The gorgeous Christmas market that's the 'UK's best' to run for incredible 51 days

A gorgeous Christmas market that has been labelled the "UK's best" will be running for an astounding 51 days this year. Edinburgh's Christmas market will run from November 15 until January 4, 2026, bringing festive cheer to the heart of Scotland's capital.

Which? compiled a list of the UK's best Christmas markets for 2025 and Edinburgh was named among them. The Scottish Christmas market offers a festive experience across several charming locations in the city. East Princes Street Gardens hosts a traditional European-style market with over 70 stalls, alongside thrilling attractions like the Big Wheel, Starflyer, and Helter Skelter. West Princes Street Gardens caters to families with funfair rides and a children's market, while George Street features the Scottish Christmas Fair, a popular outdoor ice rink, and vintage rides.

St Andrew Square adds a magical touch with Santa's Stories sessions and other seasonal delights. The market is open daily from 10am until 10pm, with adjusted hours on key holidays - closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, opening later on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, and closed on Christmas Day.

Highlights include ice skating at George Street starting November 20, Santa's Grotto, a festive Tree Maze, and the dazzling Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle running from November 21 to January 4.

Visitors can enjoy choirs, live music, street performances, and browse locally made crafts while sipping mulled wine.

Entry to the market areas is free, though tickets are required for rides, the ice rink, and special events, which can be purchased online or at the venue.

One of the visitors wrote on TripAdvisor forum: "Came to the Edinburgh Christmas market early January last year and returned this year. I absolutely love it! Amazing variety of food and drink stalls.

"The prices were reasonable considering the location and the time of year. Awesome atmosphere. The gardens and backdrop of the market with the castle is just beautiful. The gift stalls were the same as last year. Really nice products and good prices.

"We went on the Big Wheel at night and it was wonderful, £11 per person we thought was well worth it. There is also a fabulous family section with kids rides, play park and fun stalls. We will definitely be back next year. Edinburgh is one of our favourite places to visit. We would highly recommend a visit to the market."

Calling it one of the "UK's best", a second user wrote: "We found the market has a better layout than in previous years as it was all on one level which worked out fantastic for me using a mobility scooter.

"I had devised a little seating area in between my legs where our dog can sit on a little stool so she is higher up to see all around. She loves it as she can clearly see people and they can see her.

"We had arrived at 10.30am so the market wasn't that crowded so we could get a good look at the many gift stools where we purchased some fantastic gifts. All of the wooden huts were beautifully decorated and the vendors were all helpful and friendly.

"After looking around and getting stopped for pictures with our dog, we stopped for lunch at a good stall where we both had a burger with onions that was reasonably priced at £8 each. Plenty of places to eat with a good variety of different foods/dishes from different countries around the world. German sausages, French crepes and Dutch pancakes to name a few.

"Hot chocolate, German beers and the much loved warm mulled wine all added to the Christmas market experience. A truly fabulous place to visit and without doubt one of the best Christmas markets in the UK."

Another user wrote: "Spent three days in Edinburgh with my better half and we loved it! The Xmas market is great, with lots of stalls with loads of different things to buy from food and mulled wine (which was lovely by the way!) to hand made jewellery, Xmas decorations and artisan cheeses. I was sorry we didn't have any longer.

"We took a ghost tour as well as a ride on the open top tour bus. Such a pretty city made all the more eye-catching by the Xmas lights and decorations. Edinburgh is so good we are already talking about coming back for Valentine's day!"