Everything you need to know about Edinburgh's Christmas Market 2025: attractions, dates and prices
Edinburgh’s Christmas market is officially open for business, marking the start of the festive season in the city.
The world-famous market opened its gates on Saturday, November 15, almost six weeks before Christmas, and hundreds flocked to the city centre for the occasion.
Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the city centre as crowds throng East Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the traditional Christmas market stalls, delight in the handcrafted decorations, buy gifts and sample some warming food and drink.
Thrill-seekers can try out the Star Flyer and get a bird's eye view of the city. Others can enjoy similar views from the more sedate Big Wheel.
The ice rink will be back too - and the Polar Ice Bar.
And of course a visit from Santa is promised as well.
Here's a rundown Edinburgh's Christmas 2025.
When is Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025?
The festive family fun gets under way when this year's Christmas Market opens on Saturday November 15. It runs until Sunday January 4.
What's on at Edinburgh's Christmas and when?
Traditional Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens
November 15 - January 4
All the usual stalls and chalets will be there, selling beautiful gifts, handcrafted goods and seasonal decorations, as well as festive food and drink.
The market will be open daily, 10am-10pm, except Christmas Day, and there will be shorter opening hours on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and January 1 and 4.
Entry to the Christmas Market is free.
Around The World Star Flyer, East Princes Street Gardens
November 15 - January 4
Edinburgh’s Christmas hosts the world's largest transportable Star Flyer. It's a whopping 80 metres tall and will tower over the Christmas Market and offer stunning views of the city centre skyline.
Riders must be a minimum 1.2m in height and those under 1.4m must be accompanied by a responsible paying adult.
The Star Flyer will be open daily, 10am-10pm, except Christmas Day and with shorter opening hours on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and January 1 and 4.
Prices from £13.50.
LNER Big Wheel, East Princes Street Gardens
November 15 - January 4
The LNER Big Wheel is back with a more sedate opportunity to see the city from above.
Enjoy the comfort of the enclosed and weather-proof pods with the incredible vista of the historic Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, and sparkling evening views of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions.
It will be open daily, 10am-10pm, except Christmas Day and with shorter opening hours on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and January 1 and 4.
Prices from £12.
Christmas Tree Switch-on, The Mound
Tuesday November 18, 6pm
The turning-on of the lights on the Norwegian Spruce Christmas Tree on The Mound - a powerful symbol of friendship between the two nations - marks the traditional start of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations.
The ceremony is followed by a free Scottish-Norwegian advent concert at St Giles’ Cathedral at 7pm, where locals and visitors alike are invited to join in for a night of musical reflection.
Ice rink, 125 George Street
November 20 - January 4
Whether a family day out, a treat during a shopping trip or a romantic date, people will be grabbing their skates and taking to the ice.
There will be ‘Relaxed’ sessions for those who need a little more space to enjoy and something kinder on the senses, as well as ‘Toddler’ sessions for wee ones who are too small for the skates in public sessions and ‘Late Skates’ for adults looking for a bit of a boogie on the ice.
And there’s always the Winter Warming Bar after.
Prices from £15.
Polar Ice Bar, 101 George Street
November 20 - January 4
Take some time to ‘chill’ in the Polar Ice Bar, the ‘coolest’ bar in the city, where the tables, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice. This unique pop-up bar experience has to be kept at a chilly -8°C, but jackets and gloves are provided on arrival to keep you cosy.
Inside the Ice Bar, there will be festive alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails, served in an individual pre-carved ice glass, with your first drink included in the entry ticket.
And new for 2025 is the Mythical Ice Kingdom, where beautiful ice carvings and wall etchings will have you feeling the chill of the Ice Queen's spell, billed as a “perfect insta-moment”.
Entry for over-18s only. Prices from £15.
Family Ice Experience, Polar Ice Bar, 101 George Street
November 22-23
Family-friendly sessions at The Polar Ice Bar invite you to wander through a glittering frozen world and discover breathtaking ice sculptures carved by hand.
On arrival, enjoy a refreshing apple juice served in a hand carved glass made from ice, or save your token for a comforting hot chocolate afterwards — the perfect way for wee ones to warm up after their icy adventure.
Prices from £12.50.
Santa's Stories, West Princes Street Gardens
November 21 - December 24
The magic of Christmas will be brought to life when Santa once again visits Edinburgh's Christmas with his elves to delight the little ones by reading them stories. Performances last around 20 minutes.
Prices from £6.
Light Night Concert, West Princes Street Gardens
Sunday November 23, 2pm until 6pm
Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers, with roaming entertainment from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens. From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade.
Free entry, no tickets required.
A Taste of Scotland, Ross Bandstand
Saturday November 29, 12pm until 6pm
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers take centre stage to headline a free day of fun celebrating Scotland’s culture, craft and community spirit. Renowned across the world for their signature “bagrock” sound, the group’s high-energy performances fuse traditional pipes with rock anthems.
Earlier in the day, there will be stalls from Scottish makers in recognition of Fair Saturday – the global movement that celebrates artists, cultural organisations, and social projects the day after Black Friday. With live music from local performers, Highland dancers, hearty stovies and more, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Scotland’s creativity and charm.
St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh & Market, Ross Bandstand
Sunday November 30, 12pm until 6pm
A free family ceilidh to celebrate St Andrew’s Day, with the Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, known as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world. A caller will teach the steps and local Highland Dancers will be on hand to show how it’s done.
The event also brings back the local makers’ market and delicious food stalls from A Taste of Scotland on Saturday, offering another chance to browse unique crafts and enjoy a taste of Scotland’s finest fare.
Nativity Scene Carols on The Mound
Sunday November 30, 4.30pm
The Nativity Scene, crafted by Munich sculptor Thomas Hildenbrand, which has featured in Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations since 2023, returns to The Mound. Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh will bless the scene before the annual Nativity Carol Concert, held in collaboration with Edinburgh Churches Together, in the Assembly Hall courtyard. The service will include performances from local school and church choirs. The event is free and everyone is welcome.
Edinburgh Sings, Ross Bandstand
Enjoy a wholesome afternoon of free festive music with performances from community and performance choirs. Audiences can expect their favourite carols and Christmas classics. with plenty of opportunity to join in!
Santa Run and Santa Paws, West Princes Street Gardens
Sunday December 7, 11am (registration 9.30am to 10.30am)
The When You Wish Upon a Star Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk is celebrating 21 years this winter. The event sees Santas, Elves, Olafs and other festive creatures run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit to raise money for a very deserving cause. When You Wish Upon a Star is a Scottish charity that makes the dreams of children with life-threatening diseases come true. Those who would like to take part, can register and purchase tickets here.
And there’s also Santa Paws, a Santa Run but for animals. Santa Paws sees our canine friends throw on their best festive outfits and make a run for it, with photo opportunities, activities throughout the afternoon and a dog show of best dressed pups on the Bandstand stage.
Silent Disco Christmas Cracker, Ross Bandstand
Saturday December 13, 6.30pm-8pm
Get ready to dance the night away beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle as the Christmas Cracker returns. Partygoers can choose from three music channels packed with festive favourites, with both a static DJ and a roving DJ going head-to-head to deliver the ultimate Christmas playlist. For tickets, visit www.edwinterfest.com.
Discount for EH residents
Edinburgh’s Christmas is once again offering local residents a discount on rides and attractions at this year’s Christmas Market.
To secure the discount of 20 per cent, you need to register online before selecting your tickets. Or if you’re paying at a box office or on the rides you need to show proof of address.