Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2024 | Dates, Hotels & More

Edinburgh Christmas Market (AKA Edinburgh Winter Festival) is known as one of the top Christmas events in Scotland.

With festive decorations covering the city, an enticing array of market stalls, plus a vibrant event programme that extends throughout the season, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to spend Christmas, with a true highlight being its wonderful Christmas market.

Looking to learn more about Edinburgh Christmas Market, or perhaps need some guidance on planning your own trip there?

In this post, we’ll be covering…

• Practical Info for Edinburgh Christmas Markets
• Why Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets?
• Christmas Markets in Edinburgh to Visit

We hope you find it helpful and interesting!

NOTE: This is a Christmas market we haven’t personally visited yet, so all the information below is taken from official sources for your reference! If you have any personal tips from first-hand experience to add, let us know in the comments so we can improve this guide!

Practical Info for Edinburgh Christmas Markets

Here are some quick must-knows for Edinburgh Christmas Market this year:

• TBA: (Previous year’s event: Nov 17, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024)
• Official website: Click here

In need of a place to stay? Here are some quick hotel recommendations:

• Budget: Check prices and availability
• Mid-Range: Check prices and availability
• Luxury: Check prices and availability

Why Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets?

Wondering why you should be visiting Edinburgh for Christmas markets? Here are some reasons to consider it!

You can stay for Hogmanay

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the most famous festivals in Europe. It’s a four day New Year’s celebration that includes a giant street party, fireworks, processions, and concerts – an absolute bucket list event that would combine perfectly with Edinburgh Christmas Market.

Edinburgh is stunning

Besides its famous Christmas market, Edinburgh has plenty to offer visitors, from its epic castle and gorgeous Old Town to world-famous attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Camera Obscura.

If you’re looking for a cozy place to spend a few winter days, Edinburgh is well worth the visit, with or without its Christmas market.

There are plenty of other Christmas events to enjoy in Edinburgh

Besides the Edinburgh Christmas Market, there are tons of wonderful Christmassy things to do in Edinburgh that make a holiday visit well worth it.

From Christmas light shows at Edinburgh Castle to a special festive program at Edinburgh Zoo, you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of events and activities.

Edinburgh is also home to a variety of wonderful holiday concerts and pantomimes, so there really is a bit of something for everyone!

You can see a list of festive events at Edinburgh on What’s On in Edinburgh.

Christmas Markets & Festive Areas in Edinburgh to Visit

While the Edinburgh Christmas Market has seen a lot of changes in recent years thanks to a changeover in organizers, here is a rough idea of what to expect based on previous years:

East Princes Street Gardens

While there was a removal of Edinburgh Christmas Market stalls from the gardens in 2021, visitors can still expect festive activities here, including attractions like the Big Wheel, Star Flyer, and some box offices.

The Mound

Connecting Edinburgh’s New and Old Town, the Mound is a steep artificial slope that houses some of the city’s most well-known buildings.

Well, this year, plans are in place for there to be just under 30 Edinburgh Christmas Market stalls here, selling all kinds of handmade gifts and delicious Christmassy treats.

George Street & Castle Street

According to planning documents, more stalls for Edinburgh Christmas Market will be located along George St, along with a large skating rink (which in previous years had its home in St Andrew Square).

Castle Street is also expected to have about a dozen or so stalls.

High Street & Parliament Square

Edinburgh’s High Street is set to host another cluster of Christmas Market stalls, along with the Edinburgh Christmas Market tree. These festivities are set to spill slightly into Parliament Square, where mostly admin stalls will be located.

We hope you enjoyed this Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide!

Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions about your trip – we’re always happy to help.