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 markets social pages for details of the artists and makers taking part.
Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh’s festive season officially begins with the opening of the city’s traditional Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens.
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 18 November 2023 and 06 January 2024.
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 features over 50 exhibitors, showcasing a wide range of exceptional Christmas gifts.
Afterwards, the Stables Kitchen is a lovely place to catch up with friends and admire your new purchases.
Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair takes place between 24 and 26 November 2023.
Castle Street Christmas Market
With the majestic Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop, Castle Street Christmas 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 from 25 November to 22 December 2023.
Summerhall Christmas Market
The Southside’s hugely popular Summerhall Christmas Market is back for 2023, with more stalls than ever before to give you a huge range of gifts and treats for friends and family.
This year’s market will be packed full of 90 independent makers and craftspeople selling unique gift ideas, while food vendors will be serving up delicious food and drink to keep hunger at bay. All while enjoying carol singing from their community choir.
Summerhall Christmas Market takes place on 02 and 03 December 2023.
Assembly Rooms Christmas Fare
Expect an exceptional selection of textiles, clothing, homewares, art, jewellery and woodwork at the Assembly Rooms Christmas Fair.
This year will welcome 120 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 02 and 03 December 2023.
Christmas Arts Market, Out of the Blue Drill Hall
Make the short journey by tram from the city centre to Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith for the Christmas Arts Market.
Taking place across four days over two weekends, over 150 local 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 Christmas Arts Market takes place on 02, 03, 09 and 10 December 2023.
A Very Merchiston Christmas Fair, Merchiston Castle School
Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’s leading all-boys independent boarding and day school, will once again be hosting a Very Merchiston Christmas Fair, with funds being raised for the Edinburgh Food Project.
Expect incredible jewellery from Jewel Tree Edinburgh, sample delicious spirits from Cairns Whisky and South Loch Gin, warming scents from the Edinburgh Candlemaker Company and festive foods from 181 Delicatessen all the while soaking up the festive atmosphere in the school’s beautifully decorated Memorial Hall.
A Very Merchiston Christmas Fair will take place on 02 December 2023.
Christmas Market, Dynamic Earth
This December, join Dynamic Earth for their new eco-friendly Christmas Market.
Embrace the true spirit of the season by choosing thoughtful, planet-conscious and organic gifts that make a positive impact – all in their indoor stratosphere. Discover a winter wonderland of handcrafted, locally sourced, and environmentally responsible gifts and artisanal treats that come with a lighter ecological footprint.
The Christmas Market at Dynamic Earth runs on 03, 10 and 17 December 2023.
Jupiter Christmas Fair
Less than 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 some tasty food offerings from the street food stalls, while you pick up some gifts from the craft stalls.
Jupiter Christmas Fair is open 09 and 10 December 2023.
Leith Christmas Brewery Market
Head to the vibrant Shore area of Leith, where the market at Moonwake’s award-winning taproom brings together small local businesses.
Leith Christmas Brewery Market will see the brewery taproom joined by eleven other local traders – the perfect place to peruse the stalls, tuck into some street food and enjoy their precision brewed beer.
Traders confirmed for this year’s market include Steam Bunny, Tasty Buns Bakery, ClaudiaQreations and Ropeworks Edinburgh.
The venue is fully accessible, dog-friendly and family-friendly (under 18s are welcome until 6pm each evening).
Leith Christmas Brewery Market takes place on 16 and 17 December 2023.
Edinburgh is 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. Take a look…..
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
Edinburgh’s original award-winning Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 9am to 2pm on Castle Terrace.
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.
Stockbridge Market
Taking place each Sunday from 10am to 4pm, 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. Once you’re done, wander further into Stockbridge to discover even more great gift ideas in one of the area’s many brilliant independent shops.
Grassmarket Market
-Every Saturday from 10am to 5pm, the Grassmarket becomes a flurry of excitement when the weekly 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.
Leith Market
The bustling Leith Market turns Leith into a foodie haven every Saturday. Come down from 10am to 4pm and discover the wares of a wide range of independent traders, including mouthwatering meat and fish, dairy and sweet delights.
On the first Saturday of the month, the market is home to a Vegan Quarter where, alongside the usual line-up of stalls, visitors can pick up a variety of vegan treats.
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