Edinburgh's Christmas Markets

Confirmed:

Not confirmed:

Notes

East Princes Street Gardens is fully accessible from both Princes Street and Waverley Bridge, and off-peak level access is available from any entrance. Walkways are kept as even as possible with ramps to stalls where the festival can; because the site is temporary, ramps may occasionally be steeper than 1:12. An accessible toilet is on site near the Big Wheel (ask security or Front of House for directions and the key). The Waverley Bridge exit from the station is step-free. At busy times there may be a wait or crowds preventing easy access to the markets, and staff can direct visitors to the nearest accessible entrance. There is no designated event parking, so accessible parking is not confirmed. Accessibility dogs are welcome at all outdoor sites.

When are Edinburgh's Christmas Markets?

From Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

What are the opening times?

The markets are open 10:00 to 22:00 daily, except on 17 November 2026 (16:00 to 22:00), 24 December (10:00 to 20:00), 25 December (closed), 26 December (12:00 to 20:00), 31 December (10:00 to 17:00), 1 January 2027 (12:00 to 20:00) and 3 January (10:00 to 18:00). Opening times are subject to change.

Where are the markets?

In East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, with the Scott Monument as a backdrop. The festival's other sites are West Princes Street Gardens and George Street.

How much does it cost to get in?

The markets are free to enter. Rides and some other attractions in Edinburgh's Christmas are ticketed separately; see the festival's website.

What is there to see and buy?

Around 70 stalls in decorated chalets, with clothing, jewellery, handmade gifts for the home and festive decorations, plus bars and food huts and local and international food and drink. The LNER Big Wheel and the 80m Around the World Starflyer stand over the markets.

Where can I get food and drink?

From the food huts and bars among the markets, which serve food and drink including mulled wine and hot chocolate.

How do I get there by train, tram or bus?

Edinburgh Waverley station is about a 2-minute walk from the entrance to East Princes Street Gardens; the most direct route is the Waverley Bridge exit, which is step-free. Trams stop at St Andrew Square, Princes Street and the West End, and Lothian Buses run over 70 routes in and around Edinburgh. The nearest coach station, Edinburgh Bus Station, is a 6-minute walk away.

Where do I park?

There is no designated parking for the event. There are some parking spaces and multi-storey car parks in the city centre, and park and ride facilities on the outskirts of the city.

Are dogs allowed?

The festival welcomes accessibility dogs at all of its outdoor sites. Its pages do not say whether other dogs are allowed at the markets.

Is it accessible?

East Princes Street Gardens is fully accessible from both Princes Street and Waverley Bridge, and off-peak level access is available from any entrance. The festival keeps walkways as even as possible with ramps to stalls where it can, though ramps may occasionally be steeper than 1:12 because the site is temporary. An accessible toilet is on site near the Big Wheel; ask security or Front of House for directions and the key. At busy times there may be a wait or crowds preventing easy access to the markets, and staff can direct you to the nearest accessible entrance. Accessibility dogs are welcome at all outdoor sites.

Can I trade at the markets?

Applications for 2026/27 are closed. The festival says applications reopen in spring 2027 for the 2027/28 season; see the Trade with Us page of its website.