I’ve travelled to many different Christmas Markets throughout the UK, and I have to say Edinburgh Christmas Markets is one of my all-time favourites!
Here, I have put together a mini guide on everything you need to know, what to expect, and where to stay if you are coming up in your campervan.
Best Time to Visit
Ok, you may think this is a daft question, ‘the best time to visit?’ But honestly, it’s not! With Edinburgh Christmas Markets, different Christmas events open at different times in November and Decemeber.
We visited a week after the Christmas Markets opened, and found only parts were actually open. The main Christmas Markets on Princes Street were all open, but others were not. So this is something you need to be aware of when planning a visit.
For updated opening times on everything, please visit this website: https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/your-visit
You will also find maps of where everything is, on the above website!
One great thing about visiting in November, the markets weren’t too busy! We visited the 2nd week of opening. They were busy enough to enjoy a great atmosphere but not too busy, you couldn’t move.
So it depends what you would like out of your visit. If you just want to spend some time at some markets but not fussed about the ice skating ring, or the tree maze, and don’t want it to be too busy. Visiting in November, just after the Princes Street markets have opened, is the best time!
If you want to visit it all, and not bothered about the crowds, wait till Decmeber when it’s all open!
Where to Stay with a Campervan
If you are planning on coming up in your campervan, you can stay at Hermiston Park & Ride free of charge, for up to three nights. At the time we visited in 2024, it cost just £5 for an all-day bus ticket. The buses are very regular and take, just over 30 minutes to get into the city centre. It was perfect!
SatNav: Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 4AT
Location of the Christmas Markets
The Christmas Markets are located down Princes Street. They are divided into East and West Princess Street. East Princess Street is where you will find the market stalls gathered around the famous Scott’s Monument, Scotland’s largest ferris-wheel standing, at 46m high, and lots of stalls to walk around. West Princes Street is full of fun-fair rides, more stalls, and live shows, including choirs.
What to Expect at Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Edinburgh Christmas Markets are great and don’t get much more Scottish then this! You will find stalls selling Christmas tarten gifts, Christmas Highland Cattle, and of cause Haggis and the famous Scottish Mac and Cheese! But not only that, there was something else I loved about Edinburgh Christamas Markets. They had plenty of Vegan options, including Vegan haggis pie! And for anyone who chooses not to drink, they even had non-alcholic mulled wine on offer at one of the stalls!
We visited the Christmas Markets day and night to experience both kind of amstospshes. They become alive at night, with bigger crowds, colourful lights, and a bigger atmosphere. During the daytime, it has a lot more of a relaxing kind of vibe, which gives you time to potter around the stalls, and buy some local souvenirs.
If you are visiting both day and night, and have time to kill in between, I recommend heading up Carlton Hill for sunset! It’s a great place to go to get great views over Ediburgh, and watch the Christmas Markets turn from day to night, with all their colourful lights.
Other Christmassy Things To Do
We only visited the Christmas Markets on our visit to Edinburgh. However the city has so much more to offer at Christmas! If you are planning to visit any listed below, please check their opening dates.
Here are some other festive fun you can have while in the city:
- George Street West – Ice Skating, Polar Ice Bar, funrides, and workshops. For opening times, please check out their website: https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/george-street
- Castle Street – Full of local craft stalls. For opening times, please check out their website: https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/castle-street
- St Andrew Square Winter Garden – UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree Maze and meet Santa. For opening times, please check out their website: https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas/st-andrew-square
- Edinburgh Castle Christmas Light Show – more info, please check out their website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light
- Botonic Gardens Light Show – more info, please check out their website: https://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics/
If you enjoyed this Christmas Market and would to visit another in the UK, why not check out one of my other guides: https://livingwiththewolf.co.uk/category/christmas-markets/
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