“Last updated: 15 August 2025”
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 bursts into life from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, turning Princes Street Gardens and George Street into a glittering wonderland of alpine stalls, fairground thrills and ice-rink magic. Arrive hungry for cinnamon-dusted churros, thirsty for hot toddies, and ready to capture skyline views crowned by Edinburgh Castle—all in one unforgettable festive stroll.. Santa Land will be situated in West Princes Street Gardens and the Christmas Ice Rink will be on George Street.
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 dates & opening times
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Market dates | Sat 15th Nov 2025 – Sun 4th Jan 2026 |
| Main sites | East & West Princes Street Gardens, George Street (Ice Rink) & St Andrew Square |
| Opening hours | 10 am – 10 pm* (check daily programme closer to travel) |
| Entry fee | Free to enter; rides & activities ticketed/cash-free card only |
| Can I pre-book? | Yes – Ice Rink, LNER Big Wheel, Santa’s Stories & selected shows |
*Times may shift once the full programme launches; subscribe to Edinburgh’s Christmas updates for final info.
What to see: Big Wheel, ice rink & must-visit stalls
East Princes Street Gardens — The Classic Market
Over 70 alpine-style stalls sell Scottish cashmere, handmade tree ornaments and global street food. Expect roaming carol choirs and an intoxicating cinnamon scent in the air.
LNER Big Wheel & StarFlyer
Scotland’s tallest Ferris wheel (46 m) offers postcard views of the Castle and Arthur’s Seat; locals with an EH postcode get 20 % off. Thrill-seekers can soar even higher on the 80 m StarFlyer.
George Street Ice Rink
A 120-metre, fully-covered rink lets you glide beneath Georgian façades whatever the weather. Sessions sell out fast—book online.
St Andrew Square Family Zone
Meet Santa at “Santa’s Stories”, conquer the illuminated Christmas Tree Maze, then warm up with artisan hot chocolate in the Warming Zone.
Live Entertainment
The Ross Bandstand hosts choirs, ceilidhs and movie sing-alongs, all free-to-enjoy.
Food & drink guide: mulled wine, street food & cosy bars
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German Bratwurst & Schnitzel — cooked over open-flame grills
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Haggis Bon-Bons & Cranachan Crêpes — Scottish twists on festive comfort food
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Polar Ice Bar on George Street for chilli-spiked hot chocolate
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Viral £3 brownie stall keeps queues buzzing without busting budgets
Tip: bring a reusable cup; many vendors knock 50 p off every refill.
How to get there: Waverley Station, bus, tram & airport
| Mode | Closest Stop | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Edinburgh Waverley (5 mins walk). Get Directions. | Direct services on LNER & Avanti routes |
| Tram | St Andrew Sq / Princes St stops book-end the market area | |
| Airport | Tram from EDI to city in ~30 min, departures every 7-10 min | |
| Bus | 70+ Lothian routes cover the city centre (contactless payment) |
Tickets & prices: rides, ice rink & deals
| Attraction | Adult | Concession | Family (max 2 adults) | Local EH Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LNER Big Wheel | £11 | £9 | £35 | 20 % off with proof |
| Helter-Skelter | £4 | — | — | 20 % off |
| Ice Skating (peak) | from £14 | from £12 | from £40 | — |
Hogmanay 2025/26: market crossover, street party & fireworks
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 stays open right through New Year’s Eve, so you can glide round the ice rink by day and join the world-famous Hogmanay Street Party on 31 December 2025 by night. The two flagship events sit minutes apart: weave up the Mound from the Princes Street Gardens stalls and you’ll spill straight onto the cordoned-off party arena stretching from the Castle Esplanade down to Princes Street.
Key Hogmanay dates that overlap the market:
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29 Dec 2025 – Torchlight Procession: flaming torches snake down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, kicking off four nights of celebrations. Book early-bird tickets online.
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30 Dec 2025 – Night Afore Hoolie: live folk and ceilidh bands on a covered George Street stage—free to watch if you’re already browsing the market stalls nearby.
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31 Dec 2025 – Hogmanay Street Party & Concert in the Gardens: 45,000 revellers, DJs, funfair rides and midnight fireworks synced to music above the Castle. Buy a street-party wristband (£30 ±) and keep it handy for re-entry after souvenir shopping.
