Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On [2023]
Last Updated On 6th February 2024 By Lauren | Wild Lovely World
Home » Blog » Europe » Scotland »This page is updated every year with all the latest information about Christmas Markets and Fairs in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Every year Edinburgh and the surrounding areas of the Lothians have an abundance of Christmas markets and fairs! They’re an awesome way to spend those wonderful, wintery days and the magic of Edinburgh at Christmas time! You can drink mulled wine, see musical performances, pick up gifts, taste delicious food and experience the rides!
Here’s a list of all the Christmas Markets and Fairs I know about in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas! I have included details of where, when and what for each Christmas Market and Fair in Edinburgh, as well as information about how much any entry costs are for attendees.
Plus, if you’re thinking about having a stall at any of them and trading yourself, you’ll find a rough estimate of how much it costs and how to get in contact with the organisers.
I update this page to make sure you get the latest information. If you notice anything missing, please get in touch.
Christmas Markets & Fairs In Edinburgh & The Lothians: When, Where, What & How Much
Edinburgh Travel Inspiration – read more of my blog posts about the capital of Scotland:
- 19 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In Edinburgh Old Town
- Autumn In Edinburgh: The Best Places To See Colourful Leaves
- Taking Just Eat Cycles For A Spin – An Honest Review Of The Edinburgh Bike Hire Scheme
- Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On [2023]
- The 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
- Calton Hill Guide: Easy Walk & Famous View Of Edinburgh
- 5 Reasons Why I Love Corstorphine Hill In Edinburgh
- Craiglockhart Hills – Quick Guide To A Short Walk In Edinburgh
In my Travel Resources page I share everything I use and love – check it out here for great tips on accommodation bookings, tours, travel money, insurance and more.
Confirmed 2023 Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market & Winter Festivals, Edinburgh
When: From mid-November to early January, all day every day. 2023-24: Friday 17th November 2023 to Saturday 6th January 2024, 10 am – 10 pm. TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
What: This year, Edinburgh’s Christmas will last for seven weeks! That is a change of six weeks in previous years. Central Edinburgh is transformed into a winter wonderland by a fairground, a host of colourful lights and the fabled European Christmas market with dozens of stalls selling traditional trinkets and crafts as well as delicious Teutonic treats (and, of course, glühwein).
This one is the real deal! It is ‘THE’ Edinburgh Christmas Market! This year’s Edinburgh Winter Festival is hosted by the Unique Assembly company.
Where: Central Edinburgh, New Town, and the West End.
Edinburgh Christmas Market Events and Locations 2023
Several locations across Edinburgh city centre host Christmas Markets, rides or events. The main locations and attractions can change slightly each year but are usually as follows, and 2023’s Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions have been included as well:
- East and West Princes Street Gardens, Central Edinburgh – Main Christmas Market with street food, bars, crafts and gifts. There are also rides and attractions in ‘Santa Land’ (Big Wheel, Star Flyer, Helter Skelter). In 2023 there will be ticketed events such as Silent Discos, concerts, a ceilidh, the Edinburgh Diwali Festival of Light, Santa Paws and the Santa Fun Run. Open 10 am – 10 pm.
- St Andrew Square, New Town – Santa Stories (for children to meet Santa and receive a gift). Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness and donation points to help the homeless and vulnerable. Open from around 10 am – 12 noon until 6 pm – 8 pm (varies depending on the day – check the links below).
- Castle Street, New Town – Castle Street Christmas Market from 25th November to 22nd December, open 10 am – 6 pm.
- George Street, New Town – Ice skating rink, vintage fair rides, food and gift stalls. Open 10 am – 10 pm.
Edinburgh Christmas Market Tickets 2023
Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets are free to attend and they are unticketed. You can enjoy wandering around the Edinburgh Christmas Markets at your leisure! Please be aware during peak times the markets can be very busy so there may be queuing systems put into place and crowd control.
Rides and attractions are ticketed and cost various prices, from £3.50-£10, and can be booked online here and in person at the on-site ticket desks. This includes the Ice Skating Rink and the Big Wheel.
