Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
To: Awaiting dates
Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2026
The Scottish Market in West George St is a winter showcase of some of the best crafts, food and drink that Scotland has to offer.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2026
Edinburgh is a city that truly shines during the Christmas festivities combining shopping, tradition and a vibrant gay party scene; all the ingredients needed for a perfect pre-Christmas weekend escape.
- Stay close to the markets at Princess St Gardens. Enjoy a glamorous stay at the Rutland Hotel and Apartments featuring stylish designer rooms, castle views and excellent location.
The European Christmas Market
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates – typically Mid November 2026 to the first Sunday of 2027.
- The European Christmas Market in Edinburgh takes place in East Princes St Gardens for a whole host of bespoke and traditional Christmas items!
- The traditional and romantic Christmas Market in the heart of the City of Edinburgh offers a unique shopping experience for every visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and gastronomic surprises. Get into the Christmas spirit!
- Markets feature more than 70 different stalls are open from 10am – 10pm.
- East Princes Street Gardens will also feature the Big Wheel, the tallest ferris wheel in Scotland at 46 meters, offering riders a breathtaking view of the city.
- Catch the enchanting Santa Train as it travels through a beautifully lit winter wonderland, along with a thrilling array of rides including the Helter Skelter and the Starflyer.
The Scottish Market
- The Scottish Market in St Andrew Square is a winter showcase of some of the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer. The treats available will locally produced goods and artisanal delicacies.
- Stay close to the market at Le Monde Hotel, offering guests unique and chic rooms, rated “Fabulous” by guests.
George Street West & Castle Street
- Located on Castle Street, with 22 stalls selling quality made local, fair trade and ethical gifts; arts and crafts, food and drinks.
- George Street will host the stunning Edinburgh Christmas Ice Rink, an essential feature of any festive outing. This year's rink is set to be even larger than last year’s and will once again be sheltered, allowing more visitors to take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s New Town while skating.
- After enjoying the rink, skaters can cozy up with a warm beverage or snack from the food stalls located in the warming zones on George Street. You also experience traditional fairground rides, including a charming double carousel, explore the Artisan Christmas Market, or pick up must-have holiday items along Edinburgh’s New Town shopping street.
- Additionally, local producers Local Motive will be presenting their Ethical & Scottish Christmas Fair at Castle Street from November 18 to December 24.
Light Night
- Awaiting dates – Light Night is an event free for all to enjoy, which encapsulates the true spirit of the festive season: family and the community.
- Choirs from across Scotland will perform in front of an expected audience of around 20,000 people.
- Awaiting dates – The Christmas Tree on the Mound, a gift to the City of Edinburgh Council from Hordaland County Council in Norway, will be lit as part of the Light Night switch-on.
Where to stay in Gay Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street:
Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to both the markets and the gay bars:
Hotel Indigo, The Glasshouse, Twelve Picardy Place, Courtyard by Marriott
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is our
preferred hotel close to the gay bars.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Edinburgh Christmas Markets Website
Map of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street, Edinburgh's main thoroughfare. All the bars and clubs are in easy walking distance. The city has more in common with European cities than other cities in the UK so around the city is a cafe culture. Here you will find a gay-friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
- Five-star boutique hotel behind historic church façade
- Large rooftop garden with rare city-centre outdoor space
- Floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace-access rooms
- Strong design blend of heritage and modern luxury
- Steps from Playhouse Theatre and Calton Hill
- Premium base for luxury city breaks in Edinburgh
- Website
Address: 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ, United Kingdom
- Four-star hotel in a grand Georgian building on Waterloo Place
- Steps from Princes Street, Calton Hill, and Waverley Station
- Yu Spa with indoor pool, sauna, and steam room
- Stylish rooms blending heritage and modern comfort
- On-site brasserie and cocktail bar for easy dining
- Strong base for luxury city breaks and theatre stays
- Website
