Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present today, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year. 

Festivities in the capital will start from Saturday 15 November 2025, running over New Year and through to Sunday 4 January 2026, Edinburgh’s city centre will be aglow with festive wonder, as this year’s hugely varied programme of festive favourites and fresh winter wonderlands really does have something for everyone.

East Princes Street Gardens sees the return of the Traditional Christmas Market, where a multitude of market stall holders offer locally made crafts from twinkly wooden cabins. Whether visitors fancy strawberries and marshmallows dipped in chocolate, mulled wine or big bratwurst sausages, the food and drink stalls placed throughout the market cater for all tastes. 

Last year three quarters of the Christmas Market was made up of local and Scottish traders selling everything from hand-made Christmas Ornaments to delicious festive fare. Organisers have opened applications for this year already seeing a strong return interest but have put out a call encouraging more local businesses and independent retailers to take the opportunity to showcase the best of our arts, crafts and artisan produce. Organisers work closely with traders to ensure a successful winter season supporting the local economy. 

For those with a head for heights, a trip on the LNER  Big Wheel or the 80M Around the World Star Flyer offer incredible views of the city. Of course, for those who prefer to be at ground level, other rides will be available and a trip on the Helter-Skelter is always a family favourite.

Edinburgh’s Christmas will also be welcoming families back to West Princes Street Gardens and organisers look forward to revealing more about the programme of free festive community events and family funfair rides in the coming weeks.

Other favourites returning this year include the very popular opportunity to meet the man himself and his elves at Santa’s Stories. Children will also be able to write that all important letter to the big man and drop it straight into the Santa Post-box. And for budding Dancing on Ice stars and those who just want to have a wobble, the return of the outdoor ice rink will be welcome news.

Each year Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals brings festive cheer across the city. In 2025 the EH Residents Discount will return, offering locals over 100,000 tickets at a 20% discount for the ice-rink, Santa Stories and fairground rides, helping locals to enjoy that little bit more this Christmas. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas will once again be working with local community groups to give away thousands of tickets for fairground rides, ice-skating and Santa Stories and looking to raise donations for city charities through tickets and donation points across Edinburgh’s Christmas.  More information regarding this year’s charities will be announced in due course. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website. 

Register now to receive updates, be the first to hear when tickets are about to go on sale, and access a limited opening ticket discount by signing up here - www.edinburghwinterfestivals.com