3 Views

Some cities know how one can placed on an incredible Christmas market, and Edinburgh is certainly one in every of them. The Scottish capital is extremely charming even with out the festive magic, however when December arrives, the town transforms utterly. 

It turns into a stunning winter wonderland with Edinburgh’s vacation lights, adorned bushes, the Christmas market, and thrilling rides for the youngsters. With stalls providing conventional items, kids singing carols, and lots extra to take pleasure in, Edinburgh’s Christmas market has all of it, leaving no cause to hunt out others.

The town’s first Christmas market was held in East Princes Avenue Gardens again in 1999 and has grown tremendously since. Edinburgh’s Christmas market in 2025 will draw guests from throughout Europe and past, with giant numbers anticipated to indicate up for this yr’s occasion.

Right now, it’s far more than a fundamental truthful, because it options stalls promoting ornaments and a few of Edinburgh’s meals that everybody loves, in addition to internet hosting live shows and exhibits unfold all through the town’s enchanting streets. On prime of that, there’s loads of household enjoyable for everybody, with ice rinks and extra.

Ask anybody who’s been on my Edinburgh meals excursions about their favourite festive vacation spot within the UK, and most will reply the identical: Edinburgh. This market is in contrast to wherever else within the nation, and the continent, in my view. On this article, I’m going to indicate you the whole lot it has in retailer.

The place to Discover the Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2025

The Edinburgh Christmas market facilities round three fundamental places: East Princes Avenue Gardens, St Andrew Sq., and George Avenue. Right here’s a more in-depth take a look at every.

East Princes Avenue Gardens mislead the east of Edinburgh Fortress and type an extended, bustling avenue crammed with stalls. You possibly can simply stroll there or take buses 124, 141, 26, 29, or 31, or hop off on the Princes Avenue tram cease.

St Andrew Sq. can be vigorous at Christmas, with Santa Claus having made appearances there up to now to test who’s naughty or good. This smaller sq. is full of festive exercise and may be very walkable. To get there, take buses 141, 29, 3, 31, or 4, or use the tram.

George Avenue is dwelling to the pageant’s ice rink and the Polar Ice Bar. Like the opposite streets, it’s a lengthy stretch that’s finest explored on foot. For those who’re taking public transport, buses 100, 3, 31, 37, and 4 all cease close by, or you possibly can take the tram to Princes Avenue, and it’s solely a brief stroll from there.

Because it’s technically just one market, all areas keep open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the dates working from November fifteenth to January 4th, 2026.

What to Eat and Drink on the Market

You possibly can’t go to the Edinburgh Christmas market with out sampling a few of its key specialties. In fact, Edinburgh’s festive meals are a should, akin to wealthy minced pies, succulent bratwurst, earthy haggis, and buttery Scottish shortbread. 

Don’t neglect to strive a number of seasonal drinks alongside these flavorful bites, like heat spiced mulled wine, a candy scorching toddy, crisp native craft beers, and luxuriant scorching chocolate with fluffy marshmallows.

Another treats I observed individuals having fun with have been the pretzels, which I needed to strive myself. The salty taste was good for pairing with spiced mulled wine. You probably have somewhat additional room afterward, remember to strive the heat, sugary churros. Every portion comes with roasted chocolate sauce, offering a creamy dip for each piece.

There’s loads for vegetarians too, with oozing toasted cheese sandwiches being a well-liked selection for non-meat eaters. For those who’re not within the temper for one thing so heavy, a numerous collection of soups can be out there. Or higher but, seize each and dip the sandwich within the soup for an additional burst of taste.

In fact, because you’re in Scotland, whisky is sure to be on the menu. Consuming it is without doubt one of the many Scottish Christmas traditions in any case. And, what higher technique to heat up than with one of many whisky-infused cocktails offered by some distributors? 

Watch a bartender shake up your favourite drink with Scotch and struggle off the freezing chilly that Edinburgh is so well-known for, identical to the locals do, with a tasty sip.

Buying & Souvenirs: Bringing Edinburgh House

There are some Christmas markets the place the procuring can really feel lackluster, however the Edinburgh Christmas market is the exception. The primary hub of exercise at this place is in East Princes Avenue Gardens. 

That is the place you’ll discover quite a few distributors promoting a variety of handcrafted items and ornaments, wool scarves, and different stunning artisan items created by native producers, in addition to a wide range of different Scottish-made gadgets.

Leisure & Household Enjoyable

Edinburgh’s Christmas market comes alive with festive actions that create a magical environment for guests of all ages. Glide throughout the ice skating rink and provides your finest determine eight a whirl, or take within the metropolis views from the glowing Ferris wheel. 

The little ones will love visiting Santa’s grotto, the place he’ll be checking his checklist to see who’s been naughty or good. There can even be a lot of stay music performances at Edinburgh’s winter pageant, including to the leisure and protecting everybody’s spirits excessive.

Suggestions for Visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Market

• The crowds are typically smaller at Edinburgh’s Christmas market through the week in comparison with the weekends when individuals have extra free time.
• Don’t neglect your jacket as Edinburgh will get very chilly in winter. Carrying lengthy trousers can be a sensible thought.
• E book the whole lot beforehand, together with excursions, motels, and flights, as issues promote out sooner than different occasions of the yr.
• Usually, as markets open early within the season, fewer individuals go to, so it generally is a good time to go, particularly if you wish to avoid wasting cash.
• Make sure to strive some seasonal specialties akin to a scorching toddy and mulled wine.
• For those who’re in search of issues to do in Edinburgh at Christmas if you arrive, ask the workers at your resort. They’ll know all the very best spots to ship you to for a full festive expertise.

Remaining Ideas: Expertise the Spirit of Christmas in Edinburgh

Edinburgh would possibly solely have one Christmas market, however it’s probably the most magical in all of Europe. It’s a pure winter wonderland crammed with tasty festive snacks and thrilling experiences that individuals of all ages will take pleasure in. 

For those who’re contemplating visiting a Christmas marketplace for the vacation season, remember to put the one within the Scottish capital proper on the prime of your checklist. You get the whole lot you’d anticipate from a winter market, however the metropolis’s centuries-old Georgian streets add a layer of character to Edinburgh’s Christmas market, making it really feel like a world aside from others.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (2025, April 6). 10 Finest Meals to Strive in Edinburgh & The place to Discover Them. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/best-food-edinburgh/ Consuming Europe

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh Meals Excursions | Consuming Europe. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/ Consuming Europe

Edinburgh Winter Festivals. (n.d.). Edinburgh Christmas. https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas