Edinburgh’s Christmas Market opened its doors to the public today (November 15). The festive celebrations have kicked off, with visitors able to make a trip to the famous market between November 15 and January 5.
Iconic attractions such as the LNER Big Wheel and the helter skelter are back for 2024, with plenty of food and drink options also on offer for those attending.
Alongside the Princes Street Gardens, there are also Christmas activities on George Street and in St Andrew Square. Entry to the markets is free, with tickets available to pre-book online for attractions during your visit.
Dani Rae, a director at Unique Assembly which organises the Christmas Market, said: “The last couple of years we’ve been on an emergency contract whereas we’re now into the full tender, so it’s given us a bit of time to do what we need to do to make this Edinburgh Christmas our Christmas, and it should be wonderful for all of Edinburgh.”
Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron added: “Visitors can expected the usual favourites like the star flyer and the big wheel...but also there are some new attractions this year as well.
“It’s 25 years ago that we had the first ever German Christmas Market, as it was known in 1999. In that time, it’s become so popular, not just the market but the whole of Edinburgh Christmas. It’s important that we strive to improve the offering every year and make it more sustainable, make sure that community groups have got access to tickets.
“There are four different charities that are going to benefit as well directly from the contributions.”
1. Edinburgh's Christmas Market has opened to visitors
Edinburgh Christmas has kicked off as the famous market opened its gates to visitors. | NationalWorld Photo: NationalWorld
2. Crowds begin to take in Edinburgh Christmas Market
Food, drink and merchandise stalls are lining Princes Street Gardens to greet visitors. | NationalWorld Photo: NationalWorld
3. Market Stalls at Edinburgh Christmas Market
Market stallholder Marsley has returned for the 25th year of the famous markets, with her family-run stall Hairy Fairy. Offering Christmas trinkets such as tree ornaments and potpourri, Marsey says that people come back every year to visit the stall, some even from across the globe. | NationalWorld Photo: NationalWorld
4. Mulled gin warm up market visitors
Magda and Adam, both living in Edinburgh, stumbled upon the opening night of the market and treated themselves to a mulled gin. Adam said: "It's quite similar to last year, but there are more stalls down in the gardens." | NationalWorld Photo: NationalWorld