Edinburgh's Christmas market 2025 officially open as hundreds flock to city to kick off festive season
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Edinburgh, with hordes of people having descended on the Scottish capital for the first day of its festive market.
The gates to the world-famous Christmas market opened at 10am on Saturday, November 15, kicking off the festive season for many living in and visiting the city.
And despite the launch coming almost six weeks before the big day itself, hundreds piled into Princes Street Gardens ready to step into Christmas 2025.
Crowds formed around the many market stalls selling everything from soap and sweets to cheese and chutneys, while others queued up to take a ride on the Ferris wheel, carousel and helter skelter. For the more daring, there is also the ‘Around the World Starflyer’ which sees riders spun around in the sky beside the Scott Monument.
There are also various food and drink stalls, where guests can pick up ‘winter warmers’ like mulled wine or hot chocolate as well as meals and snacks including hot dogs, macaroni cheese and salt and chilli chicken.
And for those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options, with pancakes, crepes and chocolate covered strawberries among the treats on offer.
The opening of Edinburgh’s Christmas market, which will run until January 4, marks the start of a calendar of activities and events in Edinburgh, which includes a free carol concert at the Ross Bandstand and a silent disco.
Next week will also see Christmas come to George Street, with the ice rink and ice bar both due to open on November 20.