The Edinburgh Christmas events, shows and concerts ticket prices start from £3.50-£45 and can be booked online here. All tickets need to be booked in advance because they will likely sell out. Events that can be booked include the Santa Stories, a Ceilidh, Christmas concerts and the silent disco.
There is also a programme of free events. For 2023 there will be the Edinburgh Diwali: Festival of Light that is free to attend.
There will be a Santa Fun Run on 10th December to raise money for When You Wish Upon A Star. You can register to join the fun run here.
EH postcode residents usually get a 20% discount off all ticket prices at Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals – just show proof of address or Ridacard when you pick up your tickets.
Find out more about Edinburgh’s Christmas Market here.
Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Edinburgh! Check out these tours and activities on Get Your Guide:
Jupiter Artland’s Christmas Fair, Wilkieston
When: A Saturday and Sunday in early December, usually from 10 am – 4 pm. 2023: Saturday 9th December and Sunday 10th December 2023, 10 am – 4 pm each day.
Where: Jupiter Artland, The Steadings, Bonnington House, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BY (an awesome art park and gallery located 12 miles outside of Edinburgh)
What: During Christmas Jupiter Artland is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland, with boutique craft stalls, live music, mulled wine and delicious seasonal street food. Don’t miss Santa’s Grotto, festive Donkeys and Elf Workshops.
In 2023, Jupiter Artland are hosting a Christmas Feast event. Guests will dine on 8 courses crafted with festive magic by their head chef. Tickets for this event can be booked online and are starting at £90pp. Visit the website for more information.
Cost for public: Tickets for the Christmas Fair go on sale to the public starting September/October every year (available now in 2023) and to Friends of Jupiter Artland on little earlier. £11 for adults including access to Jupiter Artland’s grounds. Book on the website.
Cost for stallholders: £250 for both days in previous years. Apply via the form on the website.
Find out more about Jupiter Artland here.
Summerhall Christmas Market, Newington
When: Two days on a weekend in early December, usually from 11 am-5 pm. 2023: Saturday 2nd December and Sunday 3rd December, 11 am – 5 pm each day.
Where: Summerhall, Newington, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL (a cool cultural events centre in Newington near The Meadows)
What: Local businesses sell unique gift ideas whilst food vendors serve up delicious food and drink in the Courtyard. Alongside the stallholders, there is live music, activities and workshops to get you in the Festive mood. In the past there have been creative workshops, such as Wreath Making.
Cost for public: £3. In previous years, children under 12 are free. Admission is on the door.
Cost for stallholders: £100+VAT for one day of trade, £150+VAT for two days of trade. Email [email protected]. Apply online here.
Find out more about the Summerhall Christmas Market here.
Out Of The Blue Christmas Arts Markets, Leith
When: Several Saturdays and Sundays over a few weeks, from late November to mid-December, 11 am-5 pm. 2023: Saturday 2nd December, Sunday 3rd December and Saturday 9th December 2023, 11 am – 5 pm each day.
Where: Out of the Blue & Drill Hall Arts Cafe, (community arts centre with a cafe in an old Victorian Hall, on the way to Leith. Located at 36 Dalmeny St, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG)
What: Artwork and crafts for sale directly from the artists. Over multiple dates, more than 100 artists and makers sell their work, ranging from paintings, prints and photography through fashion, jewellery and textiles to ceramics, soft furnishings and design. All different stalls on each market date. Refreshments, snacks and meals are available from the licensed Drill Hall Arts Cafe.
Cost for public: £2.50 or £1 concession. On the door.
Cost for stallholders: Unknown. Contact Out of the Blue here.
3D/2D Edinburgh Christmas Craft, Art & Design Fair, Edinburgh
When: A Saturday and Sunday in early December, usually from 10:30 am – 5 pm. 2023: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December 2023, 10.30 am – 5 pm each day.
Where: Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR (located in Edinburgh New Town)
What: Christmas market, featuring goods from over 120 makers, artists and designers.
Cost for public: £4 admission charge and £3 concession. (Tickets can be used on both days; Children 12 years and under free). Tickets on the door or new for 2023, can now be booked online here.
Cost for stallholders: £12-£36, depending on space. Learn more about how to apply here.
Find out more about the 3D/2D Christmas Fair here.
