Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations open on Saturday, November 14, transforming the Scottish capital's city centre into a winter festival with over 70 stalls, funfair rides, concerts and workshops.
One of the UK's Best Winter Festivals
The event, which first launched in 1999, has grown into one of the UK's most picturesque winter festivals, drawing visitors from around the world. The city centre will be filled with traditional markets, funfair rides, attractions, music concerts, community events and family-friendly performances, all set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the Georgian streets.
Visitors can enjoy a drink at the Polar Ice Bar or the Coorie Inn, or take part in pub quizzes, wreath-making and candle-making workshops. Thrill seekers can try the big wheel, Helter Skelter, vintage carousel ride, waltzers and dodgems.
Where and When to Visit
The celebrations are spread across the city centre, with West Princes Street Gardens, East Princes Street Gardens, George Street and Bistro Square all transformed for the festive season. The event runs daily until January 3.
East Princes Street Gardens' celebrations are open daily from 10am until 10pm, with some changes during the week of Christmas. It will be closed on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, the market runs from 10am to 8pm, and on Boxing Day from 12pm to 8pm. New Year's Eve will be open from 10am to 5pm, and New Year's Day from 12pm to 8pm. The final day, January 3, will be open from 10am until 8pm.
West Princes Street Gardens has slightly different hours. From November 14 until December 6, it will be open from 12pm to 8pm Monday to Wednesday, from 12pm to 9pm Thursday to Friday, and from 10am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday. From December 7 to December 18, it will be open from 12pm to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday. It will also be closed on Christmas Day.
The Coorie Inn on George Street will be open daily from 12pm until late, and will be closed until December 25. Visitors have been urged to check the opening times when planning their visit, as they are subject to change.
Getting to the Celebrations
The events are spread across the city, with several transport options available. Lothian Buses runs over 70 bus routes in and around Edinburgh. The trams can also be used, with stops at St Andrew Square, Princes Street and the West End.
Edinburgh Waverley train station is around a two-minute walk from East Princes Street Gardens. The nearest coach station is Edinburgh Bus Station, which is around a six-minute walk away. There are no designated car parks for the event, but there are car parks across the city centre.
