Edinburgh247 local guide · Updated 22 October 2026
Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2026
14 markets and festive fairs, with dates, locations, prices and practical tips
Edinburgh’s main Christmas market opens on Saturday 14 November 2026 in East Princes Street Gardens and runs until Sunday 3 January 2027. Entry is free. Across the city, smaller independent markets and craft fairs offer a different sort of Christmas shopping, from Scottish ceramics and jewellery to prints, textiles, and handmade gifts.
This guide covers 14 Christmas markets and fairs in Edinburgh and the nearby Lothians, with verified 2026 dates, entry information, and links to the organisers.
Main market: 14 Nov – 3 JanCity centre + neighbourhoodsFree and ticketed fairs
14 NovemberMain market opens in Princes Street Gardens
3 JanuaryMain market’s final day in 2027
14 marketsEdinburgh and nearby Lothians in this guide
The large outdoor market is the obvious starting point, particularly for first-time visitors. If you are shopping for one-off gifts or want to meet the people who made them, look beyond Princes Street Gardens. Some of Edinburgh’s best maker-focused events take place indoors over just one weekend.
Planning note: Dates have been checked against organisers’ 2026 information. Traders, individual opening hours, and ticket arrangements can change. Always use the linked organiser page before making a special journey, particularly over Christmas and New Year.
Edinburgh Christmas markets 2026: all dates at a glance
Use the quick list below to pick your date, then select a market for full details. Prices relate to market admission, not purchases, rides, food, or separately booked workshops.
These six markets are all in central Edinburgh. The Princes Street Gardens market runs for seven weeks, while the indoor fairs are concentrated around late November and December.
✳PHOTO TO ADDEdinburgh’s Christmas Market, Princes Street Gardens
STARTS 202614 NOV
East Princes Street Gardens
Main Christmas market
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, Princes Street Gardens
14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027Usually 10am–10pm; exceptions applyFree entry
The city’s main Christmas market fills East Princes Street Gardens with roughly 70 chalets selling gifts, decorations, clothing, jewellery, and food. It is the one with the Scott Monument backdrop and the LNER Big Wheel above the stalls. Expect the busiest atmosphere after dark and at weekends. The market is free to enter; rides such as the Big Wheel and Starflyer cost extra.
Best for the classic Edinburgh Christmas market experience.
Before you go: There is no dedicated event parking. Waverley Station is close by, with a step-free approach via Waverley Bridge. The market is closed on Christmas Day and has amended hours on some other dates.
25 Nov – 22 DecCheck daily hours with organiserFree to browse
LocalMotive Markets returns to Castle Street for its extended Christmas run. The stalls focus on independent makers, traders, food producers, artists, jewellery, clothing, woodwork, gifts, and homewares. It sits between Princes Street and Rose Street, so it is easy to combine with the gardens market on the same trip.
Best for browsing independent stalls in the city centre.
Before you go: Traders can change during the month. If you are seeking a particular maker, check the organiser before travelling.
✳PHOTO TO ADDWinter in the West End Christmas Market
STARTS 202619 NOV
St John’s Church, Princes Street
Independent art and design
Winter in the West End Christmas Market
19 Nov – 2 Dec; 10–13 and 17–20 Dec11am–6pm on event daysFree entry
Organised by 3D2D, this winter version of the West End Fair brings independent makers into a heated marquee and the hall at St John’s Church. You can browse art, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and other original work at the west end of Princes Street. The unusual run of dates makes it a useful option well beyond a single weekend.
Best for original art and gifts, with shelter from winter weather.
Before you go: It is beside Lothian Road at the west end of Princes Street. Note the gaps in December rather than assuming it runs every day.
✳PHOTO TO ADD3D2D Christmas Fair at the Assembly Rooms
STARTS 20265 DEC
54 George Street
Art, craft and design fair
3D2D Christmas Fair at the Assembly Rooms
5–6 Dec10.30am–5pmFree entry listed for 2026
The Assembly Rooms hosts a large indoor fair featuring around 120 artists, designers, and makers selling their own work. Expect paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, leather, and woodwork rather than mass-produced souvenirs. The George Street location makes it a natural stop alongside the city-centre markets.
Best for a broad choice of original work by artists and designers.
Before you go: The organiser’s current 2026 event listing says admission is free; older organiser pages still show historic ticket prices. Check its latest notice before visiting.
✳PHOTO TO ADDEndless Love Creative Winter Makers Market
STARTS 20265 DEC
Fruitmarket, 45 Market Street
Design-led makers market
Endless Love Creative Winter Makers Market
5–6 Dec10am–5pm£2; 18 and under free
More than 40 makers from Scotland and elsewhere will bring their work to Fruitmarket for two days. The published exhibitor list ranges from ceramicists and jewellery designers to illustrators, textile makers, and homeware creators. It is indoors and very close to Waverley Station, making it particularly easy to add to a central Edinburgh shopping day.
