Now that the festive season is here, it’s time to get the most festive plans in Edinburgh marked on our calendars. We’re talking Christmas Candlelight concerts, the highly-anticipated light switch-on and of course, Edinburgh’s famous Christmas market. Starting in November, the markets are already creating a buzz around town, and Edinburgh’s Christmas organisers Unique Events and Assembly Festival, also known as Unique Assembly, have got quite the line-up this year.
When is Edinburgh’s Christmas 2025?
This year, Edinburgh Christmas is on from November 15, 2025, until January 4, 2026. As well as the traditional locations on Princes Street and George Street, and more sites will also be introduced throughout the city centre.
East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is usually there for the whole duration of Edinburgh’s Christmas, and is the traditional Edinburgh 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 LNER Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel at 46m tall, which offers market-goers a special perspective of the city. The huge Around The World Starflyer is also gracing the Edinburgh skyline this year once more, boasting the perfect sky-high ride, after proving immensely popular in both 2023 and 2024.
West Princes Street Gardens
The Family Funfair features funfair rides, attractions, festive food and drink stalls. The area also offered a wee illuminated trail, including Edinburgh’s Nativity Scene and Gardeners’ Cottage, with some Christmas-themed photo opportunities along the way.
What is more, little ones can meet Santa at West Princes Street Gardens this year, with Santa’s Stories group sessions taking place between November 21 and December 24.
George Street West & Castle Street
George Street is home to the belovedEdinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink between November 20 and January 4. 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.
An Artisan Christmas Market should also be popping up on Castle Street, showcasing essential Christmas items from Edinburgh’s New Town shopping street.
Polar Ice Bar
That’s right, the Polar Ice Bar is returning to George Street for another year, bringing its bar entirely made of ice. Expect ice sculptures, drinks in ice glasses and continuous temperatures at -8 degrees (don’t worry, you will be provided a warm coat and gloves!). The Polar Ice Bar is on George Street between November 20 and January 4.
You can already buy tickets for the attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas 2025 here.