Edinburgh Christmas 2024: Everything you need to know from festive attractions, gift stalls and opening dates

Set across Princes Street Gardens, George Street and Castle Street, the annual event will see the return of seasonal stalls, bars and food outlets as well as popular fairground rides including The Big Wheel and the Star Flyer.

This year the attractions also include an undercover ice rink on George Street, a family friendly funfair in West Princes Street Gardens and a new Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square featuring 450 illuminated trees.

The Edinburgh Christmas attractions will get underway in November | Third Party

The markets at East Princes Street Gardens open on November 15 and run until January 4, with the family funfair in West Princes Street Gardens opening on November 16. Attractions in St Andrew Square and George Street open the following week. Here is everything you need to know.

For more information and to buy tickets you can visit the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.

What are the opening dates?

Edinburgh’s Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens will run from November 15 to January 4. West Princes Street Gardens will be open from November 16. Organisers have said an entry system will be in place during peak times and suggest that large groups or people wanting to take their time exploring the markets to visit midweek.

The ice rink on George Street runs from November 22 to January 4, with attractions in St Andrew Square running from November 23 to December 24.

Is there a discount for people with EH postcodes?

Yes. All residents will an EH postcode are entitled to a 20 per cent discount on some attractions. This offer can be used when buying tickets in advance or on the day.

East Princes Street Gardens

Festive stalls

There will be 70 stalls within the market selling everything from jewellery to handmade gifts and a range of local and international food and drink stalls.

What rides are there?

The Big Wheel

Flagship attraction The Big Wheel will return to East Princes Street Gardens between November 15 and January 4, where visitors can get fantastic views of the city.The 46-metre high ride is open from 10am with last admission at 9.30pm.

Each pod can fit up to 6 people. Standard tickets are £11 (£9 concession) and family tickets (up to two adults and two children) are also available.

The Starflyer

For those looking for a more adrenaline-filled experience, the Starflyer is an 80m tall, ride that towers over the market area. Riders must be a minimum 1.2m in height and people under 1.4m must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets cost £12.50. It will be in East Princes Street Gardens from November 15 and January 4.

Can I buy Christmas gifts at the markets?

There will be a wide range of market stalls selling everything from Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, knitwear, artworks, jewellery, beauty products and of course Christmas classics like novelty socks. There will also be £5 and £10 lucky dip packages available at George Street and East Princes Street Gardens which are perfect for stocking fillers.

Helter Skelter Bar

Located at the foot of the Scott Monument, the 45ft Helter Skelter Bar is a fully stocked bar - the perfect place to take in the sights of the Christmas market with a festive mulled wine, hot drink or other winter warmer. Prices start at £6 for alcoholic hot drinks, and £3 for hot chocolate.

West Princes Street Gardens

Family funfair

The Christmas family funfair will be located in West Princes Street Gardens with a range of rides for children of all ages.There is also a variety of food and drink stalls.

Winter Windows trail

The Winter Windows trail can be found along the top path of West Princes Street Gardens. The trail, that was designed by 13 pupils from local schools, depicts themes associated with winter and the Christmas season including a nativity mural and Santa Land.

George Street

Alpine ice rink

The alpine ice rink returns to George Street from November 22 to January 4. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult and must be over 1.1m in height - but there will be designated sessions for wee ones. Skate hire is included in your ticket price but skaters can also bring their own. Skating aid penguins are also available for younger children for £5.

Festive Workshops

Visitors can also check out festive Workshops on George Street where they can try their hand at wreath making or ice carving.

St Andrew Square

Christmas Tree Maze

The Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square will run from November 23 to December 24. It is one of the UK’s largest illuminated trails and the entrance is located at the East side of St Andrew Square.

Santa’s Stories

Children will get to meet Santa and his magical elves between November 23 to December 24. Up to 22 children can attend the Santa's Stories group sessions where they will also receive a gift. There will also be relaxed venue sessions for children with additional needs with the sessions consisting of smaller groups, quieter music and no flashing lights. Performances are 20 minutes long.