Edinburgh Christmas Markets Guide 2024

Edinburgh at Christmas is like the biggest and best present under the tree. You’re not quite sure what’s waiting for you inside, but its beautiful wrapping tantalizes you in the lead-up to your favourite time of year.

It’s a time when the buildings are dressed up as sparkling gift boxes and the streets hum with a quiet beauty that is hard to match. Above all, Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets are one of our absolute favourite reasons why winter in this historic city is hard to beat.

As you wander the markets, you may stop and ask yourself... “Am I in Germany?” and that would be completely understandable. Edinburgh’s markets were inspired by the traditional German Christmas Markets we all know and love. As darkness descends on the city, it’s a wonderful way to bring a sparkling festive atmosphere to the streets of Edinburgh.

Coming up in this article: 

• What Are the Dates for Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets?

• Where to Find the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh

• Make Your Winter Visit a Short Break with Rabbie’s

• Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets FAQs

What Are the Dates For Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets?

The Edinburgh Christmas Markets are now open for the 2024 festive season. Opening the 15th November 2024 until 6th January 2025, now is your chance to visit for a cup of festive cheer. They will be throughout the streets of Edinburgh, but the main markets will be along Princes Street. Winter in the UK isn’t complete without visiting a Christmas Market or two, and Edinburgh is definitely one of the best.  

And while you’re in town, you might be curious about the rest of the country... and we don’t blame you. It’s so easy to make your day special and memorable with places like the Scottish Highlands on your doorstep, which is why we run several day tours from Edinburgh that you can easily join as a last-minute decision.  

Where to Find the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Christmas festivities are spread throughout the city, you just need to know where to look!  

East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market

Opens: 15th November 2024 – 6th January 2025 

Now this is a Christmas Market with a view. Gaze upon the looming Edinburgh Castle, the dramatic Scott Monument, and the iconic city skyline as you meander through the traditional Christmas Markets of Edinburgh. 

Stalls upon stalls call for your attention... you’ll almost have too much to do and see. But have your wallet ready because some of the best local and international producers are selling their beautiful wares, from handmade gifts to bespoke products, yummy treats to warming Christmas drinks.  

And on that ‘to-do’ list must be a go on the Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest ferris-wheel at 46m tall. There are many great ways to experience Edinburgh – wandering the cobbled closes off the Royal Mile, descending beneath the streets to a dark and hidden side of Edinburgh’s history, gazing over the city from within the castle walls... but there’s another way in winter - by enjoying the shine of twinkle lights and festive stalls.

West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair

Opens: 15th November 2024 – 6th January 2025  

This playground of lights and rides is the place that makes adults just as excited as kids. This free-to-enter family-friendly zone is a riot of exciting rides and attractions, as well as festive food and drink stalls that the whole family will enjoy. Hot chocolate for the kids, mulled wine for the adults.  

And then there’s the Ross Bandstand, a festive programme that runs throughout the festive season, with a range of live events from choirs to ceilidhs, silent discos to the Santa Fun Run.

St Andrew Square Winter Garden

Opens: 18th November 2024 – 1st January 2025 

Trust us, you and the family are going to absolutely adore the St Andrew Square Winter Garden. From a Santa Letter Writing Station to the Kindness Tree, the gardens are the place to be. The highlight of these markets is the Santa Stories & Festive Cinema... where Santa likes to make an appearance (because Edinburgh is one of his favourite cities).

Santa’s Stories is a magical event with up to 22 children, giving your little one the chance to meet Santa and receive a wee gift.  

Within the square, you will also find the Festival of Kindness, including a Tree and Gift Donation point.

George Street West & Castle Street

Opens: 18th November 2024 – 6th January 2025 

For many people, a wintery Christmas isn’t complete without a wee dance across the ice and Edinburgh provides during the winter months with its very own pop-up ice skating rink on George Street. 

The rink is undercover so you can enjoy it no matter the weather (cold, cold, and cold... but we love a Scottish winter). Warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate or take a ride on the vintage funfair rides nearby. Food, drinks, and stalls abound within this plentiful market. 

Other events and to-dos you might be interested in are: 

• The Castle of Light: running on several dates throughout November, December and early January, this iconic castle event is an immersive, interactive, and wonderful way to experience Edinburgh Castle. 

• Torchlight Procession: is perhaps one of Edinburgh’s most famous annual events which involves thousands of people carrying flaming torches on a guided walk throughout Edinburgh’s city. This beloved tradition is returning in 2024 and will begin in the beautiful landscape known as the Meadows before weaving its way through the historic Old Town, where you will be surrounded by street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands, and more. 

• Take a Tour with Rabbie’s: We all know Christmas Markets are best appreciated at night – when the twinkly lights can best be appreciated, are we right? So, during the day, if you’re looking for something to do, why not hop aboard a tour with Rabbie’s? We have plenty of day tours (and multi-day) to choose from, all departing from the Edinburgh Bus Station, making it easily accessible. And when you’re dropped back in town at the end of a magical day exploring somewhere like the Scottish Highlands, you’ll have the Edinburgh Christmas Markets at your fingertips.  

Make Your Winter Visit a Short Break With Rabbie’s

There’s something about Scotland in winter. A foggy morning, a hazy sun over a snowy landscape, a herd of deer lingering in a glen on the side of the road... it’s as magical as if you’ve stepped into a fantasy world. 

Exploring the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, soaking up the history on the Royal Mile, enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets... these are all a given when you visit Edinburgh over winter. But how about adding something extra to make it a wee bit special? Staring out across the frosty, snow-touched landscape of Glencoe. Storming the ruins of a castle. Feeling as though you’ve stepped into some of your favourite movies and TV shows in iconic locations. Wandering a quaint and colourful village by the River Forth. All of this is possible on a day trip in winter with Rabbie’s, and right now we’re running a unique offer for autumn and winter with 10% off day trips when you travel between 1st of Oct and 17th Dec 2024. 

And for those of you who are looking for something extra special, you can create your ideal itinerary by organising a private tour with us.  

Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets FAQs

With so much to do and see, you might have a few questions about Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets. 

Do I Need Tickets for the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh?

Entrance to the various Edinburgh Christmas Markets sites is free. Certain activities will require a ticket (such as the Ice Rink, Santa’s Stories, The Big Wheel) and these can be pre-booked. All rides can also be paid for at the point of entry and staff will be on hand to help.  

All sites don't accept cash, so card payments only please. 

Are the Christmas Markets Worth It in Edinburgh?

Imagine this: you’ve got a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and a steaming cinnamon doughnut in the other. Children, friends and families are all around, some with bags of goodies, others gazing down on you from their Big Wheel seat. And above you is Edinburgh Castle. Or perhaps there’s ice beneath your skates. Or you’re watching your child laugh gleefully as Santa presents them with a wee gift. 

That sounds pretty memorable to us. 

What Can You Buy at the Markets?

From handmade gifts to bespoke products, you’ll find a range of gifts and items on sale at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets, including Christmas decorations, clothing, jewellery, cute knickknacks, and more.  

You can also buy a range of delicious food, warming drinks, and tickets to other events and activities, including Santa’s Stories and the Big Wheel. 

Feel the Festive Spirit This Year on Tour

Edinburgh and Christmas go hand-in-hand, a perfect match that you’ll absolutely enjoy. And while you’re embracing the festive spirit, why not embrace an adventure too by jumping on a Rabbie’s small-group tour, now a B Corp Certified Travel Company. Led by knowledgeable driver-guides in comfortable mini-coaches, see the Scottish landscapes in all their glory. Ensure you’re signed up to our newsletter and never miss out on updates about our new destinations, tour dates, or Black Friday travel deals.