Make sure Edinburgh is on top of your travel list to sum up 2025. Edinburgh’s Christmas runs from now to 4 January 2026, hosting visitors in a sparkling Christmas wonderland. There are countless activities to keep the family happy and excited. As usual, a wide variety of traditional festive events take place in the city centre. Edinburgh is filled with colourful seasonal markets and entertainment options for all ages.
There are three major sites to explore: East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street, along with some hidden spots that definitely deserve your attention. Keep up to date this year with our suggestions!
What’s Up for Edinburgh Christmas 2025?
- Traditional Christmas Market at Princes Street Gardens (15 Nov 2025 – 04 Jan 2026). Come here with your nearest and dearest to explore charming wooden stalls with classic Christmas treats and souvenirs. The best in artisan crafts and festive treats awaits. Hot chocolate is a must! (Irn-Bru can be a pleasant alternative for real connoisseurs).
- Polar Ice Bar (20 Nov 2025 – 04 Jan 2026). Don’t miss your chance to experience Alaska in the coolest bar in Edinburgh where all the furniture is made of ice. Don’t worry, warm jackets and gloves are provided to all the guests.
- The Big Wheel and Star Flyer (15 Nov 2025 – 04 Jan 2026). Enjoy sky-high views over the city if you dare to try it! The epic 80m tall Star Flyer provides the most thrilling and stunning views of the city center!
- Santa’s Stories (21 Nov 2025 – 24 Dec 2025). Santa and his elves are already harnessing the sledges for the Christmas audience. Come to St. Andrew Square Winter Garden with kids to drop off the letters and be sure that all your good wishes will come true.
- True believers in Santa can’t miss the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk (07 Dec 2025 – 09:30). Don’t miss this event, dedicated to the 21st anniversary of welcoming Santa and the Elves!
- Outdoor Ice Rink (20 Nov 2025 – 04 Jan 2026). Classic winter fun is available on George Street for a fairytale glide under twinkling lights.
- The Castle of Light (check details here). The UK’s largest annual projection show transforms the ancient fortress with stunning lights into a magic castle. Breathtaking views and unforgettable memories are guaranteed!
- Torchlight Procession (29 Dec 2025 – 19:30). The loud procession of drummers, fire performance and the Vikings would highlight the end of the year.
- Jupiter Artland’s Christmas Fair (6-14 December 2025). When you’re sick of a crowd think of going to this place not far from Edinburgh. The Christmas Fair is a pure wonderland, no less magical than the capital. Search here for more details and booking.
During the upcoming festive season the city will host classic favourites and fresh attractions for all those ready to celebrate the happiness and joy.
Let’s have a closer look at the key locations for the markets to help you organise the best route for the lazy wandering between the celebration feasts.
Edinburgh Christmas Market with LNER Big Wheel & Star Flyer (East Princes Street Gardens)
The traditional Christmas Market near the soaring Scott Monument consists of 70 stalls perfect for wandering among traditional clothing, jewellery and handmade gifts. Local and international food stalls are a separate pleasure and temptation when you feel cold.
The 46m tall LNER Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel, is found here! Try it at least once to see the city from a bird’s eye view. And don’t forget there is an unbelievable alternative this year, the 80m tall Star Flyer, for those who are not afraid to fly high.
Insider Tip: expand your exploration beyond Princes Street checking small nearby markets or walking the illuminated trail in the Royal Botanic Garden.
Location: Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
Festive Family Funfair (West Princes Street Gardens)
The Festive Family Funfair is just a 10-minute walk from the Christmas Market. This spot is most probably the second brightest Christmas location with endless opportunities to savour traditional treats, buy warm winter woollen hats, mittens, scarves and observe illuminations.
On 6 December, you may attend Edinburgh Sings at the Ross Bandstand with Edinburgh Sings! with a performance of traditional Christmas carols. The list of other must-visit events during the festive season at this location includes:
- Silent Disco Christmas Cracker on December 13, 2025.
Choose an event to your taste to get the most out of your Christmas time.
Location: Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
Polar Ice Bar & Ice Rink (George Street West & Castle Street)
The Polar Ice Bar is definitely one of the coolest bars in the city with ice furniture and an authentic Christmas vibe together with a wide choice of cocktails in crafted ice glasses. Since the temperature is kept at a chilly -10°C, the visitors get jackets and gloves on arrival. From now to 7 December, there is the Ice Queen’s Castle designed for all ages. There you can visit and discover carved ice sculptures.
The central Ice Rink on George Street is a standout of any Christmas visit. Additionally, there are food stalls to warm you up with a hot drink or treat.
Insider tip: For toddlers there are available skating sessions on designated dates. For adults there are also skating sessions with party tunes.
Location: 125 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN
St Andrew Square Winter Garden
The magical storytelling experience and meeting with Santa and his friends at Santa’s Stories start here. The Santa Letter Writing Station and Post Box are for your service right in the square where children can compose heartfelt letters. There’s also a 10-meter tall Kindness Tree. So, don’t forget to post your letter to the North Pole! You may book a visit here. A truly enchanting Christmas experience awaits!
Location: St. Andrew Square
Takeaways
Edinburgh’s Christmas 2025 is all about warm lights and sweet memories, turning the Scottish capital into a magical wonderland with a unique flair. The city is bursting with holiday vibes from tasting hot chocolate with hogmanay shortbread cookies to skating and watching the Castle show. This festive season in Scotland would immerse you in an enchanting winter fairy tale no matter how old you are. Besides, the festival extends beyond Christmas and includes the famous Hogmanay celebrations–the Scottish New Year with torchlight processions and fireworks.
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Read more about Christmas events and markets here in Dispatches; archives.
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
