Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026: 11 photos of Edinburgh Christmas Market as world-famous attraction opens

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market has opened its gates to visitors for 2026.

The annual event has become a world-famous attraction, with the Christmas Market welcoming visitors from around the globe as well as locals.

This year’s Christmas Market opened on Saturday, November 14 and will run until Sunday, January 3. The market will close on Christmas Day and timings may vary for certain dates.

Organisers Unique Assembly has said that Scottish businesses make up around 79 per cent of this year’s vendors, with more than 80 stalls overall selling everything from food and drink to trinkets and crafts.

Al Thomson, director of Edinburgh’s Christmas organisers Unique Assembly, said: “That’s an increase from last year so annually we’re getting more and more locals involved which we think makes a massive difference to the market, the experience of those who are coming here, and obviously helps those traders make money during the Christmas period.”

To keep up with what’s happening this Christmas and Hogmanay across Edinburgh and the Lothians, you can sign up to our daily newsletter

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher, added: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city, bringing festive magic to the capital while delivering real benefits for local people and businesses.

“Our winter festivals generate an estimated £240 million for the local economy, supporting jobs and giving businesses a vital boost during the winter months. I’m glad that our communities will once again benefit, with the return of the Community Ticket initiative, 20% discounts for EH postcode residents on selected attractions and a wide programme of free family-friendly events.

“I’m looking forward to this year’s celebrations and hope residents and visitors alike enjoy everything Edinburgh’s Christmas has to offer.”