Edinburgh’s Christmas runs from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 across three city-centre sites. The Traditional Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens, with the Scott Monument and the Old Town skyline behind it, is free to enter.

Around 70 stalls sell clothing, jewellery, handmade gifts and festive food and drink, and the lights and atmosphere cost nothing. The fairground rides, the ice rink, Santa experiences and the ice attraction are separately ticketed.

It is one of the busiest spots in the city in December, so visit on a weekday or early in the day for an easier wander.