Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2024: Tips & Tricks for Visiting!
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Step into Christmas by going to Edinburgh Christmas Markets and enjoying one of the best markets in Europe. We’ve been to a couple of different Christmas Markets now but Edinburgh is still one of our favourite ones to visit.
We may be a little biased because the Edinburgh Christmas markets are so close to our home but we really do feel like they have such a unique charm.
With this in mind whether you’re visiting from elsewhere in the UK or even coming as far as the US, no trip to Edinburgh is complete without sampling the incredible Christmas markets.
As we draw closer to the festive season, we begin to prepare for our budgets for Christmas presents, plan our decorations and where we are going to spend the festive season.
However, another important part of this planning is arranging where you’re going to visit for the Christmas Markets and for 2024, Edinburgh should be at the top of your list!
With these Christmas Markets, you will be able to bring home plenty of homemade unique gifts for your loved ones so that you can mark off some of those Christmas presents from your list.
Take the children to the markets and ride on the Ferris wheel and see the city lit up from a good height. Not just that but also sample the different sweet treats across the stalls or enjoy some mulled wine whilst watching the world go by.
No matter what you like doing during the Christmas season, there is a little something for everyone in Edinburgh. In this travel guide, we will share the details for the Edinburgh Christmas Market opening hours for 2024. We will also share our personal experience of the markets, tips and tricks for visiting Edinburgh during the festive season and some of the best festive things to do in the city.
When are the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh?
For 2024, the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh open from the 18th November 2024 – 5th January 2024. That means that even if you don’t have enough time to visit before Christmas, you can spend Hogmanay in Edinburgh and see the Christmas Markets all in one go!
The Christmas Markets in Edinburgh for 2024 are open between 10am – 10pm every single day except for the dates below where the markets are either closed or the operating hours differ.
- 24th December 2024 – 10am – 8pm
- 25th December 2024 – closed
- 26th December 2024 – 12pm – 8pm
- 1st January 2025 – 12pm – 8pm
The opening hours for Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are really good and you can really maximise your time and explore. There is no entrance fee for getting into the Christmas Markets themselves so you are free to go in and out as you please.
Where can you find the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh?
The main Christmas Markets in Edinburgh are held at Princes Street and they are very easy to find. One of the main attractions in Edinburgh is the Waverley Statue which is right where the Christmas Markets are held.
Another ideal part about having the Christmas markets on Princes Street is that this is the same road as Edinburgh Waverley train station so you really won’t have far to go if you’re just visiting for the day.
The Christmas Markets extends a little further into Edinburgh but the West Princes Street Gardens is the main site for the Christmas markets so this is somewhere you will definitely want to visit. We’ve included the other locations of the Christmas markets in Edinburgh below:
- St. Andrews Square Winter Garden – this is the ultimate spot to take the children and keep the spirit of Christmas alive. This is where you are most likely to see Father Christmas himself and your little ones can write a letter to him as well!
- George Street West & Castle Street – one of our favourite festive date nights is going ice skating and this is the place to go in Edinburgh! There are also plenty of funfair rides nearby so it is a great spot to enjoy the festivities.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh for the Christmas Markets
Edinburgh is an incredible city to visit no matter what time of year but if you’re planning a trip for the Christmas markets, you want to make sure that you stay somewhere special and close to everything.
The only downside to visiting Edinburgh whilst the Christmas markets are on is that it can be a little bit expensive. Below we’ve shared a hostel which is perfect for budget travellers, an average priced hotel and a luxury hotel which is amazing for any couples wanting to spend a romantic weekend in Edinburgh.
If you’re trying to keep costs lower during the festive period then the best thing to do is try to plan in advance and visit the Christmas Markets during the weekday instead.
Without further ado, find our favourite hotel picks for Edinburgh for the Christmas Markets. Alternatively, view the map below to find your own accommodation which will show you the closest hotels and prices near to the markets.
Greyfriars Kick Ass Hostel
Even if you’re staying as a couple, sometimes hostels are the best way because it really helps to keep the costs low. The only thing about staying in hostels is that you and your partner will have separate beds.
However, you won’t have this problem with Greyfriars Kick Ass Hostel because they have double/twin rooms as well. This is definitely the right way to save money and make the most of the Christmas Markets.
Market Street Hotel
If a hostel is not your thing then you may want to stay at the Market Street Hotel instead. This cute boutique hotel makes for a perfect stay for couples looking for a romantic weekend for the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh.
You will be right in the centre of Edinburgh with only a short walk away from the Royal Mile. To make things even better, there is also a sweet romantic champagne lounge on the rooftop so that you can enjoy the views and relax with your loved one!
Caledonian Edinburgh Hotel
For any couples seeking a romantic Christmas stay but also wanting to enjoy some luxury then you will want to stay at the Caledonian.
This is the ultimate luxurious stay in Edinburgh and you are only 1 minute walk from Princes Street so you are literally a stone throw away from Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets.
Take advantage of the spa facilities within the hotel and truly relax during one of the most stressful seasons of the year. In this hotel, you won’t need to stress anymore about presents you still need to buy or where to spend Christmas because you will be able to lie back and enjoy some sensual spa treatments or indulge in the steam room or sauna.
No matter what you plan to do in Edinburgh, this hotel is the perfect escape to not just enjoy the Christmas Markets but also to relax and spend time together as a couple.
Find Your Accommodation in Edinburgh For the Christmas Markets Here!
If the above hostel and hotels are not quite what you’re looking for then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Use the below interactive map to search around the local areas and see prices to find the perfect place to stay in Edinburgh for you!
Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2024
Now you know when the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh begin for 2024 and where you can stay to make the most of your time, it’s now time to share what to expect from the markets.
