Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On

Updated: 12th January 2025 By Lauren | Published: 18th October 2018

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This page is updated every year with all the latest information about Christmas Markets and Fairs in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Welcome to Edinburgh’s Christmas 2024!🌟

Every year Edinburgh and the surrounding areas of the Lothians have an abundance of Christmas markets and fairs! They’re an awesome way to spend those wonderful, wintery days and the magic of Edinburgh at Christmas time! You can drink mulled wine, see musical performances, pick up gifts, taste delicious food and experience the rides!

Here’s a list of all the Christmas Markets and Fairs I know about in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas! I have included details of where, when and what for each Christmas Market and Fair in Edinburgh, as well as information about how much any entry costs are for attendees.

I update this page to make sure you get the latest information on Christmas Markets and Fairs in Edinburgh and the Lothians. If you notice anything missing, please get in touch.

Christmas Markets & Fairs In Edinburgh & The Lothians: When, Where, What & How Much🎅

Edinburgh Travel Inspiration – read more of my blog posts about the capital of Scotland:

• 19 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In Edinburgh Old Town
• Autumn In Edinburgh: The Best Places To See Colourful Leaves
• Taking Just Eat Cycles For A Spin – An Honest Review Of The Edinburgh Bike Hire Scheme
• Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On
• The 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
• Calton Hill Guide: Easy Walk & Famous View Of Edinburgh
• 5 Reasons Why I Love Corstorphine Hill In Edinburgh
• Craiglockhart Hills – Quick Guide To A Short Walk In Edinburgh

In my Travel Resources page I share everything I use and love – check it out here for great tips on accommodation bookings, tours, travel money, insurance and more.

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Confirmed 2024 Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs🎄

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market & Winter Festivals, Edinburgh

When: From mid-November to early January, all day every day. 2024: Friday 15th November 2024 to Saturday 4th January 2025, 10 am – 10 pm.

What: Central Edinburgh is transformed into a winter wonderland by a fairground, a host of colourful lights and the fabled European Christmas market with dozens of stalls selling traditional trinkets and crafts as well as delicious Teutonic treats (and, of course, glühwein).

Last year, Edinburgh’s Christmas was held for seven weeks for the first time, and it will continue this year too!

This one is the real deal! It is ‘THE’ Edinburgh Christmas Market! Thousands of visitors come to Edinburgh every year to experience Edinburgh’s Christmas.

This year’s Edinburgh Winter Festival is hosted by the Unique Assembly company.

Where: Central Edinburgh, New Town, and the West End.

Edinburgh Christmas Market Events & Locations 2024

Several locations across Edinburgh city centre host Christmas Markets, rides or events. The main locations and attractions can change slightly each year but are usually as follows, and 2024’s Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions have been included as well:

• East and West Princes Street Gardens, Central Edinburgh – Main Christmas Market with street food, bars, crafts and gifts. There are also rides and attractions in ‘Santa Land’ (Big Wheel, Star Flyer, Helter Skelter). In 2024 there will be ticketed events such as Silent Discos, concerts, and theatre performances.

• St Andrew Square, New Town – Santa Stories (for children to meet Santa and receive a gift). Outdoor Ceilidh with live band. Christmas Tree Maze. Open 10 am – 10 pm, but varies by day.

• Castle Street, New Town – Castle Street Christmas Market from 25th November to 22nd December, open 10 am – 6 pm.

• George Street, New Town – Ice skating rink, *NEW* pub and ice bar. Open 10 am – 10 pm, but varies by day.

• Assembly Hall, New Town *NEW* – Theatre performances and comedy shows. Show timings vary by day.

There will be a Santa Fun Run on 8th December to raise money for When You Wish Upon A Star. You can register to join the fun run here.

Edinburgh Christmas Market Entry Prices & Tickets 2024

Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets are free to attend and they are unticketed. You can enjoy wandering around the Edinburgh Christmas Markets at your leisure! Please be aware during peak times the markets can be very busy so there may be queuing systems put into place and crowd control.

Rides and attractions are ticketed and cost various prices, from £3.50-£10, and can be booked online on the official website and in person at the on-site ticket desks. This includes the Ice Skating Rink and the Big Wheel.

The Edinburgh Christmas events, shows and concerts ticket prices start from £3.50-£45 and can be booked online from Edinburgh’s Christmas website. All tickets need to be booked in advance because they will likely sell out. Events that can be booked include the Santa Stories, a Ceilidh, Christmas concerts and the silent disco.

There is also a programme of free events.

Edinburgh Resident Discount

EH postcode residents usually get a 20% discount off all ticket prices at Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals – just show proof of address or Ridacard when you pick up your tickets.

Find out more about Edinburgh’s Christmas Market on the official website.

Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Edinburgh! Check out these tours and activities on Get Your Guide:

Jupiter Artland’s Christmas Fair, Wilkieston

When:  A Saturday and Sunday in early December, usually from 10 am – 4 pm. 2024: Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th December, 10 am – 4 pm each day.

Where: Jupiter Artland, The Steadings, Bonnington House, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BY (an awesome art park and gallery located 12 miles outside of Edinburgh)

What: During Christmas Jupiter Artland is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland, with boutique craft stalls, live music, mulled wine and delicious seasonal street food. Don’t miss Santa’s Grotto, festive Donkeys and Elf Workshops.

Entry & Tickets: Tickets for the Christmas Fair go on sale to the public starting September/October every year (available now in 2024) and to Friends of Jupiter Artland on little earlier. £12 for adults including access to Jupiter Artland’s grounds. Book on Jupiter Artland’s website.

Find out more about Jupiter Artland on their website.

Summerhall Christmas Market, Newington

When: Two days on a weekend in early December, usually from 11 am-5 pm. 2024: Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th December, 11 am – 5 pm.

Where: Summerhall, Newington, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL (a cool cultural events centre in Newington near The Meadows)

What: Local businesses sell unique gift ideas whilst food vendors serve up delicious food and drink in the Courtyard. Alongside the 70+ stallholders, there is live music, activities and workshops to get you in the Festive mood. There are also festive workshops to get your creative on.

Entry & Tickets: £3. Under 18s free. Admission is on the door.

Find out more about the Summerhall Christmas Market on their website.

Out Of The Blue Christmas Arts Markets, Leith

When: Several Saturdays and Sundays over a few weeks, from late November to mid-December, 11 am-5 pm. 2024: Friday 6th December 5 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 7th December 11 am – 5pm, and Sunday 8th December, 12 noon – 5 pm.

Where: Out of the Blue & Drill Hall Arts Cafe, (community arts centre with a cafe in an old Victorian Hall, on the way to Leith. Located at 36 Dalmeny St, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG)

What: Artwork and crafts for sale directly from the artists. Over multiple dates, more than 100 artists and makers sell their work, ranging from painting​s​, prints​ and photography through fashion​, jewellery​ and textiles to ​ceramics, soft furnishings and design​. All different stalls on each market date​. Refreshments, snacks and meals are available from the licensed Drill Hall Arts Cafe.

Entry & Tickets: £3 or £1.50 concession. On the door. Multi-day pass £5.

For more information on this year’s Christmas Market at Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith visit their website.

3D/2D Edinburgh Christmas Craft, Art & Design Fair, Edinburgh

When: A Saturday and Sunday in early December, usually from 10:30 am – 5 pm. 2024: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December, 10:30 am – 5 pm each day.

Where: Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR (located in Edinburgh New Town)

What: Christmas market, featuring goods from over 120 makers, artists and designers.

Entry & Tickets: £4 admission charge and £3 concession. (Tickets can be used on both days; Children 12 years and under free). Tickets on the door or can now be booked online.

Find out more about the 3D/2D Christmas Fair on the event page.

Support The Makers Christmas Market, Leith

When: 2024: Saturday 30th November, 11 am – 5 pm.

Where: Lind & Lime, 24 Coburg Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6HB (located in Leith)

What: A small Christmas market showcasing a variety of handmade products from 25 local artisans and makers. Hosted at a gin distillery so there will of course be a gin bar.

Entry & Tickets: FREE.

Find out more about Support The Makers Christmas Market on the event page.

Dalkeith Country Park WinterFest, Dalkeith

When: 2024: Opening on Friday 29th November. Finish dates vary depending on activity (between 24th December and 5th January 2025)

Where: Dalkeith Country Park, EH22 1ST

What: Ice skating rink, meet Santa, kid’s workshops, elf storytelling, wreath workshops and Christmas tree shopping.

Entry & Tickets: Tickets must be booked in advance and prices vary depending on activity.

Find out more about the Dalkeith WinterFest on their website.

Linlithgow Artisan Christmas Market, Linlithgow

When: Second to last Saturday in November. 2024: Saturday 23rd November, 10 am – 4 pm.

Where: Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow (Linlithgow is a beautiful old town set on Linlithgow Loch and famous for the historic royal residence Linlithgow Palace)

What: An artisan Christmas market with stalls selling arts, crafts, food and drink, from businesses across the local area and the rest of Scotland, including brewers, cafes, soap makers, photographers, jewellers and bakers.

Entry & Tickets: FREE!

Exclusively Highlands Christmas Market, North Berwick

When: 2024: Friday 22nd November, Saturday 23rd November and Sunday 24th November, 10 am – 4 pm each day.

Where: Whitekirk Hill, North Berwick, EH39 5PR (a countryside retreat approximately 28 miles east of Edinburgh, near North Berwick)

What: A huge selection of food for the foodies! Venison, sausages, pies, ready-to-cook meals, honey, cakes and bakes. Alcohol producers will sell a selection of gins and spiced rum. Hot drinks will be provided by a vintage coffee van and you can get brunch and lunch at the Whitekirk Hill Orangery. Artisans will be exhibiting organic and vegan soap and skincare and homeware products including art prints and textiles. Crafters will showcase work, metal and ceramic works. Jewellery and clothes will also be available. All items will be lovingly handmade for the Christmas market!

Entry & Tickets: FREE!

Find out more about the Whitekirk Hill Christmas Fair on their website.

How To Get To Edinburgh Christmas Markets By Train🚂

Travelling to Edinburgh by train for the Christmas Markets is super easy from all over the UK! Edinburgh has awesome connections to many towns and cities in Scotland and England including Glasgow, Preston, Manchester, Newcastle, York, and London.

Trains run regularly between Edinburgh and major cities like Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, and London.

There are several companies you can travel with between England and Scotland – LNER (London North Eastern Railway), TransPennine and Avanti West Coast.

I have all of these routes multiple times and think they are both excellent for sightseeing. Which route you choose will depend on your own schedule and itinerary.

I recommend using Trainline to book your train tickets because it is easy and convenient to search for and buy tickets. Plus you can keep the tickets safe electronically in the app.

• Book Train Tickets To Edinburgh Now On Trainline

LNER Trains Between London/York/Newcastle & Edinburgh (East Coast)

LNER travels up the east coast of Britain from London to Edinburgh via York and Newcastle. You can get from London to Edinburgh in around 5.5 hours on LNER. It is possible to get there faster on routes that do not make multiple stops. You can cut around 1.5 hours off the journey on these express trains. The LNER route is beautiful as it travels along the north east coast by the sea and passes through historic towns and cities.

TransPennine & Avanti West Coast Trains Between Manchester/London & Edinburgh (West Coast)

TransPennine travels along the western side of Britain from Manchester through Preston and the Lake District and into Scotland. Routes will divert to Glasgow or Edinburgh after passing the Scottish Borders. The journey is beautiful as it travels through the Cumbrian Hills. The route takes around 3.5 hours.

If you need to travel from London via the west coast, you’ll need to take a train from London to Manchester. The journey from London to Manchester by train takes around 2 hrs 45 mins. The operator of this route is now Avanti West Coast. Avanti West Coast also travel from Manchester to Edinburgh.

With TransPennine and Avanti West Coast, you can take a train to Edinburgh direct from Manchester Airport.

ScotRail Trains Between Glasgow & Edinburgh

If you’re heading to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets from Glasgow, you can travel by train with ScotRail. The journey takes around 1 hr 20 mins.

Booking Train Tickets To Edinburgh Christmas Markets

Edinburgh Train Stations (Waverley & Haymarket)

There are two major train stations in Edinburgh – Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket.

Edinburgh Waverley is the main train station located in the city centre. If you have accommodation in the centre of Edinburgh or need to take a bus or taxi transfer to your accommodation then Waverley is a good station to arrive at. Edinburgh Waverley is also the closest station located to all of Edinburgh’s main sightseeing and Edinburgh Christmas Market locations. If you are travelling to Edinburgh Christmas Markets for the day then Edinburgh Waverley is a good station to disembark. From Edinburgh Waverley, you will be within walking distance of all the Christmas Markets.

Haymarket is located west of Edinburgh city centre. Haymarket is a lovely location just outside the city centre but is still only a 10-minute walk from the West End of Princes Street. There are many hotels located in Haymarket or nearby such as the West End so check your accommodation to know which station is closest to where you have booked. Haymarket is a quieter and smaller station than Edinburgh Waverley but this can also make it more convenient.

Almost all trains travelling to/from Edinburgh will pass through Haymarket. This is particularly the case for trains arriving from the west, such as ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, and TransPennine services. Trains from the east, such as LNER, will not necessarily travel to Haymarket as they will arrive at Edinburgh Waverley first.

Where To Stay In Edinburgh For The Christmas Markets🛏️

Accommodation In Edinburgh’s West End & Lothian Road

The West End and Lothian Road are great locations to stay during your trip to Edinburgh. This area offers visitors lots of options for accommodation for all budgets.

There are many cafes, restaurants and bars in this part of the city and it has a buzzing nightlife, as well as being within walking distance to all of Edinburgh’s major sightseeing attractions.

Located in the West End is Haymarket Train Station, trams and buses connecting to the city and airport.

I recommend the following hotels in the West End and Lothian Road. These hotels are modern, have excellent facilities, great reviews and they are in a convenient location:

• DoubleTree by Hilton
• The Knight Residence
• Leonardo
• Four Points by Sheraton Edinburgh

Accommodation Near The Royal Mile & Edinburgh’s Old Town

If you want to be in the heart of it all during your trip to Edinburgh, then consider booking your accommodation in the Royal Mile.

You’ll be within a few minutes walk to Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Bobby, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and all the beautiful history of the Old Town.

There are many accommodations located in this area, from backpackers hostels to luxury hotels.

I recommend the following hotels and hostels near the Royal Mile. All of these options are excellent in terms of facilities, guest reviews and location:

• High Street Hostel
• Royal Mile Backpackers
• Blackfriars Lofts
• Radisson Blu Hotel
• Adagio
• DogHouse

Search for accommodation in Edinburgh on Booking using the search box below:

Other Activities & Things To Do In Edinburgh In Winter

Looking for more awesome stuff to do in Edinburgh? Check out these posts:

• 19 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In Edinburgh Old Town
• Autumn In Edinburgh: The Best Places To See Colourful Leaves
• Taking Just Eat Cycles For A Spin – An Honest Review Of The Edinburgh Bike Hire Scheme
• Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On
• The 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
• Calton Hill Guide: Easy Walk & Famous View Of Edinburgh
• 5 Reasons Why I Love Corstorphine Hill In Edinburgh
• Craiglockhart Hills – Quick Guide To A Short Walk In Edinburgh
• Castle Rock In Edinburgh – Everything You Need To Know
• A Walk Around The Braid Hills In Edinburgh – Your Complete Guide

Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Edinburgh! Check out these tours and activities:

Christmas Markets & Fairs In Edinburgh & The Lothians – Thanks For Reading!

In this post, we have looked at many of the different Christmas Fairs and Markets happening in Edinburgh and the Lothians during the festive season. This includes the famous and most well-known Edinburgh Christmas Market as well as local community fairs. All of these events are worth checking out if you have the time. You’ll find hand-crafted gifts as well as popular usual Christmas Market items. There are also pop-up bars and cafes as well as concerts and events to enjoy.

I’m sure there are many, many more events, markets, and fairs happening at Christmas time in Edinburgh and the Lothians. If you know any that haven’t been included here, please do comment below and I will add them to this list. I will also update this article if I find out about any new ones!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! – Lauren x

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Looking for more awesome stuff to do in Edinburgh? Check out these posts:

• 19 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In Edinburgh Old Town
• Autumn In Edinburgh: The Best Places To See Colourful Leaves
• Taking Just Eat Cycles For A Spin – An Honest Review Of The Edinburgh Bike Hire Scheme
• Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On
• The 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
• Calton Hill Guide: Easy Walk & Famous View Of Edinburgh
• 5 Reasons Why I Love Corstorphine Hill In Edinburgh
• Craiglockhart Hills – Quick Guide To A Short Walk In Edinburgh
• Castle Rock In Edinburgh – Everything You Need To Know
• A Walk Around The Braid Hills In Edinburgh – Your Complete Guide

My Travel Resources guide will help you get the best deals when booking your next trip – check it out here!

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