Edinburgh is a city that knows how to celebrate Christmas and from mid-November to early January, the Scottish capital transforms into a winter wonderland, with dazzling light displays, festive shows, and a variety of events and attractions. The Christmas market is open from:
15th November 2024 – Saturday 4th January 2025
But the highlight of Edinburgh’s Christmas season is undoubtedly the Christmas market, which attracts millions of visitors every year.
What makes this market so special, and why do people love it so much?
Here the Christmas.co.uk team look at the reasons why you should visit Edinburgh Christmas market this year.
A long and rich history
Christmas markets are a tradition that dates to the Middle Ages, when street vendors sold meat, crafts and seasonal treats during the Advent period. The first recorded Christmas market was in Vienna in 1298, followed by the first Christkindlmarkt in Germany in 1384. Christmas markets spread to other parts of Europe, including France, Italy and Switzerland, and became associated with the celebration of the birth of Christ.
Edinburgh Christmas market is one of the oldest and most established in the UK, having started in 1999 as part of the city’s winter festivals.
Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest and most popular in Europe, with around 70 stalls offering a range of local and international products, food and drinks.
The market is located in the heart of the city, in East Princes Street Gardens, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument and the city skyline.
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Tour Of The Edinburgh Christmas Market 2022 – Scotland
Here is a video from Wee Walks to help illustrate how great Edinburgh’s Christmas market is. This walk through of the market in 2022 looks at the rides, stalls and atmosphere.
As you can see, there is a lot to see and do (and eat!).
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A diverse and vibrant atmosphere
Edinburgh Christmas market is not just a place to shop, but also a place to have fun, enjoy and experience different cultures.
The market features a traditional European section, with stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, jewellery, clothing and more.
You can also find a Scottish section, with stalls showcasing the best of Scotland’s produce, crafts and heritage.
You can sample some of the local delicacies, such as haggis, shortbread, whisky and fudge, or buy some tartan, tweed or wool products.
The market also has a family-friendly section, with funfair rides, attractions, and entertainment for children and adults alike. You can ride the Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest ferris wheel, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, or try the Starflyer, a thrilling ride that spins you 60 metres above the ground.
You can also hop on the Santa Train, a magical journey through an illuminated winter wonderland, or visit Santa‘s Grotto, where you can meet the jolly old man himself and listen to his stories.
The market is also a place to celebrate with stalls and events representing different countries and regions.
You can find stalls from France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland, among others, offering their unique products, food and drinks.
You can also enjoy live music, performances and workshops from various cultural groups, such as the Chinese Lanterns, the African Drummers, the Latin Dancers, and the Scottish Pipers.
A festive and joyful spirit
Edinburgh Christmas market is not just a market, but a festival. It is a place where you can feel the spirit of Christmas, with its festive decorations, lights and music.
The market is adorned with colourful garlands, wreaths and baubles, and illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.
You will also find a giant Christmas tree, a nativity scene, and a 21-metre Christmas pyramid, a traditional German wooden structure with rotating figures.
The market is also a place where you can warm up and indulge in some of the seasonal treats and drinks.
You can savour some of the hot and delicious food, such as roasted chestnuts, crepes, waffles, bratwurst and stollen, or sip some of the refreshing and comforting drinks, such as mulled wine, hot chocolate and cider.
You can also enjoy some of the live music and entertainment, such as carols, choirs, bands and DJs, or join some of the workshops and activities, such as wreath-making, gingerbread-decorating and candle-making.
Edinburgh Christmas market is a place where you can share the joy and happiness of Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones.
This is where you can find some of the perfect gifts for them, or simply spend some quality time with them.
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Edinburgh Christmas Market from Dream Destinations
Edinburgh’s Christmas market is widely renowned as one of the best markets to visit and with more than 60 exhibitors from all over the world, there’s a lot to keep visitors occupied.
For anyone who loves a festive shopping treat, then Edinburgh is for you.
Along with delicious food and drinks, there’s also festive entertainment and some unique workshops.
The video commentary does highlight that while the market is free to attend, it is so popular that there are some lengthy queues to deal with for the popular attractions.
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A unique and memorable experience
Edinburgh Christmas market is a place where you can have a unique and memorable experience, unlike any other.
It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the history, culture and traditions of Edinburgh and Scotland, as well as discovering and appreciating the diversity and richness of the world.
It is a place where you can have fun, enjoy and celebrate the festive season, with its sights, sounds, smells and tastes.
Essentially, Edinburgh Christmas market is a place where you can create some of the unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
The Edinburgh Christmas market is a perfect opportunity to experience the best of the city, and to enjoy a memorable and merry Christmas.
