Everything you need to know about Edinburgh's Christmas 2026 - including Christmas Markets opening date
We’re just a few weeks away from Edinburgh’s Christmas officially kicking off the festive season in the Capital
The colder nights are drawing and it will soon be beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Edinburgh, which means only one thing - the return of Edinburgh’s Christmas.
The Capital is taken over by festive cheer every year and 2026 is no different.
There’s plenty to get involved in whether you’re a local or visiting Edinburgh for the winter vibes, from the traditional Christmas Markets to activities and attractions.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s offerings.
When do Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets open?
The doors to this year’s Christmas Markets will open on Saturday, November 14 and run until Sunday, January 3. The markets will not be open on Christmas Day (December 25).
The markets, located in East Princes Street Gardens, will be open from 10am until 10pm most days and will be free-to-enter for visitors. The follow dates will have different opening times:
- 17 November - 4pm - 8pm
- 24 December -10pm - 8pm
- 26 December - 12pm - 8pm
- 31 December - 10am - 5pm
- 1 January - 12pm - 8pm
- 3 January - 10am - 6pm
Stalls will include handmade gifts, as well as seasonal food and drinks. The markets will also be home to the LNER Big Wheel and the 80m-high Around the World Starflyer. The Festive Funfair also returns to West Princes Street Gardens from November 14 until January 3.
What else is happening at Edinburgh’s Christmas 2026?
As well as the iconic Christmas Markets, there will be plenty of other festive attractions and activities to get involved with this year.
Festivities will begin with Edinburgh’s Christmas Kick Off Concert at the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Garden. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will take to the stage on Saturday, November 14 to ring in the Christmas celebrations, will help from Scottish pop duo The Eves. The free-to-attend event will take place between 3pm and 6pm.
Ross Bandstand will play host to a number of events during the Christmas celebrations including Light Night Concert on November 22, A Taste Of Scotland on November 28, A Taste Of Scotland - St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh on November 29, and the Silent Disco Christmas Cracker on December 12, with more to be announced.
The bandstand will also be the start and finishing point for the 22nd annual Santa Fun Run & Walk.and Santa Paws (for the animals). The fun-run takes place on December 6.
The Polar Ice Bar with Icelandair makes a return to George Street this Christmas. Adults will be able to chill out in the bar with their favourite tipple from November 19 until January 2, with Family Ice Experience available at various times from November 21 until January 3. The Coorie Inn is also set to host visitors in its cosy Highland hideaway-themed pop-up bar.
International smash-hit cabaret show La Clique is back for special Christmas Cabaret at the Palais du Variété Spiegeltent in Bristo Square. The dazzling show was born at the 2004 Edinburgh Fringe and make a return to the Capital to spread some festive cheer. Shows run from November 20 until January 3 with tickets, priced at £38 each, available on the Ed Winter Fest website.
During Edinburgh’s Christmas, revellers will also be able to take part in Edinburgh Diwali celebrations on November 15. The Indian festival of light will see free street celebrations kick off with a parade from St Andrew’s Square at 12.30pm followed by live music at Ross Bandstand at 3pm, with a firework finale set underneath Edinburgh Castle to begin at 6.30pm.
Are community tickets available for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2026?
Unique Assembly, which operates Edinburgh’s Christmas, has confirmed that applications for community tickets are open from Tuesday, October 20 until Wednesday, November 4.
The scheme sees free tickets for paid attractions, such as the LNER Big Wheel and Around the World Star Flyer, are given to community groups. Unique Assembly said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of our Community Tickets initiative, this year supported by our new headline partner Halo.
“We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the communities that host us, and to give out festive treats to those who need it most!”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “With tickets being made available to local communities and charities, I’m delighted that more residents will be able to experience the magic and atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Christmas.
“It's also a lovely way to recognise and thank the organisations that make such a positive difference to people’s lives throughout the year. I’d encourage community groups and charities to put forward an application and take advantage of this opportunity.”
For more information, timings, and to book tickets for this year’s events at Edinburgh’s Christmas, you can visit the Ed Winter Festival website.