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1 Jan 2026 – Loony Dook: brave souls plunge into the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry; spectate or sign up as a post-market detox with fancy-dress fun.
Planning tips
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Reserve accommodation at least six months out—many hotels mandate three-night minimums over 30 Dec–1 Jan.
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The market areas close at about 6 pm on 31 Dec to allow for Hogmanay fencing; re-open c. 11 am on 1 Jan.
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Trams run all night on 31 Dec, but Princes Street buses divert—check Lothian’s festive timetable.
Blend the sparkle of Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 with Hogmanay’s midnight fireworks and you’ll tick off two bucket-list experiences in one winter trip.
Accessibility & sustainability information
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Most pathways are firm, but steep gradients in the Gardens mean manual wheelchair users may need assistance; access rated 3.5/5 by Euan’s Guide.
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All sites are cash-free to speed queues and reduce handling.
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Free community tickets and charity outreach programmes keep the event inclusive.
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Public-transport-first messaging and reusable cup initiatives shrink the carbon footprint.
Where to stay near the market
Luxury
| Hotel | Why Book? |
|---|---|
| The Balmoral Hotel | Edinburgh icon with spa, Michelin-starred “Number One” restaurant and unrivalled Princes Street location. |
| Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian | Castle-view rooms, indoor pool and old-world grandeur steps from the market. |
Mid-Range
| Hotel | Why Book? |
|---|---|
| Motel One Edinburgh-Princes | Chic, wallet-friendly design hotel opposite Waverley Station; 24-hr bar. |
| Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre | Royal Mile address, pool & spa, spacious family rooms. |
Budget
| Hotel | Why Book? |
|---|---|
| ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square | Clean, central, legendary buffet breakfast. |
| Haymarket Hub Hotel | Compact rooms, smart TVs and express check-in, 15 min tram to Princes Street. |
Book early — city-centre rooms for late-November weekends often sell out by September.
Money-saving tips & crowd-avoidance hacks
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Visit Mon–Thu mornings for quieter stalls and cheaper off-peak skating.
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Show an EH postcode (driver’s licence or bill) at selected rides for 20 % off.
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Grab meal deals in the Warming Zones before 5 pm.
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Consider a Lothian DAYticket (£5 adult) to hop on unlimited buses & trams.
Final tips & trip-planning checklist
Whether you’re chasing that perfect Christmas card photo from the top of the LNER Big Wheel or hunting handcrafted gifts in the Gardens, Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 promises another season of storybook magic. Secure your hotel on Booking.com now, sketch your itinerary with the tips above, and let Scotland’s capital sprinkle some festive stardust on your winter getaway.
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the dates for the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025?
A: The Market runs from November 15th 2025 until the 4th of January 2026.
Q: Where is the Edinburgh Christmas Market held?
A: The main market is located in East Princes Street Gardens, with additional festive activities and stalls around West Princes Street Gardens, George Street, and St Andrew Square.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: Entry to the market is free. However, certain attractions and rides, such as the LNER Big Wheel and ice skating rink, require tickets.
Q: Can I buy tickets in advance?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to purchase tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues. Tickets can be bought online through the official website.
Q: What attractions are available at the market?
A: The market features a variety of attractions, including the LNER Big Wheel, ice skating rink, festive food and drink stalls, and live entertainment.
Q: Are there any special events during the festival?
A: Yes, the Torchlight Procession, a beloved tradition, returns for 2025, kickstarting the city’s renowned Hogmanay celebrations on 29 December.
Q: Is the market accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the market is accessible, with facilities for wheelchair users and accessible toilets available at all sites.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the market?
A: Dogs are generally welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. However, dogs are not permitted in certain areas, such as St Andrew Square or on specific rides and attractions.
Q: What should I wear when visiting the market?
A: As the market is outdoors in the Scottish winter elements, it’s advisable to dress warmly and wear waterproof clothing.
Q: Are there any local resident discounts available?
A: Yes, Edinburgh residents can redeem a discount by showing proof of an EH postcode. The discount is available online and in person at the box office.
: opening hours, map, ice rink & Big Wheel info, crowd-avoidance tips and the best hotels.){kind=link}