bus travel across Scotland and includes the tram, unlike cards from other councils. You must validate your Edinburgh-issued NEC by tapping it on the platform validator before boarding the tram.
 

How much is a taxi from Waverley station to Edinburgh Castle?

The fastest way to get from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Edinburgh Castle is to taxi which takes 3 min and costs £7 - £10. Is there a direct bus between Edinburgh Waverley Station and Edinburgh Castle? Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Princes Street and arriving at Princes Street.

Is Haymarket a nice part of Edinburgh?

Yes, Haymarket, Edinburgh, is generally considered a nice, vibrant, and extremely convenient area, blending historic architecture with modern amenities, excellent transport links (train, tram, bus), and a lively mix of shops, pubs, and restaurants, though it's a busy transport hub, so it can feel bustling and has some quieter spots further from the station.
 

How do I get to Haymarket from Central?

Sydney Light Rail operates a vehicle from Central Chalmers Street station to Haymarket station every 5 minutes, and the journey takes 2 min. Alternatively, Transit Systems operates a bus from Central Station, Chalmers St, Stand G to Pitt St Opp Barlow St every 20 minutes. Tickets cost $2–3 and the journey takes 6 min.

Does the Edinburgh tram go to Haymarket?

Tram Stop. Located just outside of one Edinburgh's two major mainline railway stations, Haymarket tram stop provides a transport link for tram and train customers. The Haymarket area offers a wealth of popular bars, restaurants, and shopping streets nearby.

How to get 2 for 1 tickets in Edinburgh Fringe?

How the 2for1 ticket offer works

1. You can choose to opt into the Fringe Friends scheme at any time.
2. Friends are notified that your show is part of the scheme.
3. There are limits on how many times Friends can use their 2for1 offers during a single show run.

How to dress for Edinburgh Fringe?

Bring a light jacket, an umbrella, and comfortable shoes (Edinburgh is a city of hills and cobblestones). Layers are essential. Download the EdFringe App — This is the ultimate festival tool. Browse all shows, filter by time or genre, check venue maps, and try Shake to Search for a lucky dip when you can't decide.