Edinburgh's Christmas
Visitors can browse traditional Christmas markets featuring delicious food and drink in the heart of Scotland's capital. The festive celebrations also offer funfair rides and live outdoor entertainment in East Princes Street Gardens.
Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
See more Christmas markets near Edinburgh
Plan Your Visit
Ages
Varies by event (some 12+, some family-friendly)
Neighborhood
City Centre
Food & Drink
The event features festive food and drink.
Parking
There is no designated parking for the event. There are some parking spaces and multi-storey car parks in the city centre, but please note these will be busy due to the time of year. There are park and ride facilities available on the outskirts of the city too.
Accessibility
A step-free route to the entrance is available via the Waverley Bridge exit from Edinburgh Waverley railway station.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Take the Waverley Bridge exit from Edinburgh Waverley for the direct, step-free walk to East Princes Street Gardens, about two minutes from the entrance.
- If arriving by coach, Edinburgh Bus Station is about a six-minute walk away; consider it as an alternative to driving.
- Use Edinburgh Trams, with stops at St Andrew Square, Princes Street and the West End, to reach the city-centre celebrations.
- Avoid relying on event parking: there is none designated, city-centre spaces and garages get busy, and park-and-ride facilities are available on the outskirts.
- Wear warm layers for time outdoors, as the event fills the gardens and city streets during chilly winter nights.
Special Events & Promotions
- La Clique Noël is a late-night cabaret and circus spectacle.
- Polar Ice Bar sessions are for adults 18+.
- Santa appears in Santa’s Stories, running November 20–December 24.
Links & Contact
Run by Unique Assembly Ltd.
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can families see and do across the festival?
Browse the Christmas Markets, enjoy fairground rides and outdoor events, and visit community concerts at the Ross Bandstand.
What food and drink is available?
The festival includes food and drink, and the Coorie Inn offers hot drinks, festive warmers, live music, quizzes and craft workshops.
Is it better to book tickets ahead?
Tickets are on sale for Santa’s Stories, the Around the World Starflyer and the LNER Big Wheel; check individual event pages for ticket details.
What are the easiest public transport options?
Trams stop at St Andrew Square, Princes Street and the West End. Edinburgh Waverley is close to the East Princes Street Gardens entrance, and the Waverley Bridge exit is step-free.
Where can drivers park?
There is no designated event parking. City-centre parking and multi-storey car parks are available, as are park-and-ride facilities on the city outskirts.
Browse Christmas in Edinburgh
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.