Edinburgh's festive trading hours revealed as council gives go-ahead
Businesses will be allowed to stay open for longer to make the most of holiday shoppers
Councillors have approved plans to allow businesses to stay open two hours later this holiday season.
Traders are granted permission each year to remain open two hours after their normal closing time to accommodate larger crowds around Christmas and New Year. While the period extends until January 2 each year, the exact start date is subject to change.
The festive period now has been officially approved to extend from Friday, December 18, 2026 through Saturday, January 2, 2027. This is to allow a full weekend of trading prior to the week leading into Christmas.
The vote took place at the Licensing Board meeting on October 26, 2026 where Councillors approved the plans.
Councillor Cammy Day inquired whether permission would not apply to businesses which have outstanding dues on licence fees, though officers informed they cannot apply a blanket policy as such and would need to consider sanctions on a case-by-case basis.
The extension as granted will only apply if a licence holder’s operating plan indicates they will take advantage of the extended trading during festive periods.
Otherwise, an application must be made seeking permission for extended hours, with reference to the specific days and hours when trading is intended.
Policy documents from the Board read: “During the Christmas and New Year period (set from year to year but with a fixed 02 January end date in each year) a two-hour extension to the usual terminal hour of the premises concerned is regarded as acceptable in the normal course of events.”
Edinburgh councillors approved a similar period this past Fringe season from August 7 to August 31.
It allowed city venues to lengthen their opening time by two hours during the summer festival.
The extended festive period dates will be published on the Council’s website and social media platforms.