Support The Makers Christmas Market, Cowgate
When: 2023: Sunday 10th December 2023, 11 am – 4 pm.
Where: Greyfriars Hall (Virgin Hotels Edinburgh), Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR (located in Edinburgh Old Town)
What: A small Christmas market showcasing a variety of handmade products from local artisans and makers.
Cost for public: FREE.
Cost for stallholders: Unknown, but fully booked for 2023. Contact the organisers Support The Makers to enquire.
Find out more about Support The Makers Christmas Market event here.
Village Green Makers Christmas Market, Dalkeith Country Park (New for 2023!)
When: 2023: Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November 2023, 10 am – 4:30 pm each day.
Where: Restoration Yard, Dalkeith Country Park, EH22 1ST
What: A handpicked selection of creative artists, designers and small independent businesses from the Lothians and beyond. Support local talent and find the perfect gifts to make your loved ones’ Christmas’ special!
Cost for public: FREE! Parking charge is £3. No dogs allowed.
Find out more about the Village Green Makers Christmas Market on their website here.
Linlithgow Artisan Christmas Market, Linlithgow (New for 2023!)
When: 2023: Saturday 2nd December 2023, 10 am – 3 pm.
Where: The Vennel, High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EQ (Linlithgow is a beautiful old town set on Linlithgow Loch and famous for the historic royal residence Linlithgow Palace)
What: An artisan Christmas market with stalls selling arts, crafts, food and drink, from businesses across the local area and the rest of Scotland, including brewers, cafes, soap makers, photographers, jewellers and bakers.
Cost for public: FREE!
Find out more about the Linlithgow Artisan Market here.
Exclusively Highlands Christmas Market, North Berwick (New for 2023!)
When: 2023: Friday 24th November, Saturday 25th November and Sunday 26th November 2023, 10 am – 4 pm each day.
Where: Whitekirk Hill, North Berwick, EH39 5PR (a countryside retreat approximately 28 miles east of Edinburgh, near North Berwick)
What: A huge selection of food for the foodies! Venison, sausages, pies, ready-to-cook meals, honey, cakes and bakes. Alcohol producers will sell a selection of gins and spiced rum. Hot drinks will be provided by a vintage coffee van and you can get brunch and lunch at the Whitekirk Hill Orangery. Artisans will be exhibiting organic and vegan soap and skincare and homeware products including art prints and textiles. Crafters will showcase work, metal and ceramic works. Jewellery and clothes will also be available. All items will be lovingly handmade for the Christmas market!
Cost for public: FREE!
Find out more about the Whitekirk Hill Christmas Fair on their website here.
How To Get To Edinburgh Christmas Markets By Train
Travelling to Edinburgh by train for the Christmas Markets is super easy from all over the UK! Edinburgh has awesome connections to many towns and cities in Scotland and England including Glasgow, Preston, Manchester, Newcastle, York, and London.
Trains run regularly between Edinburgh and major cities like Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, and London.
There are several companies you can travel with between England and Scotland – LNER (London North Eastern Railway), TransPennine and Avanti West Coast.
I have all of these routes multiple times and think they are both excellent for sightseeing. Which route you choose will depend on your own schedule and itinerary.
LNER Trains Between London/York/Newcastle & Edinburgh (East Coast)
LNER travels up the east coast of Britain from London to Edinburgh via York and Newcastle. You can get from London to Edinburgh in around 5.5 hours on LNER. It is possible to get there faster on routes that do not make multiple stops. You can cut around 1.5 hours off the journey on these express trains. The LNER route is beautiful as it travels along the north east coast by the sea and passes through historic towns and cities.
TransPennine & Avanti West Coast Trains Between Manchester/London & Edinburgh (West Coast)
TransPennine travels along the western side of Britain from Manchester through Preston and the Lake District and into Scotland. Routes will divert to Glasgow or Edinburgh after passing the Scottish Borders. The journey is beautiful as it travels through the Cumbrian Hills. The route takes around 3.5 hours.
If you need to travel from London via the west coast, you’ll need to take a train from London to Manchester. The journey from London to Manchester by train takes around 2 hrs 45 mins. The operator of this route is now Avanti West Coast. Avanti West Coast also travel from Manchester to Edinburgh.
