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 selection of food, craft and gift stalls, as well as funfair rides, it offers something for all the family.
Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Market between 15 November 2024 and 04 January 2025.
Castle Street Market
With the majestic Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop, Castle Street Market has a stunning location.
This popular market is 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 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, 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 29 November and 01 December 2024.
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 06, 07 and 08 December 2024.
Leith Christmas Brewery Market
Also in Leith, Moonwake Beer’s award-winning taproom will be bringing together small local businesses as part of the Leith Christmas Brewery Market.
Running over two weekends, the taproom will be joined by an array of local traders, makers and artists, including Tasty Buns, Edinburgh Candle Maker, Reided Glass and Grace Cooper Creative.
Leith Christmas Brewery Market takes place from 07 to 08 and 14 to 15 December 2024.
Summerhall Christmas Market
The Southside’s hugely popular Summerhall Christmas Market is back for 2024, with a variety of stalls to give you a huge range of gifts and treats for friends and family.
This year’s market will be packed full of 70 independent makers and craftspeople selling unique gift ideas, while food vendors will be serving up delicious food and drink to keep hunger at bay.
Summerhall Christmas Market takes place on 07 and 08 December 2024.
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 07 and 08 December 2024.
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 live music, while you pick up some gifts from the craft stalls.
Jupiter Christmas Fair is open 07 and 08 December 2024.
Edinburgh Makers Market
Taking place at the Fruitmarket gallery, Endless Love Creative’s Edinburgh Makers Market will showcase both emerging and established makers from across the UK.
Browse and buy from tables abundant with an array of botanicals, candles, ceramics, clothing, illustration, homeware, jewellery, print, stationary and textiles.
Edinburgh Makers Market runs on 08 December 2024.
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.
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 fresh meat, veg and fish, sweet delights and handcrafted gifts.
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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