Edinburgh Christmas markets to return with dates confirmed

Edinburgh's Christmas <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
Edinburgh's Christmas (Image: Supplied)
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Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations are set to return later this year, with organisers unveiling plans for another festive season packed with family attractions, fairground rides and seasonal entertainment.

The annual event will run from November 14, 2026, until January 3, 2027, transforming the heart of the capital into one of Scotland’s biggest winter destinations.

Edinburgh's Christmas (Image: Supplied)

A number of visitor favourites have been confirmed as part of the programme, including Santa's Stories, the Around the World Star Flyer and the LNER Big Wheel.

The festivities are expected to attract thousands of visitors to the city centre and once again play a major role in Scotland’s winter tourism offering.

West Princes Street Gardens will host Santa Claus and his team of elves as part of Santa's Stories, a festive experience designed for families and younger visitors.

Children attending the attraction will receive a special gift before taking part in storytelling sessions and meeting Santa in person.

The attraction has become one of the most popular family experiences during Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations in recent years.

In East Princes Street Gardens, visitors will once again be able to experience the Around the World Star Flyer.

The towering ride is one of the largest attractions of its kind and offers panoramic views across the city as riders soar high above the Christmas festivities below.

Edinburgh's Christmas (Image: Supplied)

The LNER Big Wheel will also make its return, giving visitors the opportunity to take in views across Edinburgh’s historic skyline.

From the top of the wheel, passengers can enjoy sweeping vistas stretching across the capital towards the Pentland Hills.



The annual Christmas celebrations have become a major fixture in Edinburgh’s events calendar, attracting visitors from across Scotland, the UK and overseas during the festive period.

Tickets for Edinburgh Christmas 2026 are now on sale and can be purchased through the official Edinburgh Winter Festival website.

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