With TransPennine and Avanti West Coast, you can take a train to Edinburgh direct from Manchester Airport.
ScotRail Trains Between Glasgow & Edinburgh
If you’re heading to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets from Glasgow, you can travel by train with ScotRail. The journey takes around 1 hr 20 mins.
Booking Train Tickets To Edinburgh Christmas Markets
The easiest way to book your tickets to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets is to use Trainline. With Trainline, you can search for train tickets and book them in one place. Trainline will help you get the best price on your train tickets by showing you the cheapest options.
You can save even more money by getting a RailCard. With Railcard, you can save a 1/3 off your train tickets.
Edinburgh Train Stations (Waverley & Haymarket)
There are two major train stations in Edinburgh – Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket.
Edinburgh Waverley is the main train station located in the city centre. If you have accommodation in the centre of Edinburgh or need to take a bus or taxi transfer to your accommodation then Waverley is a good station to arrive at. Edinburgh Waverley is also the closest station located to all of Edinburgh’s main sightseeing and Edinburgh Christmas Market locations. If you are travelling to Edinburgh Christmas Markets for the day then Edinburgh Waverley is a good station to disembark. From Edinburgh Waverley, you will be within walking distance of all the Christmas Markets.
Haymarket is located west of Edinburgh city centre. Haymarket is a lovely location just outside the city centre but is still only a 10-minute walk from the West End of Princes Street. There are many hotels located in Haymarket or nearby such as the West End so check your accommodation to know which station is closest to where you have booked. Haymarket is a quieter and smaller station than Edinburgh Waverley but this can also make it more convenient.
Almost all trains travelling to/from Edinburgh will pass through Haymarket. This is particularly the case for trains arriving from the west, such as ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, and TransPennine services. Trains from the east, such as LNER, will not necessarily travel to Haymarket as they will arrive at Edinburgh Waverley first.
Where To Stay In Edinburgh For The Christmas Markets
Accommodation In Edinburgh’s West End & Lothian Road
The West End and Lothian Road are great locations to stay during your trip to Edinburgh. This area offers visitors lots of options for accommodation for all budgets.
There are many cafes, restaurants and bars in this part of the city and it has a buzzing nightlife, as well as being within walking distance to all of Edinburgh’s major sightseeing attractions.
Located in the West End is Haymarket Train Station, trams and buses connecting to the city and airport.
Recommended hotels in the West End and Lothian Road are:
Accommodation Near The Royal Mile & Edinburgh’s Old Town
If you want to be in the heart of it all during your trip to Edinburgh, then consider booking your accommodation in the Royal Mile. You’ll be within a few minutes walk to Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Bobby, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and all the beautiful history of the Old Town. There are many accommodations located in this area, from backpackers hostels to luxury hotels.
Recommended hotels and hostels near the Royal Mile include:
Search for accommodation in Edinburgh on Booking using the search box below:
Other Activities & Things To Do In Edinburgh In Winter
Looking for more awesome stuff to do in Edinburgh? Check out these posts:
- 19 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In Edinburgh Old Town
- Autumn In Edinburgh: The Best Places To See Colourful Leaves
- Taking Just Eat Cycles For A Spin – An Honest Review Of The Edinburgh Bike Hire Scheme
- Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On [2023]
- The 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
- Calton Hill Guide: Easy Walk & Famous View Of Edinburgh
- 5 Reasons Why I Love Corstorphine Hill In Edinburgh
- Craiglockhart Hills – Quick Guide To A Short Walk In Edinburgh
- Castle Rock In Edinburgh – Everything You Need To Know
- A Walk Around The Braid Hills In Edinburgh – Your Complete Guide
Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Edinburgh! Check out these tours and activities:
Still To Be Confirmed 2023 Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs
Below is a list of Christmas markets, fairs and events that have happened in previous years in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Unfortunately, there is no confirmation as to when or if these events will happen this year. If there is an event announcement then they will be updated.
Morningside Maker’s Market, Morningside
When: First Saturday of every month, 11 am – 4 pm. 2023: To be confirmed. 2022: No event. 2021: Saturday 4th December 2021, 11 am – 4 pm.
