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Edinburgh has a lot to offer at any time of year, but during Christmas and Hogmanay, the city is especially spectacular. The Scottish capital's doesn't do things by halves when it comes to Christmas markets, with its ginormous Princes Street Gardens market often voted one of the UK's most popular.
Edinburgh Christmas Market - Princes Street Gardens
- When: From 17 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
- Where: East and West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
- Website: edinburgh-christmas.com
It's the big one. Edinburgh's Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens is a winter wonderland in the heart of the city. Expect traditional Christmas Markets and classic funfair rides. Over on the West Princes Street Gardens, there's Santa Land – a Christmas pop up for kids that has Santa's grotto (and Santa Paws for pooches).
St Andrew Square Winter Garden
- When: From 18 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
- Where: St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
- Website: edinburgh-christmas.com/st-andrew-square
Edinburgh is a true winter wonderland and it extends all over the city. In St Andrew Square, there's the ‘Festival of Kindness’, which is focussed mostly on kids. There are ‘Santa’s Stories' group sessions, where 22 children at a time can be part of story time and meet the big guy, as well as gift donation point and a special station for writing those all important letters to the big guy.
Christmas Arts Markets
- When: Dates to be confirmed
- Where: Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG
- Website: outoftheblue.org.uk
For those looking for a unique present for an art appreciator, community-driven space Out of the Blue's festive markets are a must visit. Each Christmas, more than 100 artists and makers sell their work at the weekend events, ranging from paintings, prints and photography through fashion, jewellery and textiles to ceramics, soft furnishings and design.
Christmas Farmer’s Markets
- When: Saturdays or Sundays
- Where: Various locations around the city
Edinburgh is packed with delightful weekend farmer's market that become extra festive in the lead up to December 25. Head to Edinburgh Farmers Market every Saturday on Castle Terrace, or find artisan Scottish food and craft stalls at Grassmarket Market, Leith Market and Stockbridge markets.
Christmas Fair at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- When: From 21 November – 30 December 2024
- Where: Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh
- Website: rbge.org.uk
Christmas at the Botanics is a magical outdoor illuminated trail that dazzles each year. Find huge seed heads floating into the sky, a lawn of larger-than-life crocus glowing in the dark, brightly coloured pampas, sparkling tunnels of light and the Inverleith House projections with a botanical theme. Little wooden cabins dot the gardens for your Christmas market dose, with spiced cider, mulled wine, hot chocolate and some light snacks.
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Edinburgh's Christmas at The Dome
- When: From 28 October – 5 January 2025
- Where: The Dome, George Street, Edinburgh
- Website: The Dome
Not technically a market, but a big part of Edinburgh's outdoor Christmas festivities nonetheless. The George Street restaurant is one of the capital's most famous landmarks and is known for its grand decorations, which it often is first to hang up.
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