Christmas Markets in Scotland 2026

There's something special about Christmas in Scotland. Sparkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and the buzz of market stalls fill the air as towns and cities across the country come alive. Here's our guide to the best Christmas markets in Scotland in 2026. The biggest festive celebrations take place in Edinburgh and Glasgow, each hosting large Christmas markets with stalls, food, rides, and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Other cities, including Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Dundee and Inverness, also host smaller festive events worth exploring.

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026

Dates: 14th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

Location: East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street

Opening hours: Market open daily 10am–10pm. Christmas Eve 10am–8pm. Closed Christmas Day.

Edinburgh's Christmas Market is one of Europe's best-known festive celebrations, spread across three sites in the heart of the city.

East Princes Street Gardens is home to the Traditional Christmas Market, with around 70 wooden stalls selling crafts, gifts and festive food and drink, all beneath the Scott Monument. This is also where you'll find the LNER Big Wheel, Scotland's largest Ferris wheel, and the Star Flyer, both open for the full season.

West Princes Street Gardens hosts the Festive Family Funfair, with rides, attractions and food stalls beneath Edinburgh Castle. Santa's Stories also returns here from 20 November to 24 December, a 20-minute experience where children meet Santa and his elves in his cabin.

George Street is traditionally home to Edinburgh's covered ice rink, so you can skate whatever the weather. Check the official Edinburgh's Christmas website for this year's skating dates and sessions. Next door, the Polar Ice Bar with Icelandair returns from 19 November to 2 January with a new Viking 'fire and ice' theme, where everything from the tables to the glasses is carved from ice (over 18s). Families can visit the Family Ice Experience from 21 November.

Entry to the market is free, but rides, skating and Santa's Stories need tickets. All Edinburgh's Christmas sites are cashless, so bring a card.

Please note: Castle of Light, the after-dark light show at Edinburgh Castle, will not be returning in 2026.

Hogmanay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations follow straight on from Christmas. The Torchlight Procession takes place on 29 December, and the world-famous Hogmanay Street Party, with live music and fireworks over the Castle, takes over the city centre on 31 December. The Street Party is a ticketed event.

Travel Tips

Edinburgh Waverley Station is beside Princes Street Gardens, and excellent bus and tram links are nearby. Parking in the city centre is limited, so public transport is recommended and can get you closer to the markets. The final weekend before Christmas (19–20 December) is the busiest, so visit midweek if you can.

Glasgow Christmas Markets 2026

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland returns across two city centre sites:

• St Enoch Square: 6 November – 27 December 2026
• Glasgow Green, Winter Wonderland on the Green: 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

Both sites are closed on Christmas Day and are free to enter, with charges for rides and attractions.

George Square has been redeveloped and half of the Square is now reopen, but it isn't hosting the Christmas market this year, so for the second year running Glasgow Green is the main festive destination. Here you'll find the ice rink, observation wheels, the Festive Big Top with live shows, Santa's Grotto, and a big line-up of family and thrill rides. On weekdays Glasgow Green opens from 3pm, and from midday at weekends.

St Enoch Square is smaller and now focuses mostly on festive rides and attractions, right next to Glasgow's main shopping streets. It's perfect for combining with some Christmas shopping.

The IRN-BRU Carnival at the SEC returns from 18th December 2026 to 10th January 2027. Europe's biggest indoor funfair, it's a great choice for families whatever the weather.

Travel Tips

St Enoch Square is within easy walking distance of Glasgow Central and Queen Street Station and connects directly via Glasgow's Subway. Glasgow Green is around a 15-minute walk from the city centre.

Other Christmas Events Across Scotland

While Edinburgh and Glasgow host the largest markets, other Scottish cities also embrace the festive season:

• Aberdeen – The Aberdeen Christmas Village returns to Broad Street from 12th November 2026 to 3rd of January 2027, with rides, food stalls, and arts and craft stalls. Curated in the Square, a market of local makers and creatives, runs from 13 November to 23 December.
• Perth – Known for its festive fairs, pre-Christmas farmers' markets, and annual pantomime at Perth Theatre.
• Stirling – Stirling may be smaller than Scotland's biggest cities, but it offers a fantastic festive atmosphere with Christmas lights illuminating the historic Old Town, family-friendly markets, and community performances. A Blair Drummond Christmas is a highlight for families, running from 27th November to 23rd December 2026. Visitors can spot Santa on his sleigh, take a festive sing-along ride on Hector the train and see the park's animals, with all Christmas activities included in the ticket.
• Dundee – Hosts winter light displays, Christmas maker markets, and smaller pop-up festive events around the city centre.
• Inverness – The Highland capital celebrates with Christmas light switch-ons, craft fairs, and local festive entertainment that reflect its Highland heritage.

Travel Tips for Visiting

• Book early: Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow can sell out quickly in December due to the popularity of the Christmas markets.
• Use public transport: Trains, trams, and buses are easier than driving.
• Dress warmly: Markets are outdoors, and Scottish winters can be cold and wet.
• Visit midweek: Crowds are lighter compared to weekends.
• Bring a card: Many stalls and rides, including all of Edinburgh's Christmas, are cashless.

Whether you're wandering through the world-famous Edinburgh Christmas Market or enjoying the rides and ice rink at Glasgow Green, Scotland offers plenty of festive fun in 2026. Smaller events across other cities add to the seasonal charm, making December an excellent time to visit Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions about Scotland's Christmas Markets

When do Scotland's Christmas markets open in 2026?

Glasgow's St Enoch Square opens first, on 6th November. Aberdeen's Christmas Village opens on 12th November, Edinburgh's Christmas on 14th November and Glasgow Green on 20th November. Many run until early January.

Which is the best Christmas market in Scotland?

Edinburgh's market is the largest and most famous, offering a complete festive experience with stalls, rides, food, and entertainment. Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Stirling also offer fantastic atmospheres worth visiting.

Do you have to pay to enter the Christmas markets in Scotland?

Entry to the main markets in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other cities is free. However, attractions within them, such as rides require paid tickets. It's best to check official event websites for prices and booking information.

Is Castle of Light on in 2026?

No. Edinburgh Castle's Castle of Light light show will not return for the 2026 festive season.