Where: Columcille Centre (south Edinburgh in Morningside, EH10 4RT)
What: A boutique market held on the first Saturday of every month with artists, crafters and designers offering ceramics, jewellery, glassware, photography, textiles and art.
Cost for public: Free.
Cost for stallholders: Unknown. Email [email protected].
Find out more about the Morningside Makers Market here.
New Town Christmas Market, Edinburgh
When: A Saturday in mid-December, usually from 10 am – 4 pm. 2023: To be confirmed. 2022: No event.
Where: The Edinburgh Academy
What: Christmas market with stalls, festive food and drink, and even Santa.
Cost for public: Free.
Cost for stallholders: Unknown. And no contact details.
Livingston Christmas Craft Fair, Livingston
When: A Saturday in early November, usually from 9 am – 1 pm. 2023: To be confirmed. 2022: No event.
Where: Murieston Village Hall
What: Handmade items by local artists, unique gifts, refreshments.
Cost for public: Free.
Cost for stallholders: £10 per table, including a small raffle prize.
Loanhead Parish Church Christmas Fair, Loanhead
When: A Saturday in late November. 2023: To be confirmed. 2022: No event. 2021: Saturday 27th November 2021, 10am – 1pm.
Where: Loanhead Parish Church
What: A high footfall traditional Christmas Fair with Santa’s grotto, tea and coffee, mince pies, gifts and food stalls.
Cost for public: £2.50 for adults and free for kids. Card payment is preferred but cash is accepted. Entry price includes tea/coffee and a mince pie and juice for kids, plus entry to a quiz with prizes.
Cost for stallholders: £15 for 1 stall. Tables and chairs provided. Stallholders must also provide a small prize for the Christmas Fair quiz. Sign up for a stall on Eventbrite.
Find out more about the Loanhead Parish Church Christmas event here.
Christmas Markets & Fairs In Edinburgh & The Lothians – Thanks For Reading!
In this post, we have looked at many of the different Christmas Fairs and Markets happening in Edinburgh and the Lothians during the festive season. This includes the famous and most well-known Edinburgh Christmas Market as well as local community fairs. All of these events are worth checking out if you have the time. You’ll find hand-crafted gifts as well as popular usual Christmas Market items. There are also pop-up bars and cafes as well as concerts and events to enjoy.
I’m sure there are many, many more events, markets, and fairs happening at Christmas time in Edinburgh and the Lothians. If you know any that haven’t been included here, please do comment below and I will add them to this list. I will also update this article if I find out about any new ones!
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! – Lauren x
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Looking for more awesome stuff to do in Edinburgh? Check out these posts:
- 19 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In Edinburgh Old Town
- Autumn In Edinburgh: The Best Places To See Colourful Leaves
- Taking Just Eat Cycles For A Spin – An Honest Review Of The Edinburgh Bike Hire Scheme
- Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On [2023]
- The 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
- Calton Hill Guide: Easy Walk & Famous View Of Edinburgh
- 5 Reasons Why I Love Corstorphine Hill In Edinburgh
- Craiglockhart Hills – Quick Guide To A Short Walk In Edinburgh
- Castle Rock In Edinburgh – Everything You Need To Know
- A Walk Around The Braid Hills In Edinburgh – Your Complete Guide
My Travel Resources guide will help you get the best deals when booking your next trip – check it out here!
Lauren | Wild Lovely World
Lauren is a coffee and cat obsessed travel writer from the U.K., specialising in solo female, couple travel and budget backpacking. She has previously lived in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, England and Scotland. Follow her adventures around the world on her blog WildLovelyWorld.com
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MARK CORFIELD
Hi , we are coming for our annual pilgrimage to Edinburgh 23-29th November 2021 and we are wondering whether you know of any traditional Christmas Fayres in little church halls – if you know what i mean ie the smaller ones not the big commercial ones as the smaller ones are more quaint.
If you could email me any details , i know they are usually on a Saturday and we will be there 27th November.
Many thanks
Mark
Lauren | Wild Lovely World
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your message. On the 27th November you could try the Loanhead Parish Church Christmas Fair. It’s on from 10am to 1pm and entry is £2.50.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Edinburgh!
Many thanks,
Lauren