Here’s what you can expect from Edinburgh’s famous Christmas market 2026 which opens today
The city’s famous Christmas market returns for the festive season today
The festive season is officially upon us in Edinburgh today as the famous Christmas market returns to Princes Street Gardens.
With thousands expected to visit, those heading through the market’s main entrance on Market Street can expect queues before reaching rows of wooden chalets selling handmade gifts and seasonal food and drinks.
Those braving the park’s hill can grab a photo with the now-iconic “Edinburgh” sign which sits in front of the big wheel and fair rides, familiar fixtures of the East Princes Street Gardens market.
Launching on Saturday, November 14, the market will be open every day except Christmas Day until Sunday, January 3.
Visitors will have over 80 stalls to browse at the Traditional Christmas Market including Edinburgh-based stallholders Wholly Waffles, Pine Eye Studio and Leamne Arts & Crafts.
Al Thomson, director of Edinburgh’s Christmas organisers Unique Assembly, said they had curated the market internationally so that 79 per cent of stallholders are from Scotland and Edinburgh.
He 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 this who are coming here and obviously helps those traders make money during the Christmas period.”
The free-to-enter market will be open from 10am until 10pm most days, with other entrances located near the National Gallery.
For those looking to avoid the crowds, West Princes Street Gardens towards the city’s West End is bringing back its family friendly and thrill rides.
The George Street rink, just behind Princes Street, has been put on ice this year but the road will host a Polar Ice Bar and the Coorie Inn, a pop-up pub featuring live music.
Elsewhere on the street, the Local Motive Market will be home to local, fair, and ethical small businesses.
Festivities are also expanding to Bristo Square in the Old Town for the first time, bringing Christmas Cabaret to the University of Edinburgh campus.
Inside the Palais du Variete Spiegeltent, visitors can watch a number of "spectacular" and “jaw-dropping” shows. Tickets for La Clique Noel, Stamptown and the Big Christmas Show can be booked on Edinburgh Christmas’ website.
The Ross Bandstand will also host live performances, including a kick-off concert by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Saturday, November 14.
City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said the arrival of the Christmas market is her favourite time of the year.
She said: “Of course it’s cold but today it’s bright and there’s lots of lights and different accents, different languages and it’s just Edinburgh at its best. Edinburgh in the eye of the world and it’s wonderful.”
Her fear of heights, however, means Cllr Meagher will not be taking in the festive views from the 80-metre-high Around the World Star Flyer.
“There is no way on earth that I am going on the spinner but I know my son has been on it and probably will again. I’m going to enjoy some of the many other attractions including the family-friendly events with my grandchildren,” the councillor said.
Residents with an EH postcode can get 20 per cent off a selection of rides and attractions.
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.