6 Christmas Markets To Visit In Edinburgh
As the first year in a long time with the festivities in full-swing, the excitement for the upcoming season can be sensed in the air as you walk through the streets of Edinburgh. The sweet smell of mulled wine, the sound of children laughing, or that first bite into a warm crepe in the brisk Edinburgh air. The nostalgic traditions of Christmas markets that come back every year have us in our festive feels, as well as provides something to look forward to in the dark days. So, we just had to gather up a wee list of noteworthy Christmas markets happening in Edinburgh this festive season.
Princes Street, West Princes Street Gardens, George Street
This is an obvious one, but it wouldn’t be a Edinburgh Christmas market list without the main event. Having had to be pushed back until November 25 due to the original organisers pulling out, the city is now in full swing of preparations for the big day to arrive. Running until January 3, Edinburgh Christmas market will see its traditional locations on Princes Street, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street transformed into a winter wonderland, with a huge Ferris wheel, an ice rink on George Square and Santa’s Grotto in West Princes Street Gardens. And of course, the usual good vibes with boozy hot chocolates and plenty of festive food will continue to light us up into the New Year.
2. Jupiter Artland Christmas fair
Bonnington House Steadings, Near Wilkieston, Edinburgh EH27 8BY
Jupiter Artland is a contemporary sculpture garden where art is presented in a unique way. It’s not just another museum or exhibition place, but a way to connect with art in a more interactive and innovative way. This year, Jupiter Christmas Fair is back on December 3 & 4, inviting guests to a world like no other: a Christmas market amongst the wonderous art. On top of Christmas artisan stalls with plenty of unique gifts and street food, there will also be home-made mulled wine, live seasonal music and festive donkeys you can pet (yes, a donkey with festive deer antlers, you’re welcome). Wee ones will also get the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto which needs to be booked separately here, or attend an Elf workshopwhere some serious Christmas card making action will occur. You also need to book tickets for the Christmas Fair itself, and you can get them here.
6A Tower Street, Leith, EH6 7BY
Not as much of a mulled wine kind of place here, but there’s going to be plenty of delicious, freshly brewed Moonwake beer going ’round. Moonwake Beer Co. is hosting a seasonal market at its brewery taproom in Leith on December 17 & 18, with seven other local traders joining them for you to peruse the stalls and enjoy their precision brewed beer. The market will run from 12pm until 5pm both days, and those wanting to stay behind for some more brewed goodness can do so until 10pm on Saturday and 8pm onSunday. Leith Christmas Brewery Market is not just for beer lovers, but is also a quaint celebration of local small businesses, as well as a testament to all that Leith has to offer.
Leith Arches, 6 Manderston St, EH6 8LY
One’s initial thought would probably not be to go to a Witchcraft Christmas market in Edinburgh, but it’s a different take on the traditional festive markets we are used to. Located at Leith Arches, the market has a unique allure that draws in ‘witchy crafters and crafty witches’. You can top up yourcrystal collection, get atarot cardorpalm reading, buy your first tarot deck or simply join a coven. With a Christmassy YULE edition, the market will also mark its first anniversary and will be taking place on December 10 from 11am until 5pm. Supporting local businesses and artists is at the heart of what they do, and the market is usually on regularly. You don’t need to book, but be prepared for a lengthy queue.
5. Summerhall Christmas Market
Summerhall
Summerhall Christmas Market is returning for two days this year on December 3 & 4, as the demand is ever-growing. As usual, expect plenty of independent makers and small businesses offering their best produce, as well as plenty of tasty snacks and drinks throughout the day. What is more, live entertainment is set to be cheering up the day while market-goers enjoy indoor and outdoor stalls. The market will be open from 11am until 5pm and is free to enter.
6. Edinburgh Farmer’s Market: Festive Edition
Grassmarket, Stockbridge, Leith
Ah, the good ol’ Farmer’s Market. While you will find us stocking up on local produce and browsing all the goodies at the Leith Market every Saturday, there will be a Christmas edition for all the main Farmer’s Markets around Edinburgh. Expect fresh produce both local and imported, such as Unknown Italy’struffle pecorino cheese that tastes just as good as it sounds. You can find Unknown Italy both in Leith and Stockbridge markets, selling their best Italian goodness. The Grassmarket and Leith Markets are every Saturday from 10am, and the StockbridgeMarket are there every Sunday from 10am until 4pm all your organic needs.