You don't get much more festive than a Christmas market, and in Edinburgh we have lots of them!
From large outdoor spaces to historic houses, the city has lots of interesting and unique markets where you can find that perfect present and get in the festive mood with a piping hot mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Not only that, but as many of the market’s stalls are manned by the craftspeople, artists and makers themselves, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the product you’re buying.
Tip 1: Remember to bring shopping bags to take home all your purchases.
Tip 2: Come hungry! Many markets have food and drink stalls, and the delicious aromas are sure to tempt you.
Tip 3: Keep an eye on each market’s social pages for details of the artists and makers taking part.
East Princes Street Gardens Traditional Market
Edinburgh’s festive season officially begins with the opening of the city’s East Princes Street Gardens Traditional Market.
Edinburgh’s first Christmas market took place in 1999 as the German Market, selling sausages, waffles, pretzels and crafts. Since then, it has developed and grown to become one of the UK’s most popular Christmas markets. With a wide of delicious food stalls, craft and gift stalls, as well as funfair rides, it offers something for all the family.
Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Market between 15 November 2025 and 04 January 2026.
Castle Street Market
With the majestic Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop, Castle Street Market has a stunning location.
This popular market will be filled with an abundance of delicious food and drinks, jewellery, clothing and home gifts.
Castle Street Christmas Market will be open daily on select dates from 25 November to 22 December 2025.
Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair
Dating back to the 17th century, the magnificent Hopetoun House is the private home of Lord Hopetoun. Filled with a stunning art collection and set in beautiful manicured grounds, the house closes for the winter period but opens its doors each year to host the Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair.
This year’s fair (it’s 25th anniversary) features over 50 exhibitors, showcasing a wide range of exceptional Christmas gifts. Afterwards, fill up with some warming food and drinks from the Stables Kitchen or one of the outdoor caterers.
Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair takes place between 28 and 30 November 2025.
Edinburgh Printmakers Christmas Market
Edinburgh Printmakers will be opening the doors of their historic building, Castle Mills for a fun-filled weekend of activities, workshops, and a bespoke Christmas Market.
The Christmas Market will host a selection of creatives and makers; they’ll be printmaking workshops suitable for all ages; join a tour to learn about the historic building and pay a visit to the galleries will be featuring the annual Members’ Exhibition. Plus, café KUBA will be open with festive food and drinks all weekend long.
Edinburgh Printmakers Christmas Market is on 29 and 30 November 2025.
Winter Arts Market
Make the short journey by tram from the city centre to Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith for the Winter Arts Market.
Taking place over 3 days, over 100 artists and makers will be tempting shoppers with a variety of goods, including paintings, prints, jewellery and ceramics. Afterwards, why not refuel with a bite to eat in the Drill Hall Café.
The Winter Arts Market takes place on 05, 06 and 07 December 2025.
3D2D Christmas Fair
Expect an exceptional selection of textiles, clothing, homewares, art, jewellery and woodwork at the 3D2D Christmas Fair at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms.
This year will welcome over 100 of the country’s finest artists and designers, all selling their own handcrafted work under the magnificent shining chandeliers of the 200 year old Assembly Rooms.
Assembly Rooms Christmas Fare opens on 06 and 07 December 2025.
Edinburgh Winter Makers Market
Taking place at the Fruitmarket gallery, Endless Love Creative’s Edinburgh Winter Makers Market will feature over 30 independent makers stalls from across the UK, each presenting unique handmade creations that celebrate artistry and craftsmanship.
Browse and buy from tables abundant with gift ideas or treat yourself with unique pieces and limited editions. Explore a wide variety of items, including accessories, books, botanicals, ceramics, clothing, homeware, jewellery, knitwear, stationery, textiles and prints.
Edinburgh Makers Market runs on 06 and 07 December 2025.
Jupiter Christmas Fair
Around 30 minutes bus journey from Edinburgh, the world-class sculpture park is transformed into a winter wonderland for the annual Jupiter Christmas Fair.
Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and live music, while you pick up some gifts from the craft stalls.
Jupiter Christmas Fair is open 06, 07, 13 and 14 December 2025.
Summerhall Winter Market
The Southside’s popular Winter Market is back for 2025, with a variety of stalls offering a range of gifts and treats for friends and family.
This year’s market will be packed full of 35 independent makers and craftspeople selling unique gift ideas, while food vendors will be serving up hot mulled wine and festive food to keep hunger at bay.
The Winter Market takes place on 13 and 14 December 2025.
Edinburgh is also fortunate to have a number of year-round markets. Exceptionally popular with residents, these neighbourhood markets are a great place to pick up seasonal and local produce, handmade gifts and delicious plates of street food made right in front of you. In the run-up to Christmas, many take on a seasonal twist, offering an array of festive treats.
Edinburgh’s original award-winning Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 9am to 2pm under the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Around 40 stall holders tempt buyers with fresh local produce, with everything from meat and seafood to baked goods and seasonal veg. As Christmas approaches, stalls became laden with festive goodies, making it the perfect place to stock up on gifts for your foodie friends.
Every Saturday from 10am to 5pm, the Grassmarket becomes a flurry of excitement when the Grassmarket Market comes to the central thoroughfare. Over 20 stall holders offer high quality, sustainably sourced produce as well as an inviting array of street food, sweet treats and seasonal crafts and gifts. Also taking place on Saturdays, the bustling Leith Market turns Leith into a foodie haven. Come down from 10am to 4pm and discover the wares of a wide range of independent traders, including meat and fish, dairy and baked goods. While on Sundays, Stockbridge Market is a popular shopping spot for locals. Artisan breads, cheese, smoked salmon and even handmade dog treats sit alongside handmade soaps, jewellery and carefully created crafts.
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