There’s nothing that says ‘festive season’ like the Edinburgh Christmas Market. And this year, it seems like everyone is getting more excited for the cosy, festive vibes and everything that comes with it. TikTok has been getting us ready for this moment the minute it hit September 1st, even though summer didn’t officially end until September 22nd.
But if you’re a full-on festive lover and plan on renting a motorhome to be in Edinburgh this festive season, then we won’t need to tell you twice to go to the Christmas market. It’s by far one of the biggest and best in Scotland, and the rest of the UK, for that matter.
Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about it.
Opening Dates and Location
The Edinburgh Christmas market will run from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026, so if you still want to hold onto that festive magic until the New Year, before the January blues hit, Edinburgh is the place to be.
As always, it will be located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historical city centre, which only adds to the magical vibes. You don’t need to buy a ticket to get in; you can walk around the market and enjoy it as much as you want. You only need to bring some pennies for anything you want to buy from the market stalls, or some money if you want to go on the rides.
You can pre-book some of the rides and activities, such as ice skating or the iconic Edinburgh Market Big Wheel, online. If you’re not sure of the activities that you’d like to do, you can pay for all rides and attractions at the point of entry when you get there.
What’s On
People will say this every year about the Edinburgh Christmas Market, but it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.
Different attractions will run on different days; they’re not all available for the duration of the market. Currently, here’s what’s listed on the Edinburgh Winter Fest website:
- Ice Rink: 20th of November to the 4th of January
- LNER Big Wheel: 15th of November to the 4th of January
- Around The World Star Flyer: 15th of November to the 4th of January
- Santa’s Stories: 21st of November to the 24th of December
- Polar Ice Bar: 20th of November to the 4th of January
- Family Ice Experience: 22nd of November to the 7th of December
- Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk: 7th of December at 09:30
- Silent Disco Christmas Cracker: 13th of December
- Norwegian Christmas Tree Light Up and Service: 18th of November at 18:00
Those are the main events, although there are a few more. Follow this link for the full line-up.
What we love about the Edinburgh Christmas market is that they’re always giving back to the local community. Their Community Ticket Initiative, which spreads Christmas cheer by gifting tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, has applications open until 23:59 on Wednesday, 05 November 2025. Applicants will then learn if they’ve been successful on the 7th of November.
The Christmas Market
Many people don’t go for the rides of the event; they go for the pure magic of the traditional Christmas market. Spreading throughout East Princes Street, it’s one of the most iconic Christmas markets in Europe, let alone Scotland.
This year, there are set to be more than 70 stalls with unique gifts, delicious food, and, of course, drinks. Expect to find hot dogs, burgers, beer, mulled wine, and hot chocolate (with Baileys, if you wish), and so many other tasty Christmas market treats.
The Christmas market will be open day and night, with the actual times of stall openings depending on the stall. From around midday, you can expect enough of the stalls to be open to enjoy the market.
In our opinion, the best time to go is in the evening when it’s darker and you can see all the Christmas lights.
Here are the different and specific opening times for the market itself:
Differing opening hours below for specific dates:
- 24th December 2025: 10:00 – 20:00
- 25th December 2025: CLOSED
- 26th December 2025: 12:00 – 20:00
- 31st December 2025: 10:00 – 17:30
- 1st January 2026: 12:00 – 20:00
- 4th January 2026: 10:00 – 18:00
Bear in mind that not all of the stalls will be open at 10 AM. Any day that isn’t listed is classed as a normal opening hours day, 10:00 to 22:00.
You’re in for the most magical time of your life if you have plans to go to the Edinburgh Christmas market. We’re so jealous of you if it’s your first time experiencing it. Make sure you plan in advance so you can make the most of your time there.