Edinburgh Christmas 2023: The What, The When And The Who

Now that October is here, we can start talking about the C-word. We can start getting cosy, hang out in candlelight, wear cosy socks and do other ‘Hygge-like’ things. As the city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland lighting our way into the festive season, November is a well-anticipated month for most residents. Edinburgh Christmas markets are just a month away, and Edinburgh’s Christmas organisers Unique Events and Assembly Festival have got quite the line-up this year.

This year, Edinburgh Christmas is on from November 17, 2023, until January 6, 2024. As well as the traditional locations on Princes Street, St Andrew Square and George Street, new sites will also be introduced throughout the city centre.

East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market

East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market will be there for the whole duration, and is a traditional Christmas Market with around 80 stalls offering local and international handmade gifts, bespoke products, tasty treats and hot and cold drinks (bring on the mulled wine!). The market is also welcoming the Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel at 46m tall which offers market-goers a special perspective of the city. Little visitors can also get excited about the Santa Train, travelling through an illuminated winter wonderland, as well as a selection of rides including a Helter Skelter and the Starflyer.

West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair

The Family Funfair will come one day later than the main market and stay until January 6, featuring funfair rides and attractions, and festive food and drink stalls. The area will also offer a wee illuminated trail, including Edinburgh’s Nativity Scene and Gardeners’ Cottage, with some Christmas-themed photo opportunities along the way.

St Andrew Square Winter Garden

Santa is (obviously) coming back to Edinburgh this year, and will be residing at St Andrew Square between November 18 and December 24. Santa and some very helpful elves will be welcoming children and families, providing a magical Christmas experience and telling stories. Santa’s elves will also be present at the special Post-Box & Letter Writing Station where children will be able to send their Christmas requests to the North Pole. Plus, visitors can expect a 10-meter Christmas tree!

The spirit of giving continues with Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, with the 10m tall Kindness Tree, where visitors can show kindness at the Gift Donation point, dedicated to spreading goodwill to those who need it most.

George Street West & Castle Street

Between November 18 and January 6, George Street will become home to the beloved Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink. This year’s rink is set to be even bigger than last year and will be covered once more. After the session, skaters can also indulge in a hot drink or treat from food stalls in George Street warming zones, and take a ride on a fairground ride, including a double carousel.

The Artisan Christmas Market is also coming to Castle Street from November 18 to December 24, showcasing essential Christmas items from Edinburgh’s New Town shopping street. Plus, local producers Local Motive will also bring their Christmas market between November 25 and December 22.

Event organisers wrote: “Located in Edinburgh’s historic city centre and picturesque Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh’s Christmas is the ultimate destination for festive family fun this winter.”

“Last year we welcomed over 2.5M locals and visitors to Christmas attractions throughout the city centre, and we can’t wait to see you all again this year.”

Opening times

Most days the East Princes Street market and George Street are open between 10am and 10pm, with some exceptions during the holidays. West Princes Street Garden and St Andrew Square are open between 10am and 9pm until December 23 during the weekend, while West Princes Street Gardens are open between 12pm and 9pm between Monday and Thursday. As always, all the attractions will be subject to shorter opening times on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, as well as New Year’s Day and January 2.

And now, onto one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations in the world, Hogmanay. After the heart-breaking cancellation in 2021, it is set to be coming back once again in 2023. Unique Events will also be running this one, promising festivities to be remembered. Edinburgh Hogmanay is back in full swing this year, and it’s going to be the end of the year to be remembered!

Full list of stallholders