ShowDayGuide

Christmas Markets in Scotland 2026

Updated 28 October 2026 · 6 markets · Aberdeenshire, Angus, City of Edinburgh, Perth and Kinross, Scottish Borders, West Lothian

6 Christmas markets and fairs in Scotland are listed for 2026, with Christmas at Balmoral Castle the first to open, on Friday 6 November. At Balmoral, tents spread out from beside the castle on the banks of the River Dee, with more makers in the stable buildings. Edinburgh's Christmas Markets fill East Princes Street Gardens with decorated chalets beneath the LNER Big Wheel, and Blair Castle in rural Perthshire holds its market in the Banvie Hall ballroom and a village of tents. Hopetoun House, at South Queensferry, fills its decorated Main House with artisan exhibitors.

Aberdeenshire · 1Angus · 1City of Edinburgh · 1Perth and Kinross · 1Scottish Borders · 1West Lothian · 1
Map of the eleven guide regions with Scotland highlightedA tile map, one square per region: North East, North West, Yorkshire, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, London.North EastNorth WestYorkshireEast MidsWest MidsEastSouth EastSouth WestWalesScotlandLondon
Markets listed
6
First to open
Fri 6 Nov
Last to close
Sun 3 Jan 2027
Dogs welcome at
5 of 6

All 6 at a glance

MarketDates 2026TownCountyEntryDogsAccess
Christmas at Balmoral CastleFri 6 – Sun 8 NovBallaterAberdeenshireFree entryDogs welcome on a leadAccessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Edinburgh's Christmas Markets14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027EdinburghCity of EdinburghFree entry—Wheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible toilets
Blair Castle Christmas MarketFri 20 – Sun 22 NovBlair AthollPerth and KinrossPaid entryDogs welcome on a lead—
Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping FairFri 27 – Sun 29 NovSouth QueensferryWest LothianPaid entryDogs welcome outdoors, on a lead—
Festive Table Top Craft Market at Glamis CastleSat 28 NovGlamisAngusWith admissionDogs welcome on a leadWheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Traquair Christmas OpeningSat 28 – Sun 29 NovInnerleithenScottish BordersPaid entryDogs welcome on a leadAccessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking

A dash means the market has not said. Ordered by opening date.

Questions about Christmas markets in Scotland

When do Christmas markets start in Scotland?

In 2026 the first to open is Christmas at Balmoral Castle, from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November. Edinburgh's Christmas Markets open on Saturday 14 November and run until Sunday 3 January 2027. Blair Castle Christmas Market runs Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November, and the Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November. The cards give the dates for each.

Are dogs allowed at Christmas markets in Scotland?

Of Scotland's markets, only Blair Castle has said pet dogs are welcome, in the gardens and around the outside stalls but not inside the castle. Edinburgh's Christmas welcomes accessibility dogs at all its outdoor sites, but has not said whether other dogs may come to the markets. Christmas at Balmoral Castle and the Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair have not said whether dogs may come, so ask them before you go.

Are the Christmas markets in Scotland free to enter?

Christmas at Balmoral Castle and Edinburgh's Christmas Markets are free to enter, though in Edinburgh rides and some other attractions are ticketed separately. Blair Castle Christmas Market charges adults for entry, and under-16s go free. The Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair sells tickets.

Is there parking at Christmas markets in Scotland?

It differs at each: Blair Castle has free parking about 100 metres from the castle. At Balmoral, car parking charges apply and parking can be booked ahead. Edinburgh's Christmas has no designated parking, but Edinburgh Waverley station is about a two-minute walk from East Princes Street Gardens.

Are Scotland's Christmas markets open in the evening?

Edinburgh's Christmas Markets are: they stay open until 10pm on most days, with shorter hours on a few dates around Christmas and New Year. Christmas at Balmoral Castle and Blair Castle Christmas Market are open from 10am to 4pm, and the Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair from 10am to 4.30pm.

Christmas markets in other regions

Christmas markets in the North EastChristmas markets in the North WestChristmas markets in YorkshireChristmas markets in the East MidlandsChristmas markets in the West MidlandsChristmas markets in the East of EnglandChristmas markets in the South EastChristmas markets in the South WestChristmas markets in WalesChristmas markets in London

Every market is listed from the details its organisers and venues publish.