---
title: "About Edinburgh's Christmas | Edinburgh's Christmas - Official Website"
meta:
"og:title": "About Edinburgh's Christmas"
"twitter:title": "About Edinburgh's Christmas"
description: "Edinburgh's Christmas 2026"
---
# About Edinburgh's Christmas
Each winter, Edinburgh comes alive with festive energy as **Edinburgh’s Christmas** brings joy, excitement and celebration to the heart of Scotland’s capital. Since the first Christmas Markets lit up East Princes Street Gardens in 1999, the event has grown into one of the UK’s most picturesque winter festivals, welcoming visitors from across the world to experience the magic of the season.
Over seven weeks, the city centre is filled with festive fun for all ages, from traditional markets brimming with gifts, trinkets and treats, to funfair rides, thrilling attractions, and unique wintery experiences. Enjoy live musical concerts, community events and family-friendly performances - all set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s Georgian streets.
Having already been ranked among the UK’s best Christmas markets by publications this year, including [Conde Nast Traveller](https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/christmas-markets-in-the-uk), [Manchester Evening News](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/trips-and-breaks/best-christmas-markets-uk-manchester-32762665), [Edinburgh Evening News](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-christmas-market-features-in-the-uks-top-10-best-christmas-markets-to-visit-this-festive-season-5373575) and the [Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotland-now/scotlands-biggest-christmas-markets-2025-36027992), Edinburgh’s Christmas is renowned for its warm charm, magical atmosphere and impressive scale - often topping lists of must-visit festive destinations across Britain.
Whether you’re chilling out in George Street’s Polar Ice Bar, singing along at the Ross Bandstand or wandering through the twinkling [markets](https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/whats-on/traditional-christmas-markets), Edinburgh’s Christmas truly captures the warmth and wonder of the season. Be the first to hear about this year’s exciting events, [subscribe to our newsletter.](https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas)
[](https://edwinterfest.pazaz.studio/assets/37c00ae2-8cb9-4b6f-8b5c-236c268370fe?width=2000&format=webp) [](https://edwinterfest.pazaz.studio/assets/14361030-f6fe-4f3d-b206-85a989a1a218?width=2000&format=webp) [](https://edwinterfest.pazaz.studio/assets/913d1d1f-f89e-4c9a-ab01-abf814d07efd?width=2000&format=webp)
[View the Gallery](https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/gallery)
## **Featured in**
[](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2118277/uk-christmas-market-best-edinburgh)
##### The gorgeous Christmas market that's the 'UK's best' to run for incredible 51 days
Sunday Express
[Read full article](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2118277/uk-christmas-market-best-edinburgh)
[](https://nen.press/local-charities-and-communities-at-the-heart-of-edinburghs-christmas/)
##### Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities.
What’s On Edinburgh
[Read full article](https://nen.press/local-charities-and-communities-at-the-heart-of-edinburghs-christmas/)
[](https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/36659993/prettiest-christmas-markets-in-uk-with-hotels/)
##### DECK THE STALLS The prettiest Christmas markets in Britain
The Scottish Sun
[Read full article](https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/36659993/prettiest-christmas-markets-in-uk-with-hotels/)
[](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-edinburghs-christmas-market-2025-attractions-dates-and-prices-5354639)
##### Everything you need to know about Edinburgh's Christmas Market 2025: attractions, dates and prices
Edinburgh Evening News
[Read full article](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-edinburghs-christmas-market-2025-attractions-dates-and-prices-5354639)
[](https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/best-uk-christmas-markets-with-a-chic-stay-b1254107)
##### Best UK Christmas markets - and where to stay to make a weekend of it
The Standard
[Read full article](https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/best-uk-christmas-markets-with-a-chic-stay-b1254107)
[](https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/christmas-markets-in-the-uk)
##### The 16 best Christmas markets in the UK for 2025
Conde Nast Traveller
[Read full article](https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/christmas-markets-in-the-uk)
[](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/trips-and-breaks/best-christmas-markets-uk-manchester-32762665)
##### The UK's 8 best Christmas markets you must visit this winter - including one near Manchester
Manchester Evening News
[Read full article](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/trips-and-breaks/best-christmas-markets-uk-manchester-32762665)
[](https://www.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk/news/2025/10/29/red-hot-chilli-pipers-announced-to-headline-ross-bandstand-programme/)
##### Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme
What's On Edinburgh
[Read full article](https://www.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk/news/2025/10/29/red-hot-chilli-pipers-announced-to-headline-ross-bandstand-programme/)
[](https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/the-9-greatest-christmas-markets-in-the-uk-in-2025-have-been-crowned-by-which-112725)
##### The 9 greatest Christmas markets in the UK in 2025 have been crowned by Which?
Time Out
[Read full article](https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/the-9-greatest-christmas-markets-in-the-uk-in-2025-have-been-crowned-by-which-112725)
[](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/top-christmas-markets-2025_uk_691f0f85e4b00ed8a94f4195)
##### This Year's Most Enchanting Christmas Markets You Can't Miss
Huffington Post
[Read full article](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/top-christmas-markets-2025_uk_691f0f85e4b00ed8a94f4195)
## Events we think you'd like
[
[LNER Big Wheel
**14 Nov 2026** Enjoy a unique perspective of our spectacular city from the comfort of the enclosed and weather-proof pods, with sparkling evening views of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions.**Start time: 12:00**](https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/whats-on/lner-big-wheel)
[Family Ice Experience with Icelandair
**21 Nov 2026** Step inside Scotland's 'coolest' winter experience, where the whole family can explore a glittering frozen world and discover breathtaking ice sculptures carved by hand.**Start time: 12:00**](https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/whats-on/family-ice-experience)
[The Coorie Inn
Cosy up at the Coorie Inn, with piping hot drinks, festive warmers and hosting a programme of live music, quizzes and craft workshops.](https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/whats-on/coorie-inn)