Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2021

Edinburgh, with its castle, cobbled streets and ancient buildings, is the perfect backdrop to Christmas. Lights twinkle everywhere and local businesses really go to town with their decorations, so the city is a pretty as a picture. Edinburgh Christmas markets are a huge draw for visitors to the city and locals too – it’s many peoples favourite time of year here. After all, who doesn’t love mulled wine, hot toddies and shopping rolled into one experience!

Dickins looks after the cosiest, special homes in the city, many of which are in great locations for the Edinburgh Christmas markets. In this guide we’ll let you know details for the best Christmas markets and where to stay nearby so you can make the very most of this spectacular time of year in the city.

EAST PRINCES STREET GARDENS

Edinburgh’s main Christmas market is situated in the heart of the city. It’s a beautiful position as iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, the Balmoral Hotel are all seen from the market. It sells mostly traditional European wares and is known as the ‘German Christmas Market’

In 2021, The return of Edinburgh’s Christmas will see the market extend beyond East Princes Street Gardens where revellers can find rides, hot toddies and market stalls. They will be bringing back the ice rink for the first time since 2018 to George Street, along with the traditional stalls and children’s activities like the Christmas tree maze and Santa’s grotto in the East Princes Street Gardens.

This is a huge event, but you can expect lots of atmosphere and stalls selling everything from painted nutcrackers to Christmas decorations and gastronomic surprises. This market also features loads of attractions including the Christmas Wheel, the Star Flyer and Santa Land. So, it’s especially suitable for families with children.

When: 19 November- 2 January. 10am-10pm.
Markets open at 1pm on 19 November, close at 8pm on 24 December, are closed 25 December, open 12pm 26 December and 1 January.

Where: East Princes Street Gardens

Website: edinburghschristmas.com

Where to stay: Frederick Street is a fabulous one bedroom home where you can see Edinburgh Castle from the windows and is just around the corner from East Princes Street Gardens and the gorgeous shops on George Street. Check prices and availability to stay in Frederick Street here

South Charlotte Street is a glamorous two bedroom home with two bathrooms and a brilliant living room overlooking Charlotte Square with its pretty Christmas tree. You’re just one minute from Princes Street here and George Street is around the corner. Check prices and availability to stay in South Charlotte Street here

HOPETOUN HOUSE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAIR

Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh towards the Firth of Forth, this magnificent stately home sits in 6,500 acres of stunning countryside, with a farm producing beef, lamb and poultry that’s sold directly through its on-site shop.

Hopetoun always makes for a great day out, but especially so during its Christmas shopping fair. The term ‘winter wonderland’ is overused at Christmas, but it does apply here! With festive entertainment, over 60 stalls offering slightly more unusual gifts than the usual fare and a festive afternoon tea on offer, this market is well worth the short trip out of town.

When: 10 December – 12 December, 10am-4pm.

Where: Hopetoun house, South Queensferry

Website: https://hopetoun.co.uk/event/christmas-shopping-fair/

Where to stay: Our luxury one bedroom home on Buckingham Terrace is perfectly situated by Queensferry Road for short journey to Hopetoun House. Staying here is as much of a treat as the Christmas fairs! To check prices and availability to stay in Buckingham Terrace click here

SUMMERHALL CHRISTMAS MARKET

Summerhall is a vibrant arts hub in Edinburgh’s Southside by The Meadows, which plays host to many interesting events, from niche film festivals to ceilidh clubs. It approaches Christmas market in a similar way lending it an alternative twist that sets it apart from standard offerings. There’s a gin distillery on site and a great bar to add to the overall excitement.

At this popular one-day event (drawing upwards of 4,000 people), you can expect the likes of vintage stalls, independent, local wares, vegan food, and festive wreath-making workshops, all sound tracked to carols sung by Summerhall’s very own community choir. A cool and quirky Christmas day out if ever there was!

When: 5^th December, 11am-5pm

Where: Summerhall

Website: https://www.summerhall.co.uk/summerhall-christmas-market-2021/

Where to stay: Montpelier Park is a two bedroom home with the cosiest cabin bed in the whole of Edinburgh. It’s a short walk across the Meadows to Summerhall. Bruntsfield, the local area, is one of Edinburgh’s best. Check prices and availability to stay in Montpelier Park here.

JUPITER ARTLAND’S CHRISTMAS FAIR

Jupiter Artland is the most incredible award winning sculpture garden to the west of Edinburgh. Its 35, site-specific sculptures are a joy to behold, and its unique, creative and artistic Christmas market a joy to experience. It’s normally closed in the winter, so their Christmas fair is a unique opportunity to visit.

Expect boutique craft and artisan stalls, live music, and delicious homemade mulled wine. There’s plenty here for kids too, including Santa’s grotto, an elf workshop, a Christmas tree yard and festive donkey rides.

When: 11 December- 12 December, 11am-4pm

Where: Jupiter Artland

Website: jupiterartland.org/whats-on/christmas-fair 

Where to stay: London Street has two bedrooms and is an interior lovers dream! Everywhere you look your eyes rest on something beautiful. The main market at East Princes Street Gardens is a short walk from this stunning home too. Christmas time is the perfect moment to take a soak in their Japanese tub. Check prices and availability to stay in London Street here.

Markets and Special Events

Along with our favourite markets mentioned above, Edinburgh is certainly bringing back the Christmas cheer this year with an assortment of markets, theatre and special events for the whole family…

What?	When?	Where?
Edinburgh Christmas	19 November – 2 January	Princes Street Gardens/City Centre
Edinburgh Castle of Light	19 November – 2 January	Edinburgh Castle
Jupiter Artland Christmas Fair	11 December – 12 December	Jupiter Artland
Christmas at the Botanics	25 November – 2 January	Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay	29 December – 1 January	Various Locations
Edinburgh Zoo’s Christmas Nights	19 November – 2 January	Edinburgh Zoo
Hopetoun Christmas Shopping Fair	10 – 12 December	Hopetoun House
Summerhall Christmas Market	5 December	Summerhall
Support the Makers Christmas Market	5 December	Bellfield Street, Portobello
Conifox’s Christmas Experience	26 November – 23 December	Conifox Adventure Park

Theatre and Events

What?	When?	Where?
White Christmas	14 December – 2 January	Edinburgh Playhouse
Edinburgh Christmas Santa Parade	4 December	Saunders Street, Stockbridge
Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker	1 December – 31 December	Capital Theatres
Printmaking for Christmas	2 December	Lauriston Castle
Royal Yacht Britannia Christmas Gala Dinner	10 & 18 December	Royal Yacht Britannia
Christmas with Il Divo	12 December	Usher Hall
King’s Panto – Sleeping Beauty	27 November – 16 January	King’s Theatre
The Muppet Christmas Carol Movie with Live Orchestra	2 December	Usher Hall

We hope you’ve found this guide to Edinburgh Christmas markets useful. Accommodation in Edinburgh over Christmas fills up quicker than a Christmas stocking, so make sure to book your special Edinburgh home from home today. You can search our full availability here.