Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
To: Awaiting dates
Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2025
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 2025
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
- Awaiting dates – Typically from mid November to the 5th of January.
- 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
- Awaiting dates – 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
- Awaiting dates – 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.
2 Greenside Place, New Town, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection is a modern 5-star boutique hotel set behind the historic facade of 172-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church. A short walk from both Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station and York Place Tram Stop, it features an 2-acre with over .
Each bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows, with views of the or over Edinburgh city centre. Luxurious touches include a flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, an , a free newspaper and Highland Aromatics toiletries in the bathroom.
27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AT, United Kingdom
With a stylish swimming pool and Scottish restaurant, the luxury 4-star Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers sumptuous rooms with free WiFi. The hotel is in Edinburgh’s Old Town, at the end of Princes Street.
The large bedrooms at Apex Waterloo Place each have a modern bathroom with a large walk-in shower and designer Elemis toiletries. Rooms also feature a 42-inch LCD TV and air conditioning.
1-3 Baxter's Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, UK
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh offers accommodation in Edinburgh, in a prime at the foothills of Calton Hill and just a five-minute walk from Princes Street. It offers complimentary WiFi, an on-site bar and free access to the gym.
The spacious, feature locally-inspired furnishings and quality amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and a work desk. Each private bathroom comes with a shower and complimentary toiletries.
51-59 York Place New Town, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, United Kingdom
In Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre, 200 m from the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, 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 contemporary bedrooms each have a flat-screen satellite TV and an iPod dock. All rooms have a media hub, air conditioning, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower, integrated speakers and Aveda toiletries.
5 Union Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3NQ, UK
This three-bedroom apartment comes with a living area with a satellite flat-screen TV and a modern kitchen with an oven, a dishwasher and washing machine, 2 Bathrooms with showers. Free WiFi
41a Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RH, UK
Located In the Edinburgh City Centre this Chic apartment offers a living room with flat screen TV a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine and a bathroom with shower. Free WiFi is available in all areas
Union St, Edinburgh EH1, UK
This stylish first floor apartment is a rare find offering a kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave, a living room with a seating area A flat-screen TV & a dining area, 3 bedrooms, & 2 bathrooms with a shower & a bath.
Set in the very heart of Edinburgh New Town, one of the most preserved examples of urban planning, this apartment offers an unrivaled luxury finish complemented by an unmatched location.
23-24 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA
• Edinburgh’s most established LGBTQ+ venue, open since 1994.
• Named after Bette Midler’s character in the film "Beaches."
• Great cocktails, tasty food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Outdoor seating available during the day.
• Lively club atmosphere in the evening.
• Popular Rabbit Hole club night featuring some of the city’s best drag performers.
Daily 3:00 PM - 3:00 AM Saturday & Sunday 1:00 PM - 3:00 AM
2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5DL
• Relaxed and inclusive bar in the Abbeyhill area.
• Great range of real ales and rotating guest ales.
• Comfort food menu with good vegetarian options.
• Comfy sofas and table-top games available.
• Great range of real ales and rotating guest ales.
• Comfort food menu with good vegetarian options.
• Comfy sofas and table-top games available.
Daily 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
2b Picardy Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Independently owned café bar on the corner of the Pink Triangle.
• Great for people-watching by day with glass front and outdoor seating.
• Lively crowd and buzzing atmosphere at night.
• Resident DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Vintage-style black and white photo booth for personal mementos.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday Saturday 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
6 Baxters Place Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Planet Bar and Kitchen is one of Edinburgh's longest running gay bars.
- Entertainment on 7 days a week from DJ's to Drag Queens
Mon-Thu, 1pm-1am Fri-Sat, 1pm-3am Sun, 1pm-1am
265 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8PD
• Edinburgh’s longest-running gay bar next door to CC Blooms.
• Reasonably priced drinks and daily entertainment.
• DJs perform every night; Drag DJs on Thursdays and Sundays.
• Showtime Fridays feature local and international Drag Queens.
• Hosts retro, karaoke, and bingo nights.
• Involved with local LGBT charities and sponsors Scotland’s first LGBTQ+ football team.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday Saturday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM
41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• LGBTQ+ friendly venue known for award-winning vegetarian food and local/international beers.
• Features live music and their music partner Paradise Vinyl.
• Vinyl records from local and international acts, curated second-hand disco/electronic gold.
• Sells books, clothes, and works by local artists.
12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
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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