Edinburgh Christmas 2022 The What The Who And The Opening Times

Now that Halloween is gone and over with, we can start talking about the C-word. We can start getting cosy, hang out in candlelight, wear cosy socks and do other ‘Hygge-like’ things. As the city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland lighting our way into the festive season, November is a well-anticipated month for most residents. Edinburgh Christmas markets are also only a couple of months away, and Edinburgh’s Christmas organisers Unique Events and Assembly Festival stepped in to save the day and have some news for us.

Credit: Flickr, Billy McCourtAfter the initial organisers pulled out fairly last minute, local event organisers Assembly Festival and Unique Events have stepped in on Monday, October 10 to save Christmas. This year, Edinburgh Christmas is on from November 25, 2022, until January 3, 2023. As well as the traditional locations on Princes Street, St Andrew Square and George Street, new sites will also be introduced throughout the city centre.

During the five weeks of festive fun, market goers can expect the return of the Edinburgh Christmas favourites, including Edinburgh’s Christmas Wheel, the Traditional Christmas Markets, a covered Ice Rink in George Square and Santa Land, as well as the debut Santa Experience in West Princes Street and a brand new programme of free festive events and activities on the Ross Bandstand. The Santa Fun Runwill also be making a return on December 4, raising money for the When You Wish Upon a Star! Children’s Charity.

William Burdett-Coutts of Assembly Festival and Penny Dougherty of Unique Events said: “It is our priority to ensure that Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations return in style for the benefit of the city, our fellow residents and visitors. While we are taking on Edinburgh’s Christmas at very short notice, we fully understand how important these events are for the city and businesses who have already
endured difficult times in recent years. Celebrations will definitely include the traditional Christmas
Markets, Ice Rink and the Christmas Wheel alongside many of the elements that visitors love about
coming to Edinburgh city centre in the winter.”

You don’t need tickets to come along to Edinburgh Christmas Market this year, but be prepared for long queues as usual, just like last year.

Opening times
The market is going to be open from 10am until 10pm most days, yet some days will have exceptions. Here are all the dates you need to know:

November 25: 2pm – 10pm

December 24:10am – 8pm

December 25:Closed

December 26:12pm – 8pm

December 31: 10am – 6pm

January 1: 12pm – 8pm

January 4: 10am – 8pm

And now, onto one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations in the world, Hogmanay.After the heart-breaking cancellation in 2021, it is set to be coming back with a bang. Unique Events will also be running this one, promising festivities to be remembered. Edinburgh Hogmanay is back on in full swing this year, with acts such as Pet Shop Boys and Tide Lines. It’s going to be the end to the year to be remembered!