Which is the best Christmas Market in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh's best Christmas markets center around the East Princes Street Gardens Market, offering traditional wooden chalets, rides like the Big Wheel, and festive food/drinks (mulled wine, bratwurst) beneath the castle. Nearby St Andrew Square hosts a Scottish market with local crafts, while other unique options include artisan fairs at Summerhall or Jupiter Artland for a less crowded, craft-focused experience.

Where is the main Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Edinburgh Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens

With the soaring Scott Monument and the city's majestic skyline as its backdrop, East Princes Street Gardens hosts the Traditional Christmas Market.

What's the best Christmas market in Scotland?

Christmas Markets to get you in the festive spirit this winter.

• Glen Tanar Christmas Fair.
• Bowhouse Xmas Market.
• Teagreen events at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
• Teagreen events at V&A Dundee.
• Teagreen events at Kibble Palace, Glasgow.
• Aberdeen Christmas Village.
• Oban Winter Festival.
• Drumlanrig Castle Christmas Fair.

Is there more than one Christmas market in Edinburgh?

Christmas markets are a huge draw during festive trips, and Edinburgh is a city with a really lovely selection of them. The daddy of them all is the huge East Princes Street Gardens market, but there are several smaller ones too, that are no less charming.

What's the best Christmas market to visit?

There's no single "best" Christmas market, as it depends on what you seek, but top contenders often cited are Strasbourg, France (oldest/capital of Christmas), Vienna, Austria (elegance, city hall market), Cologne, Germany (Cathedral setting, ice rink), Bruges, Belgium (fairytale), and the Winchester Cathedral Market, UK (highly rated for quality). For unique vibes, consider Germany's traditional markets, London's varied options (Covent Garden, Winter Wonderland), or smaller, charming spots like Castlerotto, Italy. 

10 BEST Christmas Things to Do in Edinburgh

What is the number one Christmas market in the UK?

1. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. Regularly voted one of Europe's best, Winchester's Christmas Market is a must-visit. Set in the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral, it offers a breathtaking backdrop for your festive shopping.

Where are the most beautiful Christmas markets?

Abroad, we recommend the markets in Prague (in the Old Town Square), Berlin (on Potsdamer Platz), Frankfurt, Vienna (with the “Tree of Hearts” on Rathausplatz), Tallinn (with one of the oldest Christmas trees in Europe), and London (the market in Hyde Park combined with Winter Wonderland).

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.
 

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.

What is the most Christmassy street in Scotland?

Scotland's Most Christmassy Street, Lavender Drive, Newton Mearns. 🎄🌟 A community coming together to raise funds for charity while spreading festive cheer far and wide. ✨🎁 People travel from far and wide, including Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Dunbartonshire, and Lanarkshire, to see the annual Christmas lights.

Which Christmas market is better, Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Although the markets are now only at st enoch and are rather small, there is a great variety of stalls, and unlike the edinburgh markets- its not actually all just food! There is plenty of space to move around and it is not overcrowded.

Is Edinburgh still Christmassy in January?

Yes, Edinburgh retains a festive, "Christmassy" feel into early January, with its main Winter Festival attractions and Christmas Markets typically running until around January 4th, featuring lights, ice skating, markets, and fairground rides, though the core festivities wind down after the New Year's Hogmanay celebrations conclude. The atmosphere is magical, but the main events shut down shortly after the holiday, leaving the general ambiance but not all attractions past the first few days of the month. 

Where are the best Christmas markets in Scotland?

Edinburgh's market is well known for its impressive range of rides, some of which take you high above the city where you can take in the amazing views. The carousel, Christmas tree maze and Santa Claus Land are there for the smaller members of your party so everyone will have fun during their visit.

Is Edinburgh worth visiting in December?

Edinburgh is beautiful year-round, but it takes on a special atmosphere in winter – twinkling lights, cosy pubs and a mix of outdoor adventures and indoor escapes. Whether you're visiting for the Christmas season or later in January or February, there's plenty to enjoy.

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. 

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.

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.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

15 Most Enchanting Christmas Towns Around the World

• Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)
• Leavenworth, Washington, USA.
• Colmar, France.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
• Strasbourg, France.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• McAdenville, North Carolina, USA ("Christmas Town USA")
• Bruges, Belgium.

Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh?

Here's a list of my favourite things and where to find them 🎡 Forth 1 Big Wheel and Christmas Markets at East Princes St Gardens 🎅 Santa Land, the Maze & Grotto at West Princes Street Gardens right next to the Ross fountain ⛸ Ice Rink at George Street Edinburgh's Christmas 🗓 25th November - 3rd January ❄️ Bring on ...

What is the least Christmassy town in the UK?

Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.

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 is the most famous Christmas market in the UK?

The UK's Top 10 Christmas Markets of 2025:

• London Winter Wonderland.
• Nottingham Christmas Market.
• Glasgow's St Enoch Square Christmas Market.
• Winchester Christmas Market.
• Manchester Christmas Markets.
• York St. Nicholas Fair.
• Bath Christmas Market.
• Oxford Christmas Market.

What should I wear to a Christmas market?

Think oversized coats, statement accessories, and chunky knits that are easy, effortless, and perfect for whatever the weather throws at you. For a chic outfit for the Christmas markets, layer a chunky knit over leather-look trousers, finishing the look with a long wool coat and heeled boots.