edinburgh christmas markets 2023
Last updated Oct 09, 2023
Christmas markets are a huge draw during festive trips, and Edinburgh is a city with a really lovely selection of them. The daddy of them all is the huge East Princes Street Gardens market (which is just a 15-minute walk from our gorgeous Wilde Aparthotels Grassmarket), but there are several smaller ones too, that are no less charming.
Some are a little out of town, but the majority are centrally located in this wonderfully compact city, and you can easily get between them by foot, fueled, if you wish, by the many stalls purveying all manner of delicious festive treats. When we say “festive treats”, what we really mean is ALL the mulled wine, hot toddies and mince pies.
east princes street gardens
This is Edinburgh’s main Christmas market. Situated in the heart of the city, iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, the Balmoral Hotel and Calton Hill lend it a dramatic backdrop. While most of this market takes place in East Princes Street Gardens, in recent years it has spread on to George Street too where you'll also find the festive ice-rink. The former largely sells traditional European wares and is known as the ‘German Christmas Market’, while the latter features Scottish products and is known as the ‘Scottish Christmas Market’.
This is a big event, and gets bigger every year — so expect crowds! But also expect lots of atmosphere and stalls selling everything from painted nutcrackers to Glayva — a gorgeously smooth and sweet local whiskey flavoured with spices, tangerines, and honey. This market also features loads of attractions including the Christmas Wheel, the Star Flyer and Santa Land — so it’s especially suitable for families with children.
When: 17th November - 6th January from 10am-10pm. Closed on December 25th.
Where: East Princes Street Gardens
Website: Edinburgh Christmas Market 2023 Starts 17 November (christmasmarkets.io)
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hopetoun house christmas shopping fair
Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, this magnificent stately home sits on 6,500 acres of stunning natural beauty, with a farm producing beef, lamb and poultry that’s sold directly through its on-site shop.
With a set-up like this, Hopetoun always makes for a stunning day out. But especially so during its Christmas Shopping Fair. The term ‘winter wonderland’ is thrown about a lot at Christmas, but it really applies here. With festive entertainment and over 60 stalls offering slightly more unusual gifts than the usual fare, this market is well worth the short trip out of town.
When: 24th - 26th November, 10am-4.30pm.
Where: Hopetoun House, South Queensferry
Website: Christmas Shopping Fair - Hopetoun
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summerhall christmas market
Summerhall is a vibrant cultural quarter in central Edinburgh that plays host to all manner of interesting events, from niche film festivals to ceilidh clubs. And its approach to its Christmas market is just as interesting, lending it an alternative twist that sets it apart from standard offerings.
At this popular event (it draws upwards of 4,000 people), you can expect the likes of vintage stalls, independent, local wares, vegan food, and festive wreath-making workshops, all sound tracked to carols sung by Summerhall’s very own community choir. A cool and quirky Christmas day out if ever there was!
When: Starting the first weekend in December 2023
Where: Summerhall, Edinburgh
Website: Summerhall Christmas Market 2023 - Summerhall, Edinburgh
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jupiter artland’s christmas fair
Jupiter Artland is a contemporary sculpture garden just outside Edinburgh, set over 100 acres of meadow and woodland and featuring five indoor gallery spaces. Its 35, site-specific sculptures are a joy to behold, and its unique, creative and artistic Christmas market a joy to experience.
Expect boutique craft and artisan stalls, live music, and delicious homemade mulled wine. There’s plenty here for kids too, including Santa’s grotto, an elf workshop, a Christmas tree yard and festive donkey rides.
When: 9th & 10th December, 10am-3pm
Where: Jupiter Artland
Website: Jupiter Christmas Fair – Jupiter Artland
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christmas arts market
Instead of the usual two market dates, this year’s events will run over four days, taking in two weekends. Across the four days, over 150 hand-picked local independent artists and makers will be selling their work.
With stalls selling a wide range of goods from paintings, prints and homewares through to jewellery, textiles and ceramics, there’s something for everyone.
The fully licensed Drill Hall Cafe will be open throughout selling mulled wine, teas, coffees and treats.
When: 2nd & 3rd December, 9th & 10th December
Where: Out of the Blue and Drill Hall Arts Cafe, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh
Website: Christmas Arts Markets - Out of the Blue – Arts & Education Trust based in Edinburgh
farmer’s markets with a festive twist
Edinburgh is home to many great farmer’s markets every weekend. There’s At The Market’s ones at Stockbridge, Grassmarket and Leith, and the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market on Castle Terrace.
Lively and popular among locals and tourists alike, these occur every weekend throughout the year, selling all the usual famer’s market fare of fresh, local produce and delicious hot food. In the run-up to Christmas, many stalls take a more festive feel, with special seasonal treats, hampers and gifts. Top tip: Attend hungry!
At The Market
When: Every Sunday, 1pm-5pm
Where: Leith, Grassmarket and Stockbridge
Website: stockbridgemarket.com/
Edinburgh Farmer’s Market
When: Every Saturday, 9am-2pm
Where: Castle Terrace
Website: Edinburgh Farmers Market | Edinburgh City
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Festive accommodation in Edinburgh fills up faster than the Christmas markets! So don’t miss out — book your stay with us today!
staying at edinburgh west end
Art galleries, cobbled streets, arts venues, fashion boutiques, Georgian houses, cocktail bars, Cathedrals, craft fairs, and book shops.