Best for contemporary design, ceramics, prints, and small creative businesses.
Before you go: The line-up varies between Saturday and Sunday, so check the exhibitor list if you have a particular artist in mind.
✳PHOTO TO ADDFringe Society Christmas Makers Market
STARTS 202612 DEC
Fringe Central, 6 Infirmary Street
Independent creative market
Fringe Society Christmas Makers Market
12–13 Dec11am–6pmConfirm entry details with organiser
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is opening its Infirmary Street home for a two-day market focused on independent makers, artists, and designers. The organiser is seeking stallholders who create their own handmade or independently designed products. Seasonal music, food, and drinks are also planned.
Best for discovering smaller creative businesses and unusual gifts.
Before you go: This is in the Old Town rather than the Fringe’s usual August festival spaces. Check final visitor arrangements on the organiser’s page.
Leith, Portobello, and Merchiston all have smaller festive markets. Some are designed around individual makers, while others offer workshops or community activities.
✳PHOTO TO ADDPortobello Town Hall Christmas Makers Markets
STARTS 202621 NOV
147–149 Portobello High Street
Local handmade gifts
Portobello Town Hall Christmas Makers Markets
21–22 Nov and 6 Dec21–22 Nov: 11am–4pm; 6 Dec: 10am–2pmFree entry
Support The Makers is running three festive market days at Portobello Town Hall, with jewellery, textiles, art, ceramics, stationery, and homeware from local independent creatives. The November markets have room for around 45 makers, while the December date is a shorter session. The organiser also advertises creative workshops on selected dates.
Best for shopping directly from local makers on the east side of Edinburgh.
Before you go: The hall has ramp access, and dogs on leads are welcome. Do not assume the December session keeps the same hours as November.
Support The Makers brings a festive market to Lind & Lime Gin Distillery by the Shore. The organiser lists space for 28 makers, alongside small-batch artisan food producers. Expect jewellery, prints, textiles, candles, homewares, and original pieces from designers working locally. There is also a separate bookable punch-needle workshop on the day.
Best for a compact Leith market with an interesting mix of makers.
Before you go: The organiser describes the venue as fully accessible but says dogs are not permitted. Check workshop booking separately if you plan to take part.
✳PHOTO TO ADDMNB Winter Craft Market at Out of the Blue
STARTS 20265 DEC
36 Dalmeny Street, Leith
Handmade craft and workshops
MNB Winter Craft Market at Out of the Blue
5–6 Dec10am–4pmFree entry
MNB Scotland CIC is taking over the Drill Hall’s winter market tradition with more than 30 independent makers each day. The focus is firmly on handmade work rather than resold goods. Alongside the stalls, the venue is advertising creative workshops and food and drinks from the Drill Hall Café.
Best for handmade shopping and meeting independent creators.
Before you go: The organiser advertises a sensory-friendly hour from 10am to 11am. Consult the venue for full access arrangements before travelling.
✳PHOTO TO ADDEdinburgh Steiner School Christmas Market
STARTS 202621 NOV
60–64 Spylaw Road, Merchiston
Community Christmas market
Edinburgh Steiner School Christmas Market
21 Nov11am–4pmSmall admission charge
The school’s annual Christmas event brings together artisan and community stalls, homemade food, creative workshops, storytelling, and live entertainment across its campus. It feels different from the city-centre markets, with more emphasis on hands-on activities and a community setting. The school’s term calendar also confirms preparations for the November market.
Best for a family-oriented market with craft activities.
Before you go: The advertised entry price is small, but the exact 2026 amount should be checked with the school. Spylaw Road is in the Merchiston area.
This small evening market is specifically for makers under 18. The organiser has space for around 10 young entrepreneurs selling their own work, with examples ranging from crochet and art to sewing and other handmade projects. It is a short visit rather than a full afternoon Christmas fair, but one with a distinct community purpose.
Best for supporting young local artists and creative sellers.
Before you go: A good option for Portobello residents after work or school; the organiser lists accessible entry and permits dogs on leads.
These three fairs are outside the city centre. They suit a longer shopping trip, particularly if you have a car or already plan to visit the surrounding towns.
✳PHOTO TO ADDHopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair
STARTS 202627 NOV
Hopetoun House, South Queensferry
Country-house Christmas shopping
Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair
27–29 Nov10am–4.30pmTickets from £11.50
More than 50 exhibitors will sell artisan crafts, seasonal gifts, handmade goods, and local produce inside Hopetoun House. The Georgian interiors are decorated for Christmas, with live festive music and food options forming part of the visit. This is a more substantial outing than a quick city-centre market stop, especially if you plan to explore the house and grounds.
Best for a longer festive shopping trip in a historic house.
Before you go: Book through Hopetoun’s official ticket page. Follow its driving directions carefully because some sat nav routes approach from the wrong road; event-day parking arrangements should be checked.
