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Christmas at Balmoral Castle

Friday 6 November – Sunday 8 November 2026
Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Aberdeenshire(AB35 5TB)

For three days, the grounds of Balmoral Castle, a home of the royal family on the banks of the River Dee in the Cairngorms National Park, turn into a Christmas artisan market. Its organisers count it among the biggest they have ever run. Tents spread out from beside the castle, and more makers are set up in the stable buildings. Browse Scottish craft such as antler art, hand-forged pieces, ceramics, jewellery, candles and textiles, then home baking, patisserie, cheese, charcuterie and botanical gins. There is a food avenue to browse, with a covered place to sit down, and the castle's gift shop and restaurant are open too. This Aberdeenshire market is free to enter.

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What to expect

Date & times
Friday 6 November – Sunday 8 November 2026
Getting there
Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Aberdeenshire (AB35 5TB for sat nav)
Dogs
Information coming soon
Accessibility
Available: Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking. Not confirmed: Wheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible viewing areas.
Stalls
Stall list coming soon
Live schedule
Full timetable available when market goes live
Interactive map
Site map with GPS location available when market goes live
Live announcements
Real-time updates available when market goes live

Accessibility

Confirmed:
  • Accessible toilets
  • Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Not confirmed:
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Step-free access
  • Accessible viewing areas
Notes
The restaurant and gift shop can be reached by ramp for wheelchairs and scooters, and mobility scooters can be borrowed free from the gift shop with no booking. Accessible toilets are at the Crathie Gallery and in the restaurant. Blue Badge holders can ask for disabled parking within the estate. Wheelchair access, step-free routes and accessible viewing across the market's tented village and stable buildings have not been confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas at Balmoral Castle 2026?
Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026.
What are the opening times?
10am to 4pm on each of the three days.
Where is the market?
At Balmoral Castle, Balmoral Estates, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB, in the Cairngorms National Park.
Where are the stalls?
In a tented village that starts beside the castle and runs past the restaurant and cafe, around the Mews area and the shop. Exhibitors are also in the stable buildings, and there is a food avenue with an undercover eating area.
Is it free to go in?
Yes. There is no admission charge.
Where do I park, and does it cost anything?
Car parking charges apply. Parking can be pre-booked from the castle's event page.
What can I buy and eat?
Scottish art, craft, food and drink. There are cafes, street food and artisan cakes, spirits, cocktails and botanical gins, and baking, charcuterie, game, cheese, sweets, chocolate, pickles and teas. Crafts include ceramics, jewellery, textiles, candles, glass, woodwork and stationery. A full list of those taking part is shared in the weeks before the event.
Are the gift shop and restaurant open?
Yes. The gift shop and restaurant are open during the market.
Are dogs allowed at the market?
The market has not said whether dogs are welcome.
Is the market accessible?
The restaurant and gift shop can be reached by ramp for wheelchairs and scooters, and that mobility scooters can be borrowed free from the gift shop with no booking. Accessible toilets are at the Crathie Gallery and in the restaurant. Blue Badge holders can ask for disabled parking within the estate. Access across the market's tented village and stable buildings has not been confirmed.
Who runs the market and how do traders take part?
Exclusively Highlands runs it, with artisan art, craft and food events across Scotland. Its website has a Become an Exhibitor link.

Is this your market?

This is a basic listing we've put together so visitors can find Christmas at Balmoral Castle. If you're one of its organisers, you can claim it — take control of the page, add your schedule, map and more.

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