Best time to go to Edinburgh

Edinburgh Christmas Market & Winter Festival 2023

A winter wonderland in the heart of a fairytale city

Dates: November 17, 2023–January 6, 2024

Edinburgh Christmas Market & Winter Festival
Edinburgh Christmas Market & Winter Festival
Edinburgh Christmas Market & Winter Festival
Edinburgh Christmas Market & Winter Festival

The Christmas market in Edinburgh brings in the holiday spirit to the Scottish capital from mid-November through early January, offering seven weeks of cheer and fun. Located at downtown East Princes Street Gardens, in the heart of the city, it spreads a festive atmosphere and ensures excellent Christmas shopping. You'll find everything from handmade decorations to warm cashmere scarves. The Christmas market in Edinburgh is both traditional and romantic: you can enjoy an ice skating rink, walk through the stalls with different festive nick-nacks, and sip hot mulled wine with cinnamon.

The stalls also abound in food delights, including traditional European holiday delicacies like German bratwurst, schnitzel, and, of course, hot chocolate to keep you warm. There are also street food offers from local vendors.

Children will definitely want to check out Santa Land. The holiday residence is located in the East Princes Street Gardens. It is full of rides and entertainment for the whole family. One of the most popular attractions is the Christmas Tree Maze. The rides include a reindeer merry-go-round and even a mini-rollercoaster.

Besides the main Christmas market festivities at East Princess Street Gardens, you can also check out other attractions of Edinburgh Christmas. Make sure to experience West Princess Street Gardens Family Funfair, St Andrew's Square Winter Garden, George Street Christmas Ice Rink, and a minor Christmas Market on Castle Street.

We suggest you check the map offering the best accommodation nearby to be totally ready for this holiday extravaganza. To stay up-to-date with the latest event news, go to External Resources below.

Find hotels and airbnbs near Edinburgh Christmas Market & Winter Festival (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin