Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On [2022]

Last Updated On 8th December 2022 By Lauren | Wild Lovely World

This page is updated every year with all the latest information about Christmas Markets and Fairs in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Every year Edinburgh and the surrounding areas of the Lothians have an abundance of Christmas Markets & 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.

Plus, if you’re thinking about having a stall at any of them and trading yourself, you’ll find a rough estimate of how much it costs and how to get in contact with the organisers.

I update this page to make sure you get the latest information. If you notice anything missing, please get in touch.

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

Confirmed 2022 Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market & Winter Festivals, Edinburgh

When: From mid-November to early January, all day every day. 2022-23: Saturday 19th November 2022 to Tuesday 3rd January 2023. TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

What: Six weeks of winter wonderland, with central Edinburgh transformed 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).

This one is the real deal! It is ‘THE’ Edinburgh Christmas Market! This year’s Edinburgh Winter Festival is hosted by the Showcatcher company.

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

There are several locations across Edinburgh city centre that host Christmas Markets, rides or events. The main locations and attractions can change slightly each year, but are usually as follows:

• 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’ (Christmas Tree Maze, Big Wheel)
• St Andrew’s Square, New Town – Ice skating rink (For 2022, the Ice Skating Rink will be located in George Street.)
• Festival Square, West End – Circus and family shows at the Spiegeltent
• Castle Street, New Town – Santa’s Grotto and rides
• George Street, New Town – Art, light and sound shows

Edinburgh Christmas Market Tickets 2022

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 here. This includes the Ice Skating Rink, Christmas Tree Maze and the Big Wheel.

The Edinburgh Christmas events, shows and concerts ticket prices start from £3.50-£45 and can be booked online here. 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 Chorus Concert, Folksville Concert, Afternoon Tea, and theatre performances. For 2022 there are two theatre shows – A Christmas Carol and A Ghost Of A Smile. You can see all the events and show times here.

There is also a programme of free events. For 2022 there will be a Scottish Norwegian Advent Concert at St Giles Cathedral that is free to attend.

There will be a Santa Fun Run & Walk on Sunday 4th December to raise money for When You Wish Upon A Star. You can register to join the fun run here.

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 and Winter Festivals here.

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

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Jupiter Artland’s Christmas Fair, Wilkieston

When:  A Saturday and Sunday in early December, usually from 10 am – 4 pm. 2022: Saturday 3rd December and Sunday 4th December.

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

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.

Cost for public: Tickets for the Christmas Fair go on sale to the public starting September/October every year (available now in 2022) and to Friends of Jupiter Artland on little earlier. £10 for adults inc access to Jupiter Artland’s grounds. Book on the website.

Cost for stallholders: £250 for both days in previous years. Apply via form on the website.

Find out more about Jupiter Artland here.

Summerhall Christmas Market, Newington

When: A Sunday in early December, usually from 11am-5pm. 2022: Saturday 3rd December and Sunday 4th December. Now running over 2 days for the first time in 2022!

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

What: Local businesses sell unique gift ideas whilst food vendors serve up delicious food and drink in the Courtyard. Alongside the stallholders, there is live music, activities and workshops to get you in the Festive mood. In the past there have been creative workshops, such as Wreath Making.

Cost for public: £3. In previous years, children under 12 are free. Admission on the door.

Cost for stallholders: £100+VAT for one day of trade, £150+VAT for two days of trade. Email info@summerhall.co.uk. Apply online here.

Find out more about the Summerhall Christmas Market here.

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. 2022: Saturday 3rd December and Saturday 10th December, 11 am – 5 pm.

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

What: Artwork and crafts for sale direct 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.

Cost for public: £2 or £1 concession. On the door.

Cost for stallholders: Unknown. Contact Out of the Blue here.

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

When: A Saturday and Sunday in early December, usually from 10:30 am – 5 pm. 2022: Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December 2022, 10.30 am – 5 pm each day.

Where: Assembly Rooms

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

Cost for public: £4 (Tickets can be used both days; Children 12 years and under free). Tickets on the door.

Cost for stallholders: £12-£36, depending on space. Learn more about how to apply here.

Find out more about the 3D/2D Christmas Fair here.

How To Get To Edinburgh Christmas Markets By Train

Traveling 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.

• 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 center. If you have accommodation in the center 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 traveling 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 center. Haymarket is a lovely location just outside the city center 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 traveling 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.

Other Activities & Things To Do In Edinburgh

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

Where To Stay In Edinburgh

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Still To Be Confirmed 2022 Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs

Morningside Maker’s Market, Morningside

When: First Saturday of every month, 11 am – 4 pm. 2022: To be confirmed. 2021: Saturday 4th December 2021, 11 am – 4 pm.

Where: Columcille Centre (south Edinburgh in Morningside, EH10 4RT)

What: A boutique market held on the first Saturday of every month with artists, crafters and designers offering ceramics, jewellery, glassware, photography, textiles and art.

Cost for public: Free.

Cost for stallholders: Unknown. Email info@tandcevents.co.uk.

Find out more about the Morningside Makers Market here.

New Town Christmas Market, Edinburgh

When: A Saturday in mid-December, usually from 10 am – 4 pm. 2022: To be confirmed.

Where: The Edinburgh Academy

What: Christmas market with stalls, festive food and drink, and even Santa.

Cost for public: Free.

Cost for stallholders: Unknown. And no contact details.

Livingston Christmas Craft Fair, Livingston

When: A Saturday in early November, usually from 9 am – 1 pm. 2022: To be confirmed.

Where: Murieston Village Hall

What: Handmade items by local artists, unique gifts, refreshments.

Cost for public: Free.

Cost for stallholders: £10 per table, including a small raffle prize.

Loanhead Parish Church Christmas Fair, Loanhead

When: A Saturday in late November. 2022: To be confirmed. 2021: Saturday 27th November 2021, 10am – 1pm.

Where: Loanhead Parish Church

What: A high footfall traditional Christmas Fair with Santa’s grotto, tea and coffee, mince pies, gifts and food stalls.

Cost for public: £2.50 for adults and free for kids. Card payment is preferred but cash is accepted. Entry price includes tea/coffee and a mince pie and juice for kids, plus entry to a quiz with prizes.

Cost for stallholders: £15 for 1 stall. Tables and chairs provided. Stallholders must also provide a small prize for the Christmas Fair quiz. Sign up for a stall on Eventbrite.

Find out more about the Loanhead Parish Church Christmas event here.

Support The Makers Christmas Market, Portobello

When: 2022: To be confirmed. 2021: Sunday 5th December 10 am – 4 pm.

Where: Bellfield Street

What: A small Christmas market showcasing a variety of handmade products from local artisans and makers.

Cost for public: Free.

Cost for stallholders: Unknown. Contact the organisers Support The Makers to enquire.

Find out more about Support The Makers Christmas Market event here.

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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