Everything you need to know about city's Christmas Market

Christmas is fast approaching and with it the excitement of the Capital's annual winter festival, Edinburgh's Christmas.

- by Ian Swanson

Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the city centre as crowds throng East Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the traditional Christmas market stalls, delight in the handcrafted decorations, buy gifts and sample some warming food and drink.

Thrill-seekers can try out the Star Flyer and get a bird's eye view of the city. Others can enjoy similar views from the more sedate Big Wheel.

The ice rink will be back too - and the Polar Ice Bar.

And of course a visit from Santa is promised as well.

Here's a rundown of Edinburgh's Christmas 2025.

The festive family fun gets under way when this year's Christmas Market opens on Saturday November 15. It runs until Sunday January 4.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET, EAST PRINCES STREET GARDENS

November 15 - January 4

All the usual stalls and chalets will be there, selling beautiful gifts, handcrafted goods and seasonal decorations, as well as festive food and drink.

The market will be open daily, 10am-10pm, except Christmas Day, and there will be shorter opening hours on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and January 1 and 4.

Entry to the Christmas Market is free.

AROUND THE WORLD STAR FLYER, EAST PRINCES STREET GARDENS

November 15 - January 4

Edinburgh's Christmas hosts the world's largest transportable Star Flyer. It's a whopping 80 metres tall and will tower over the Christmas Market and offer stunning views of the city centre skyline.