Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens this Saturday, November 14, opening with a free concert at the Ross Bandstand at 3pm and running until January 3, 2027.
The market will feature more than 80 stalls selling handmade gifts, decorations, food and drink, alongside attractions including the LNER Big Wheel and Around the World Star Flyer, which offer views across the capital towards Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument.
Entertainment and Performers
This year's programme includes live music and family entertainment, with Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle and Scottish favourites the Red Hot Chilli Pipers among the performers lined up.
Beyond the stalls, visitors can enjoy the Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience with Icelandair, as well as Santa's Stories. Festive cabaret performances, including La Clique Noël, will take place at the Palais du Variété on Bristo Square.
Returning and New Traders
Familiar traders will return alongside new faces. Wholly Waffles, Edinburgh's Dutch stroopwafel bakery founded by Timothy Shelhaas, is back, as are Kydds Crafts, selling sustainable candles and upcycled furniture, and Selbrae House, known for bespoke tableware.
Leanne Arts and Crafts will return with its tiny ceramic houses and Scottish-inspired artwork, while Pine Eye Studio brings locally made ceramics to the market for the first time. New addition The Natural Larder Collective will showcase Scottish-founded food and drink brands, including The Scottish Bee Company, Nuisance Drinks and The Big Cheese Making Kit.
Suzie Millar from The Natural Larder Collective said: "We're super excited to be part of the markets this year, it's a huge opportunity for us to showcase all of our brands and we are so grateful to the team for allowing us to be involved!"
Food offerings include Edinburgh favourite Tekerch, Scotland's first Hungarian chimney cake traders, started by owners Kincső Kovács and Szabolcs Panczér, who have worked in Edinburgh's hospitality industry since 2017.
The pair said: "Tekerch Hungarian Chimney Cake in Edinburgh was a dream that began taking shape in 2024, inspired by multiple visits back home to Hungary by the two of us, who have been working in hospitality in Edinburgh since 2017. Tekerch Hungarian Chimney Cake is something we are so excited to share with the people of the Edinburgh Christmas Markets this year and beyond!"
Discounts and Community Access
Local residents with an EH postcode can receive a 20 per cent discount on selected attractions, including the Big Wheel, Star Flyer and Santa's Stories. The Community Ticket Initiative is also returning, with thousands of free tickets distributed to local charities and community groups.
City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said: "Edinburgh’s Christmas is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city, bringing festive magic to the capital while delivering real benefits for local people and businesses. Our winter festivals generate an estimated £240 million for the local economy, supporting jobs and giving businesses a vital boost during the winter months. I’m glad that our communities will once again benefit, with the return of the Community Ticket initiative, 20% discounts for EH postcode residents on selected attractions and a wide programme of free family-friendly events."
The market will be open every day apart from Christmas Day, although opening times will vary.
