United Kingdom

Edinburgh's Christmas Markets

Edinburgh's Christmas Markets

14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

Source: Edinburgh's Christmas · read 2 November

The markets in East Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh’s Christmas, on edwinterfest.com, publishes 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and says entry to the markets is free.

The season

Generally 10:00–22:00. The organiser lists exceptions: 17 November 16:00–22:00, 24 December 10:00–20:00, closed 25 December, 26 December 12:00–20:00, 31 December 10:00–17:00, 1 January 12:00–20:00, 3 January 10:00–18:00. The page says times can change.

Closed on Christmas Day, 25 December 2026.

What to notice

• It is in the gardens under the castle, which is why the photographs work.
• Free entry to the markets is not the same as a free ride. Read the ticket line for anything that moves.

What to eat and drink

Unless a sentence names its source, these are specialities associated with the city, not a confirmed menu for 2026. Stall lists change every season.

• The page talks about food huts without naming dishes. Mulled wine and the usual fair food are what to expect.

Planning notes

• Christmas Day is closed. Hogmanay week has shorter hours, and 31 December ends at 17:00 in the list we read.
• Princes Street is windy. The gardens are not a sheltered courtyard.

Getting there

Edinburgh Waverley is directly beside the gardens. Leave the station and you are there.

When to go

A weekday afternoon in early December, before the Hogmanay crowd, and not on Christmas Day.