✳PHOTO TO ADDHaddington Corn Exchange Christmas Makers Market
STARTS 202614 NOV
13 Court Street, Haddington
East Lothian makers fair
Haddington Corn Exchange Christmas Makers Market
14 Nov10am–3pmFree entry
Support The Makers is bringing local artists, craft businesses, and designers to Haddington Corn Exchange. Around 38 maker spaces are planned, with handmade jewellery, textiles, ceramics, stationery, art, and prints. The organiser also lists space for workshops, making this a useful local alternative to travelling into Edinburgh.
Best for handmade gifts and supporting East Lothian makers.
Before you go: The main hall has ramp access and the organiser permits dogs on leads. It is a separate day trip from the Edinburgh city-centre markets.
14–15 Nov10.30am–4pmTicketed; check current prices
3D2D returns to Newbattle Abbey College with an indoor fair devoted to artists, craft makers, and designers. Ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints, original artwork, and handcrafted gifts are typical of the organiser’s fairs. The Abbey setting gives it a very different feel from a row of outdoor market chalets.
Best for handmade gifts in a historic Midlothian venue.
Before you go: The organiser lists advance tickets. Check the current booking page for admission prices and access arrangements, as older ticket pages display previous years’ dates.
The larger Princes Street Gardens market is the place for familiar festive food, seasonal decorations, and a night-time atmosphere. For original Christmas presents, the independent markets are generally more useful: you can meet ceramicists, illustrators, jewellery designers, textile makers, and other small producers, rather than guessing where a product came from.
For food and festive atmosphere
Start at East Princes Street Gardens. The market has food stalls and fairground attractions, while the views of the Scott Monument make it popular after dark.
For handmade gifts
Try Winter in the West End, the Assembly Rooms fair, Fruitmarket, Out of the Blue, or Portobello Town Hall. Each puts independent makers ahead of big-name retail.
For a quieter browse
A weekday visit to the main gardens market may be easier than a Saturday evening. Smaller venues can feel calmer, but indoor fairs may still get busy at peak times.
For a family outing
Look at the Steiner School community market, or combine the main market with the separately ticketed rides and other Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions.
Looking for more festive things to do? Browse our Christmas events in Edinburgh listings for seasonal shows, attractions, and other events across the city.
Getting to Edinburgh’s Christmas markets
By train: Edinburgh Waverley is close to the main market and Fruitmarket. The official festival advice places the East Princes Street Gardens entrance about a two-minute walk from Waverley Bridge, which has step-free access.
By tram or bus: Edinburgh Trams stops at St Andrew Square, Princes Street, and the West End, which are useful for the city-centre markets. Leith and Portobello venues need a separate onward journey, so check routes before setting off.
By car: The main Edinburgh’s Christmas event has no dedicated parking, and city-centre parking can be busy. If you are planning a day around Princes Street, rail, bus, or tram is usually the simpler option. For Hopetoun House and Newbattle Abbey, check the venue’s own driving and parking advice.
Accessibility: The official festival provides accessible approaches to East Princes Street Gardens from Princes Street and Waverley Bridge, with an accessible toilet near the Big Wheel. Surface gradients, crowds, and entry arrangements differ between venues; check the specific organiser’s access information if this affects your visit.
When do Edinburgh Christmas markets start in 2026?
The main Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens opens on Saturday 14 November 2026 and runs until Sunday 3 January 2027. Other Christmas fairs open on different dates in November and December.
Are Edinburgh Christmas markets free?
The traditional market in East Princes Street Gardens is free to enter, as are Castle Street, Winter in the West End, and several local makers’ markets. Fruitmarket charges £2 for adults, Hopetoun House sells tickets from £11.50, and some other fairs charge admission. Rides and workshops may be separate.
Where is Edinburgh’s main Christmas market?
It is in East Princes Street Gardens, close to the Scott Monument and Edinburgh Waverley Station. Other festival attractions are spread across the city centre, including West Princes Street Gardens and George Street.
Are the Edinburgh Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?
The main East Princes Street Gardens market is scheduled to be closed on 25 December 2026. It also has amended hours on some dates around Christmas and New Year. The independent fairs in this guide generally take place earlier in the season.
Where can I find handmade gifts at Edinburgh Christmas markets?
Try the 3D2D fairs, Endless Love Creative at Fruitmarket, the Fringe Society market, Out of the Blue in Leith, and Support The Makers’ events in Portobello and Leith. Their focus is work by independent artists, designers, and craftspeople.
Is one day enough to visit Edinburgh’s Christmas markets?
Yes, for the city centre. On the right dates you can combine the main market, Castle Street, Winter in the West End, and a short-run indoor fair. Check each event’s exact opening days first: many makers’ markets only run for a weekend.
Which Christmas markets are near Edinburgh but outside the city?
Hopetoun House in South Queensferry, Newbattle Abbey in Midlothian, and Haddington Corn Exchange in East Lothian all have confirmed festive fairs in November 2026. They are better planned as individual outings rather than added to a walking tour of the city centre.
