Edinburgh's Christmas markets will return on November 14 without one of their most popular attractions, as organisers have confirmed the George Street ice rink will not go ahead in 2026.
The ice rink has been a staple of the city's festive celebrations since it was first introduced in 1999 at East Princes Street Gardens. Over the years it moved locations before settling on George Street, where it became one of the most popular events of the season.
Reasons for the decision
An Edinburgh Christmas spokesperson said the decision was driven by "significant costs" and issues with advance planning. The rink requires commitments with the supplier, design of structures and site arrangements months ahead, with those decisions needing to be made over the summer.
At that time, key parts of the city centre were closed and there was uncertainty about when Princes Street would reopen and what the knock-on effects would be. The spokesperson added that the "significant costs of staging a rink in the city centre, with no opportunity for funding support" resulted in the difficult but necessary decision not to present the rink this year.
They stressed the rink is not gone for good, saying: "We know how much people have enjoyed skating as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations, and we hope the rink will return as we start the planning process for future years."
What remains on George Street
Despite the rink's absence, George Street will still host the Polar Ice Bar and Warming area, featuring tables, chairs and glasses entirely sculpted from ice. The bar remains at -8C, with tickets costing £16.50 for a 30 minute experience.
The Corrie Inn will also be available for those wanting to escape the cold, offering free live music, festive workshops and ceilidh dancing.
This follows the scrapping of Edinburgh Castle's popular Christmas light show after six years. Despite attracting almost 40,000 visitors at last year's Castle of Light show, Historic Environment Scotland announced it is choosing to invest in improving its daytime offers this festive season.
New addition to the programme
A new addition to this year's programme is La Clique Noel at Bristo Square, bringing seven weeks of Christmas cabaret to Edinburgh. The Olivier Award-winning show first started at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004 and has had sell out seasons across the globe.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets run from Saturday, November 14 until Thursday, January 3, 2027. More information and ticket details can be found on the Edinburgh Winter Fest website.
