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 have got quite the line-up this year.
When is Edinburgh’s Christmas 2024?
This year, Edinburgh Christmas is on from November 15, 2024, until January 4, 2025. 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 is there for the whole duration of Edinburgh’s Christmas 2024, 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 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 2023.
West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair
The Family Funfair is featuring funfair rides in 2024 and attractions, festive food and drink stalls. The area also offers 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 coming back to Edinburgh’s Christmas 2024, and is residing at St Andrew Square. Santa and some very helpful elves are welcoming children and families between November 23 and December 24, providing a magical Christmas experience and telling stories. Plus, visitors can look out for a massive Christmas tree, as well as a Christmas Tree Maze to get lost in, new for this year!
The spirit of giving continues with Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, 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
George Street is becoming home to the belovedEdinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink between November 22 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 is also popping up on Castle Street, showcasing essential Christmas items from Edinburgh’s New Town shopping street.
Opening times
East Princes Street Gardens is open between 10am and 10pm daily up until January 4, guests can enjoy the usual Edinburgh festivities 12 hours a day. However, there are some exceptions:
- November 15 – 6pm – 10pm
- December 24: 10am – 8pm
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: 12pm – 8pm
- January 1: 12pm – 8pm
You can find the opening times for all the other attractions here.