We’ve visited Edinburgh Christmas Markets in both 2021, 2022 and 2023 so we’ve had the beautiful opportunity to see it grow and expand over the past few years. With this in mind, Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets for 2024 is due to be even better and we’re looking forward to seeing what it has in store again!
One of the things we love the most about Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets is that there are plenty of fun activities and rides for families but there are also lots of things to do for just adults too.
Whilst you’re at the Christmas Markets make sure that you wander through the different stalls filled with handmade items. One year we managed to pick up some gorgeous tealight holders that have various different festive patterns on them.
You will be able to wander through the different Christmas decoration stalls where you can purchase lots of beautiful baubles, tinsel, tree toppers and so much more. This is a great way to get some decorations to commemorate your time in Edinburgh.
If you’re looking for great bites to eat then you will find lots of different delicious bites to eat. Whilst you’re wandering around the markets you really need to try some of the haggis, neeps and tatties as well as a delicious pie. Nothing gets more Scottish than eating winter warmers like this!
If a sweet treat is more your thing then there are lots of stalls that sell churros, pancakes and even selections of nougat and fudge!
For the kids, you will be able to find Santa writing letter stations, meeting Father Christmas himself and lots of small activities to keep them occupied and creating a magical experience. Head over to the carousels, ferris wheel and all the rides to give them an adrenaline rush and create even more memories.
Of course, you will also find plenty of stalls selling mulled wine, beer and alcoholic drinks for those adults that are having some time to themselves and enjoying the festive spirit. One year we managed to get ourselves a Harry Potter Cocktail Making Kit to take home which after our Harry Potter Cocktail Experience at the Department of Magic was a perfect way to reminisce from an amazing date night in Edinburgh that we had previously.
They are still releasing the different vendors and stallholders for Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets for 2024. There have been some confirmed stallholders already so we’ve included a list below of some of the confirmed vendors & activities so you know what to expect when you visit Edinburgh’s Winter Wonderland.
- Family Fun Fair
- Santa’s Workshop
- Santa’s Letter Writing Station
- World of Baubles
- Hairy Fairy Gifts
- Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company
- Isle of Skye Leather
- Solid Cologne UK
- Westmount Art
- Paraffle
- The Fudge Company
- Jarvis Pickle Kitchen
- LOUD Elephant
- Cherry Tree Preserves
- And so much more…
As the confirmed vendors and activities continue to be released, we will update this page but it is safe to say that there will be so many more things to enjoy and make the most of the incredible Winter Wonderland.
Festive Things to do in Edinburgh
- Ride to the top of the Ferris Wheel – during the Christmas season you will get to see the incredible Edinburgh Ferris Wheel where you will be able to ride to the top and capture awesome views of the city. It costs around £10 per person to be able to take a ride on the ferris wheel so it can be a little bit expensive but the views are definitely worthwhile.
- Ice Skating – Head to George Street West to go ice skating in Edinburgh. This is ultimately one of the most romantic things to do in the city and something that you should not miss during the festive season!
- Viewpoint from Waverley Statue – for a long time, this viewpoint was closed down but last year it reopened and not as many people realise. Visiting when the Christmas Markets are open is a great idea because most people are just enjoying the markets and don’t realise that one of the greatest viewpoints are open at the same time!
- Admire the Christmas Lights – When the festive season begins, Edinburgh is covered with beautiful Christmas lights and taking the time to wander around and admire them is one of the best things to do in the city.
Best Christmas Tours in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour
- Edinburgh’s Christmas Lights & Festive Black Taxi Tour
- Private 6-Day Christmas Tour in Scotland & Edinburgh
- Private Customised Tour: A Local’s Christmas in Edinburgh
Other Scottish Christmas Markets to Visit
If you’re travelling from further away such as from the US then you will really want to make the most of your time in Scotland. Instead of just visiting the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh, why not visit a few different Christmas Markets in Scotland?
Below we’ve shared some of the best spots to enjoy the Christmas Markets throughout Scotland so that you can plan an ultimate festive Scotland itinerary.
- Glasgow
- Aberdeen
- Perth
- Dundee
- Stirling
- Inverness
Book Your Trip to Edinburgh Christmas Markets Now!
When you’re in Edinburgh, you need to sample the beautiful Christmas Markets as it is the ultimate spot to appreciate the festive season. Not just that but if you’re travelling as a couple, there is nothing more romantic than strolling past the cute little stalls with a cup of mulled wine and getting ready for Christmas.
There honestly is nothing more romantic than the markets and riding to the top of the ferris wheel is a great activity to do together in Edinburgh.
Equally, if you’re travelling with children, you will find plenty of fun Christmas activities to keep both yourselves and the kids happy. From meeting Santa, trying new rides and plenty of delicious sweet treats, you’ve got the recipe for the perfect weekend in Edinburgh!
Plan Your Trip to Edinburgh Here
- Book your flights to Edinburgh – if you’re looking for some of the best flight companies to plan your trip to Edinburgh then we recommend using WayAway where you can earn money back on your flights and is great for finding cheap flights.
- Find a hotel – we often use booking.com, or HostelWorld when we are booking our accommodation. Alternatively, use the map below to search around the best areas in Edinburgh and the cheapest prices.
- Book Travel Insurance – we’ve used Coverwise in the past and found that it is an affordable insurance that covers all bases!
- Tours & Excursions – when we’re travelling, we like to use Viator and Get Your Guide for all our tours and excursions as they are really reasonably priced and have a wide range of options!
Edinburgh Travel Resources
- Harry Potter Cocktail Making Experience
- Edinburgh Solo Travel Guide
- Cheap Things to do in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Best Date Ideas
- Walking Arthur’s Seat (Maps, Tips & Best Parking Spots)
