Edinburgh Christmas Market
VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Edinburgh Christmas markets and winter festivals
Wrap up warm, head out to see the sparkling city lights and get into the festive spirit at Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, events and festivals.
What’s Edinburgh like at Christmas?
Every Christmas, Edinburgh transforms into one of Europe’s most festive destinations. Wander through Princes Street Gardens beneath festoons of fairy lights, Edinburgh Castle towering above you and enticing smells from the markets carried on the evening breeze. Edinburgh’s Christmas sees a whole host of events, festivities, markets, and shows each year, bringing the city to life during the most wonderful time of the year.
This is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.
Alexander McCall Smith, Author
Edinburgh Christmas and winter events
Wonder at bright lights against the backdrop of dark winter skies or feel the buzz at local events and shows.
Christmas at the Botanics
Wander along the trails admiring the colour changing light displays perfectly timed with instrumental music at the Botanics.
Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns
See Edinburgh Zoo like never before. Admire the artwork of these wonderful giant lanterns and explore a luminous wonderland trail around the zoo.
What’s On Edinburgh
Browse listings and join with the locals to discover community events, carols services, craft shows and more this Christmas.
Edinburgh's Christmas markets
The Edinburgh Christmas Market fills East Princes Street Gardens with stalls from Scottish and European crafters, artists, and independent retailers. Be dazzled by the heights of the Big Wheel as city lights blur around you, savour hot and festive food and drink, or experience the magic of Santa’s Stories with your family, where children can meet Santa and send letters to the North Pole! Attractions also include fairground rides, from a charming double carousel to the Polar Ice Bar - the coolest place in the capital to enjoy a festive beverage. Make sure you wrap up warm!
Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas markets
Edinburgh's Christmas markets
Plan your winter break in Edinburgh
Feeling in the festive spirit? Get ready for your ultimate Scottish winter holiday - cosy up in picturesque cottages in front of a roaring fire, explore landscapes quilted in snow or sample the very best food of the season.
Find local food & drink spots
Savour local produce this winter with these food & drink recommendations.
11 Fascinating things to do in Edinburgh
Experience life like a local as I take you on a whistle-stop tour around some of the city’s most impressive attractions and hidden gems.
Winter and Christmas breaks
The weather may be crisp and chilly, but the welcome will be warm and inviting. Experience the sheer magic of Scotland's Christmas celebrations.