A Quick Guide To The Christmas Markets In Scotland 2022
I just love going to the Christmas Markets in Scotland every year- it’s one of the highlights when the temperature and daylight hours plummet over winter.
Winter wasn’t always filled with Christmas cheer, however. Did you know that Christmas was banned in Scotland for over 400 years? It was outlawed in 1640 by the Parliament of Scotland, and only became a public holiday in 1958!
When it comes to Christmas now, Scotland certainly makes up for lost time. Each year Christmas markets pop-up throughout the country, and Scots cross their fingers for a white [rather than grey] Christmas.
I’ve been to two of Scotland’s most popular Christmas Markets: the Edinburgh Christmas Market and Glasgow’s Christmas Market in George Square. This is my inside glimpse into each of these markets, what you can expect, and how best to plan your day!
> Listen to the Life in Scotland podcast episode: Christmas in Scotland
The Best Christmas Markets in Scotland
Edinburgh Christmas Market
2022 dates: November 25 until January 3
One of the biggest Christmas Markets in Scotland is the Edinburgh Christmas Market. For 6 weeks across November to January it takes over Princes Street Gardens in the city centre.
Princes Street Gardens is the perfect location for Christmas celebrations- encased by Edinburgh’s grandiose buildings and situated right next to the Edinburgh Waverly train station.
Hanging out at the Christmas Markets in Scotland!Entry is free but be prepared to spend some pennies as it’s pricey inside [but worth the experience]. It can be chaotic- so prepare the brave the crowds and guard your Glühwein from spilling!
There are over 15 Christmas themed rides for adults and children, and speaking of children, you can take them to the Santa land section where there are games and a pretty cool Christmas tree maze.
The Haggis and I wandered around the stalls, drank Glühwein and mulled cider, and snacked on Kinder chocolate crêpes.
Drinking Glühwein at the Edinburgh Christmas MarketMy favourite time to visit the Edinburgh Christmas Market is when it’s dark- I’m a tad obsessed with Christmas decorations and fairy lights [it’s the romantic in me] so make sure you go when everything is lit up!
> >> Read More: The best things to do in Edinburgh in winter
Glasgow Christmas Market
2022 dates: At this stage, it’s unclear if the Glasgow Christmas Markets will run this year. I’ll update this article if anything changes!
The Glasgow Christmas Market in George Square isn’t as huge as the Edinburgh Christmas Market, but it’s SO pretty and a lot less overwhelming.
Glasgow actually has two Christmas Markets- the other is in St Enoch Square. I definitely recommend checking out both of these Christmas Markets- and there are plenty of fun pubs around if you want to make a night of it on the toon’.
Shopping at the Glasgow Christmas MarketHere are my tips and things to try at the Glasgow Christmas Market.
* Rediscover your inner child and ride the carousel- it’s only £3!
* Try Buckfast Mulled Wine (isn’t this the most Glasgow thing you’ve ever heard of?!)
* Get your photo taken in the gigantic lit up Christmas bauble
* Slide down the vintage Helter Skelter
* Buy a decoration for your Christmas Tree
* Warm yourself up with a traditional Glühwein or a beer in one of the pop-up pubs
> >> Read more: Opening hours for Christmas and Hogmanay in Edinburgh
Riding the merry go round at the Glasgow Christmas MarketWhat are your favourite of the Christmas Markets in Scotland?