Address: 1-3 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, United Kingdom
- Modern four-star hotel next to Edinburgh Playhouse
- Steps from St James Quarter and Calton Hill
- Contemporary rooms with local design touches
- On-site restaurant and lounge with terrace seating
- Easy walk to Princes Street and Waverley Station
- Strong choice for theatre trips and city breaks
- Website
Address: 20 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AN, United Kingdom
- Boutique hotel in a landmark Victorian building on Princes Street
- Directly opposite Waverley Station for easy transport access
- Contemporary rooms inspired by Edinburgh’s cultural history
- Some rooms with views towards Edinburgh Castle
- On-site restaurant and Juniper cocktail bar
- Prime base for Old Town and New Town sightseeing
- Website
Address: 23-24 Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
- Long-running gay bar and club near Leith Walk and Playhouse
- Two-level venue with bar, food, and late-night dancing
- Regular drag, cabaret, and themed party nights
- Popular with locals, theatre crowds, and visitors
- Key LGBTQ+ nightlife hub in central Edinburgh
- Open: Mon-Sat 1pm-3am, Sun 1pm-3am
- Faceboook
Address: 2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5DL, United Kingdom
- Real-ale focused gay pub near Calton Hill
- Cosy sofas and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibe
- Strong CAMRA reputation for quality cask ales
- Popular with leathermen, bears, and older regulars
- Calm alternative to Edinburgh’s louder gay clubs
- Open: Mon-Sun 4pm-12am
Address: 2B Picardy Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JT, United Kingdom
- Long-running gay bar and nightclub near Picardy Place
- Two-level venue with separate basement nightclub
- Daytime bar and food shift into late-night club energy
- Regular DJ nights and themed events
- Key LGBTQ+ social and party hub in central Edinburgh
- Open: Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12:30pm-1am
Address: 6 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh’s longest-running gay bar in the Pink Triangle
- Strong focus on drag, karaoke, and DJ party nights
- Friendly, community-led crowd with mixed LGBTQ+ groups
- Popular with lesbians and long-time local regulars
- Reliable late-night stop near Leith Walk and Calton Hill
- Open: Sun-Thu 3pm-1am, Fri-Sat 1pm-3am
Address: 265 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8PD, United Kingdom
- Mixed gay-friendly bar on Leith Walk near Pink Triangle
- Relaxed, international crowd with DJs and themed nights
- Good-value drinks and casual social atmosphere
- Popular for after-work and pre-club meetups
- Local favourite with steady LGBTQ+ following
- Open: Mon-Tue 4pm-12am, Wed-Thu 2pm-12am, Fri 2pm-1am,
- Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 1pm-12am
Address: 41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HB, United Kingdom
- Alternative bar and vegan diner on Lothian Street
- Retro dive-bar decor with late-night party energy
- Strong LGBTQ+ following and creative crowd
- Plant-based comfort food and tropical cocktails
- Popular late-night hangout near Bristo Square
- Open: Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sun 12pm-1am
Address: 12A Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh EH1 3LY, United Kingdom
- LGBTQ+-friendly bar hidden off Broughton Street Lane
- Relaxed, inclusive atmosphere with mixed local crowd
- Popular courtyard beer garden in warmer months
- Craft beers, cocktails, and DJ-led evenings
- Social hangout away from Edinburgh’s main club zones
- Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-1am, Sun 5pm-1am
Recommended Hotels in Edinburgh By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Edinburgh that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Glasshouse
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, historic church facade, roof terrace.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso.
- Unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm, heart of the city.
The Balmoral Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, Michelin-starred restaurant, Princes Street.
- Close to the gay district.
- Marble bathroom, interactive TV.
- Iconic Edinburgh hotel with luxurious rooms, castle views, and world-class dining.
Courtyard by Marriott
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, complimentary WiFi, on-site bar.
- Close to the gay district.
- Modern rooms, flat-screen TV.
- Comfortable, value-oriented stay in prime location, with contemporary rooms and amenities.
Hotel Indigo
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, vibrant city center, fitness centre.
- Close to the gay district.
- Satellite TV, rainfall shower.
- Stylish and central, perfect for city exploration with modern rooms and thoughtful comforts.
Video Of Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Edinburgh's Christmas 2015
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