Guide to Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Dec 20, 2022
If you’re staying in the Scottish capital with family or friends or on a solo getaway or business trip, you won’t want to miss out on incredible opportunities to experience holiday cheer and seasonal festivities.
Visit this year’s most magical Edinburgh Christmas markets, where you can shop ‘til you drop, gorge yourself on Yuletide treats, be entertained, and see Auld Reekie at its best. Use our guide to plan what’s sure to be some of the best moments of your Christmas in Edinburgh.
The Best Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Here’s everything you need to know about the best Edinburgh Christmas markets taking place in 2022.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Undoubtedly the epicentre of the city’s winter holiday festivities, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is spread across some of the most Instagrammable locations in the heart of the capital. Festooned with lights and decorations, East and West Princes Street Gardens and George Street come alive with market stalls, food and beverage venues, family-friendly attractions, activities, and much more.
Head to the traditional Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens for some of the best seasonal shopping you’ll ever do. You’ll find artisanal goods, traditional Christmas decorations, gorgeous gifting options, homemade treats, locally distilled whisky, mulled wine, the oh-so-Scottish seasonal favourite, mulled IRN BRU, and much more.
If you’re in the mood for some nostalgic fun or if you’re with the kids, make your way to the top of East Princes Street Gardens, where you’ll find the Edinburgh Christmas Market’s funfair. The Forth 1 Big Wheel is one of the many thrilling rides that await you.
If you’re staying in Edinburgh with young children, they’ll love the opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself! Head to West Princes Street Gardens for oodles of family-friendly fun at Santa Land. You’ll find a Christmas tree maze, a funfair, a Piccolo event with Santa Stories and a gift for every child who attends, Santa Paws sessions for pet photos with Santa, kids’ crafting sessions in the Elf Workshop, and the Nativity Mural installation.
If you’re hoping to get active with some Edinburgh Christmas Market ice skating, George Street is the place to be. During the market, the street is home to a fantastic ice rink. This year sees the ice rink under cover for the first time, so you can skate in any weather. Take the chill off at the rink’s winter warming area, where you’ll find hot chocolate, mulled wine, and a vintage funfair ride.
This is a Christmas Market not to be missed, considered to be the best Christmas market in Edinburgh! You’ll find the biggest number of stalls, the most varied shopping, a banquet of festive foods, amusements for adults and children, and a whole lot more, plus the atmosphere is incredible. You’ll need to experience it to believe it.
The market runs until 3 January 2023 and is open from 10am until 10pm every day except 25 December. Located in the Old Town’s Princes Street Gardens below the castle and George Street. The East and West gardens are connected, and George Street is a couple of roads down from Princes Street.
Meadows Christmas Market
Another Edinburgh Christmas market location you’ll want to visit this year is at 10 South Clerk Street. Smaller but no less festive than the main event, the Meadows Christmas Market will see famous Leith plant shop Seb’s Urban Jungle transform one of the city’s greenest spaces into a lush, verdant winter wonderland.
You’ll find anything and everything from festive items and gorgeous houseplants to vintage clothing sourced from local artisans, artists, designers, and small businesses. This year’s market also offers a plethora of creative workshops, giving you the chance to make crafty gifts for your loved ones.
This Edinburgh Christmas markets’ dates are every Wednesday through Sunday until 24 December, Meadows Christmas Market takes place at the Meadows at 10 South Clerk Street, to the south of the Old Town.
Castle Street Christmas Fair
Held annually since 2007, the Castle Street Christmas Fair has become something of an institution on the Edinburgh Christmas market calendar. Held in the shadow of the castle, the market sees the street lined with colourful stalls selling a variety of goods.
If you’re looking for Christmas shopping with a difference, this is where you’ll find it. Browse the stalls and discover a treasure trove of arts and crafts, jewellery, scented candles, woodwork, and homemade seasonal foods.
The Castle Street Christmas Fair runs until 23 December and takes place in the New Town’s Castle Street, just north of Edinburgh castle.
Edinburgh’s Festive Farmers’ Markets
Look no further than Edinburgh’s festive farmers’ markets for countryside Christmas vibes. You’ll find these Edinburgh Christmas markets at the At the Market events at Grassmarket, Leith, and Stockbridge, and at the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market on Castle Terrace every weekend.
While these markets selling local fresh produce and delicious food take place throughout the year, they turn things up a notch at Christmas time. In addition to many of the regular offerings, you’ll find special seasonal treats, an array of gifting options, and amazing hampers.
At the Markets, events take place in Grassmarket, Leith, and Stockbridge every Sunday from 1pm until 5pm. The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market takes place at Castle Terrace every Saturday from 9am until 2pm.
Your Christmas In Edinburgh
Experience Christmas in one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world by booking your stay at Fraser Suites Edinburgh. Located in the Old Town, our hotel is the perfect home from home for a festive season you’ll never forget.
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