Christmas Magic Set to Light Up Edinburgh This Winter

Edinburgh’s Christmas returns! From Saturday 15 November to Sunday 4 January, you can enjoy a plethora of Santa stores, ice skating & of course the market!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… markets are coming! We can’t wait to smell toasted marshmallows, sip mulled cider, and see all the glowing lights from the stalls — and now, the countdown is officially on!

When does Edinburgh’s Christmas 2025 begin?

Mark your calendars: Edinburgh’s Christmas kicks off on Saturday, 15 November 2025 and runs through to Sunday, 4 January 2026! That’s a tiny bit earlier than last year (which started on 18 November 2024), meaning even more time to soak up the magic.

What will be at Edinburgh’s Christmas?

Festive favourites, including the towering LNER Big Wheel and the breathtaking 80-metre-tall Around the World Star Flyer (both offering jaw-dropping views across Edinburgh’s festive skyline), are back.

And of course, no Christmas is complete without a visit from the big man himself… That’s right, Santa’s Stories is back! Kids can cosy up with Santa and his elves, write their all-important letter, and pop it straight into the magical Santa Post-box.

This year, some of the must-try seasonal favourites include hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and cider, hot chocolate and, of course, Dutch Stroopwafels, brought to the traditional markets by an Edinburgh-based Dutchman, Timothy Shelhaas. His company Wholly Waffles, is the UK’s first and only Dutch Stroopwafel bakery, using handmade Dutch waffle irons and traditional baking techniques.

Some of the other food and drink highlights include Pies by Jarvis Pickle making a very welcome return to the Market, and Edinburgh-based coffee roasters Uplands Roast. Mac Love will be serving up their famous gooey mac’n’cheese, Roast will once again take diners and the internet by storm, and in a nod to the German origin of the Christmas market, visitors can enjoy some salty, cheesy goodness from Späetzle. For those looking for perfect stocking-fillers, Edinburgh Honey Co., The Fudge Company, Cherry Tree Preserves and Great Glen Distillery offer a wide range of beautifully crafted gifts to suit all ages and tastes.

Will Edinburgh’s Christmas market return for 2025?

And as always, East Princes Street Gardens will once again transform into a twinkling wonderland, with the much-loved Traditional Christmas Market making a joyful return.

Charming wooden cabins with local crafts, glowing fairy lights, and the delicious smells of festive treats in the air. Whether you’re craving strawberries and marshmallows dipped in chocolate, a steaming mug of mulled wine, or a towering bratwurst in a bun, you’ll find it all (and more) among the festive foodie delights.

For anyone dreaming of gliding (or wobbling) across the ice, you’ll be thrilled to hear that the outdoor ice rink is making a return, too.

When will the attractions be open?

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

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is always a highlight of the year within our city centre. The attractions welcome thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy the most magical time of the year. With Edinburgh’s city centre home to high class retail and hospitality businesses to suit everyone’s tastes, this Christmas promises to be another fantastic time to visit and enjoy the best of Edinburgh.”

Be the first in line for all things festive! Sign up now for exclusive updates, early ticket alerts, and a limited-time opening discount — only at edinburghwinterfestivals.com.