Edinburgh's Christmas

Market stalls, a big wheel and a funfair in Princes Street Gardens, right below the castle.

Edinburgh's Christmas runs from 14 November to 3 January across East and West Princes Street Gardens and George Street. The traditional market in East Princes Street Gardens has around 70 stalls beneath the Scott Monument and is free to enter, open 10:00 to 22:00 on most days and closed on Christmas Day. The same gardens hold the 46-metre LNER Big Wheel and the 80-metre Starflyer, both with views over the Old Town. The free festive funfair is in West Princes Street Gardens. Waverley station opens straight onto the gardens, so arriving by train puts you at the gate. Evenings and December weekends are packed: browse on a weekday morning, then come back after dark for the lights. If your dates run into New Year, book a room early, because Hogmanay fills the city.