Experiences
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026: dates, times and where to stay
Edinburgh’s Christmas runs from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with a market below the castle. The dates, the three sites and the hotels we would book.
Gita Simonsen
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In short
Edinburgh's Christmas runs from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. The Christmas market, with around 70 stalls, fills East Princes Street Gardens right below the castle, and entry is free. Our first choice for a stay is The Balmoral, at the end of Princes Street and five minutes from the market.
Our first choice: Check availability and prices at The Balmoral Hotel
Few Christmas markets have a setting like Edinburgh's. The stalls sit in the valley between Princes Street and the castle rock, with the Scott Monument rising above them, and when it gets dark early, both the castle and the big wheel light up over the city.
Dates and opening times 2026
Dates: 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Opening times: usually 10am to 10pm, with shorter hours on some holidays.
Closed: Christmas Day.
Entry: free. The big wheel, the rides and the ice rink cost extra.
The three sites
East Princes Street Gardens: The Christmas market itself, with around 70 stalls selling crafts, gifts, food and mulled wine. This is also home to the LNER Big Wheel, Scotland's largest Ferris wheel.
West Princes Street Gardens: A family funfair with rides and its own food and drink stalls.
George Street: An ice rink and a Scottish Christmas fair, under the lights strung across the street.
Work from east to west: start at the market near Waverley station, cross Princes Street Gardens and finish on George Street.
More to do in Edinburgh at Christmas
The Royal Mile and Victoria Street: The steep Old Town streets look their best with Christmas lights in the shop windows.
Scottish National Gallery: The gallery sits right next to East Princes Street Gardens and is free.
Hogmanay: The Torchlight Procession is on 29 December, and the big New Year street party on Princes Street is on 31 December. The street party is ticketed.
Getting there
The train from London King's Cross takes around four and a half hours, and there are flights from most UK and European cities. The tram runs from the airport to Princes Street. Waverley station is right next to the market, so you will not need a car.
Hotels near the Christmas market
The Balmoral
The whisky bar at The Balmoral.
The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral sits at the end of Princes Street, right above Waverley station and five minutes from the Christmas market. It has a spa with an indoor pool and three restaurants, including Number One. Guests on Hotels.com rate it 9.8.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Balmoral Hotel
Market Street Hotel
Market Street Hotel is close to the Royal Mile, ten minutes on foot from Princes Street and the castle. Its roof terrace looks out over the Old Town, and more than 1,500 guests rate it 9.8.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Market Street Hotel
Virgin Hotels
The bar at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Virgin Hotels is in the Old Town, a five-minute walk from the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket. Commons Club Restaurant serves dinner, and more than 1,400 guests rate the hotel 9.6.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Christmas Market
When is Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026?
Edinburgh's Christmas runs from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The market is usually open from 10am to 10pm and is closed on Christmas Day.
Where is the Christmas market in Edinburgh?
The main market is in East Princes Street Gardens, below the castle and next to the Scott Monument. West Princes Street Gardens has a family funfair, and George Street has the ice rink.
Is Edinburgh Christmas Market free?
Yes, entry is free. The big wheel, the rides and the ice rink cost extra.
Where should you stay for Edinburgh Christmas Market?
Stay on Princes Street or in the Old Town, so you can walk to the market. The Balmoral is five minutes away, and Market Street Hotel and Virgin Hotels are close to the Royal Mile.