Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide 2022
Updated on: November 23, Published on: November 23, Olivia Hiya! I’m Olivia and I’m the Digital Marketing Executive at…
Crowned one of Europe’s best destinations, Edinburgh is an excellent city to visit. Not only is it full of life, culture, and fascinating history, it also looks bloomin’ gorgeous at Christmas time! So we’re here to spread the festive cheer of the Christmas Market along with all the juiciest details in our Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide 2022…
Commencing on the 25th November 2022 to 3rd January 2023 you can enjoy a wide range of festive treats from food stalls, mulled Irn Bru, local handmade goods, vegan pigs in blankets, the famous 60m star flyer, and so much more! This free event takes place on East Princes Street Gardens (a central location of the Scottish Capital).
What have I missed so far at the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2022?
Sadly, you’ve missed the grand opening of the Reimagined Light Night which took place on the 17th November 2022. The event involved magical choir performances, a flying Santa Claus, and a spectacular pyrotechnics display! But fear not, the grand opening may be over but Edinburgh’s Christmas Market has only just begun…
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2022 Rides & Attractions
The market begins at the centre of the city in East Princes Street Gardens. If you are trying to get your bearings of the location there are a few attractions nearby that you may recognise such as Edinburgh Castle, Scottish National Gallery and Camera Obscura.
What is the holiday season without magical fairground rides and attractions? Santa Land will be returning which means lots and lots of fun rides for all ages to enjoy! Can you brave the famous 60m high Star Flyer? It has spectacular 360° views of the city centre. If you get a thrill from climbing high, try the Forth 1 Big Wheel, it’s the most Instagrammable Christmas spot in Edinburgh. There is also a Christmas Tree Maze, and of course the fairground’s staple attraction, the Helter Skelter. Little ones will be eager to climb aboard the Santa Train too – it’s a one way ticket to Christmas, no return!
If your feet have taken you to Castle Street (4-minute walk away) then you’ll find yourself at the door of Santa’s Grotto. A visit with big man really ties together an already memorable event for your little ones. Santa will read you enchanting Christmas tales in the Piccolo, along with some special guest helpers… It really is the ultimate Santa experience.
Market goers of all ages will want to head over to George Square for a whizz around the Ice Rink. Practise those dazzling routines or build your confidence on the ice, whatever your experience on the ice, you’ll have a blast! The George Street Ice Rink opens on the 26th November!
If you are looking for a more wholesome event, head over to St. Giles’ Cathedral where carol singers and community choirs will be performing every evening throughout the festive period.
The ‘Night Walk’ at Edinburgh Christmas Market This One-on-one video experience, offers a unique, multisensory tour of Edinburgh from its wild past and exciting present. In need of some Christmas community spirit? Nothing will warm your heart more than the Winter Windows event. Watch the talents of young, budding Edinburgh artists, put on performances based around ‘A Festive Welcome’. Johnnie Walker continues its partnership with Edinburgh’s winter festivals with the Johnnie Walker Bothy Bar on the Mound, and around the city, festive visitors can peek behind the scenes of the capital’s key organisations and institutions in 24 Doors of Advent.
The Markets at Edinburgh Christmas Market Bag yourself some festive treats and handmade gifts at traditional Scottish markets on Castle Street or head over the High Street on West Parliament Square to check out the artisan markets and pop up bars.
Don’t miss the new illuminated Spectacle of Light trail! It will weave through West Princes Street Garden, near Santa’s Grotto. There is also a traditional Ferris wheel alongside delicious food market stalls where you can warm up over a wild game burger and other staple seasonal foods. Fill your cup with mulled Irn-Bru or dram of whisky and cheers, to Slàinte mhath! (good health).
Do I need a ticket to the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2022?
Nope! These festive markets are free to roam, so roam away…
Is the Edinburgh Christmas Market worth visiting?
Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival has been running since 1999 and has grown into one of the most popular winter festivals in Britain. With over 70 vendors spread out over The Mound, fairground rides that allow you to see the stunning city skyline and community choirs that set the magical atmosphere, it’s a treat for all your senses. Christmas Tree World also voted it the best Christmas market in Europe!
What dates are the Edinburgh Christmas market 2022?
The Edinburgh Christmas Market begins on the 25th November 2022 to 3rd January 2023. however, the opening of the market began on the 17th November in the Reimagined Light Night event.
Is the Hogmanay Street Party in the same place as Edinburgh Christmas Market?
The Hogmanay Street Party is held at Edinburgh Castle and 30,000 revellers from around the globe will dance their way into 2023 with live DJ soundtracks, giant screens, funfair attractions and a delicious selection of street food & drink throughout the arena. Hogmanay Street Party takes place on the 30th December 2022.
What should I wear to a Christmas Market?
If there is anything we can stress the most, it’s wrap up warm! December is Edinburgh’s coldest month so although you may want to dress nice for this festive occasion make sure you were very warm and comfortable clothes. Pick up a snazzy parker, grab your favourite woolly hat, plonk on your boots and you’re sorted!
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide 2022! Whether you want to buy something from the craft fayre, listen to the community Christmas Choir, soar through the city skyline on the Big Zipper or gobble up some festive treats at the food shacks, there’s lots to explore at the Edinburgh Christmas Market. This family friendly Christmas event is the perfect Winter treat to illuminate Christmas memories. So head to Princes Street Gardens, meet Santa Claus and embrace the festive period – all for for free!