Edinburgh's Christmas 2026 runs from Saturday 14 November to Sunday 3 January 2027, according to Forever Edinburgh, with three main sites: the traditional Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens, the Festive Family Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens, and the ice rink on George Street. Forever Edinburgh describes the market as free to enter, with around 70 stalls.
Key takeaways
- Runs from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
- The Christmas Market is in East Princes Street Gardens, free to enter, with around 70 stalls and the LNER Big Wheel.
- West Princes Street Gardens has the funfair and food stalls. George Street has the ice rink.
- The city centre is inside the Low Emission Zone, which carries a £60 penalty for non-compliant vehicles under the Scottish regulations.
- Ingliston and Hermiston Park & Ride are free to park at, according to the council.
When is the Edinburgh's Christmas 2026?
| What the organiser has published | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Forever Edinburgh |
| Christmas Market | East Princes Street Gardens, free entry, around 70 stalls | Forever Edinburgh |
| Funfair | West Princes Street Gardens, with food and drink stalls | Forever Edinburgh |
| Ice rink | George Street, with toddler, relaxed and adults-only sessions | Forever Edinburgh |
| Opening hours | Not yet published for 2026 | Check the organiser's page nearer the time |
What if the dates change?
Everything on this page comes from the organiser's own announcements on the date shown at the top. If the organiser moves or cancels anything, their page is the final word, which is why every row links to it.
Where is the Edinburgh Christmas Market?
In East Princes Street Gardens, below the castle and beside the Scott Monument, according to Forever Edinburgh, which lists the LNER Big Wheel there too. The funfair is in West Princes Street Gardens and the ice rink on George Street, all within a walk of each other. Forever Edinburgh describes the market as free to enter, with rides, skating and some events paid for separately. Hours for 2026 haven't been published yet, and this page will add them when they are.
Where can you park for the Edinburgh's Christmas?
From our Edinburgh parking guide, with prices from the council and operators:
| Option | What it costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ingliston Park & Ride | Free parking, tram or bus fare only | 1,085 spaces off the A8. No overnight parking, according to the council |
| Hermiston Park & Ride | Free parking, bus fare only | 450 spaces, overnight allowed up to 3 nights, 1.9m height limit |
| St James Quarter | £4.20 for up to an hour, £28.20 for 8 to 24 hours | About 1,600 spaces, inside the Low Emission Zone, according to Westfield |
The full guide has the map, the on-street prices and the height limits: parking in Edinburgh.
Own a home in Edinburgh? Christmas market weekends mean full houses, late arrivals and the 10pm "we can't find the key safe" call. A local manager from the Houst network takes those calls for you, and Guestwise manages short lets from 12% + VAT. See Airbnb management in Edinburgh.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026?
Edinburgh's Christmas runs from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, according to Forever Edinburgh.
Is the Edinburgh Christmas Market free?
Yes, entry to the market in East Princes Street Gardens is free. Rides, the Big Wheel and skating are paid for separately.
Where are the three sites?
East Princes Street Gardens (market), West Princes Street Gardens (funfair) and George Street (ice rink).
What are the opening hours?
Not published for 2026 yet. This page will be updated when they are.
Can I drive into the city centre?
The centre is inside the Low Emission Zone, which carries a £60 penalty for non-compliant vehicles under the Scottish regulations. Our Edinburgh parking guide covers the zone and the Park & Ride sites.
Is there parking near Princes Street Gardens?
The council lists the city centre car parks as private, including St James Quarter. Our Edinburgh parking guide lists them with prices.
Dates, locations and prices come from the linked organiser, council and operator pages and can change. Check the organiser's page before you travel.