Event Dates
From: Saturday, November 25, 2023
To: Thursday, January 4, 2024
The Scottish Market in West George St is a winter showcase of some of the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer.
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
- 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 are open from 10am – 10pm.
The Scottish Market
- The Scottish Market in West George St 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.
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 including Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus and Edinburgh’s Got Soul will perform in front of an expected audience of around 20,000 people.
- This year the Street of Light at the west end of George Street will make its first appearance as part of Light Night and the acts will perform on a stage under its lights and will again be hosted by Forth One DJ Arlene Stuart!
- 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
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is our
preferred hotel close to the gay bars.
For further information and advice on
Edinburgh Christmas Markets Website
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.
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, Autograph Collection is a modern 5-star boutique hotel set behind the historic facade of 172-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church. Each bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows, with views of the roof terrace or Edinburgh city centre. Luxurious touches include a flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, an iPod docking station, a free newspaper
Located on Princes Street, The Balmoral has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a pool and a gym. Waverley Station and Edinburgh’s main shopping area are within 5 minutes’ walk. First opened in 1902, The Balmoral now offers rooms with a spacious marble bathroom and an interactive TV. Many rooms have views towards Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh offers a prime location. It offers complimentary WiFi, an on-site bar and free access to the gym. The spacious, modern rooms feature locally-inspired furnishings and quality amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and a work desk. Each bathroom comes with a shower and complimentary toiletries.
In Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre, Hotel Indigo Edinburgh offers stylish rooms with work areas. Featuring a fitness centre and free WiFi, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Princes Street and St Andrew’s Square. The bedrooms each have a flat-screen satellite TV. Air conditioning, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower, integrated speakers and Aveda toiletries.
Edinburgh’s Christmas 2015