With the addition of a series of fun, free festive events as part of the programme including a Nativity Carol Concert on Sunday 27 November and the Santa Fun Run on Sunday 4 December.
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre, with stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline, Edinburgh Castle and Scott Monument, East Princes Street Gardens hosts the traditional Christmas Market with around 70 stalls, featuring some of the best local traders alongside their UK and European peers selling everything from bespoke products and gifts to tasty treats.
The top of East Princes Street Gardens will be home to the Forth 1 Big Wheel and a selection of thrill rides. At West Princes Street Gardens, visitors will find Santa Land, offering the excitement of a Christmas tree maze and a family-friendly funfair as well as an all-new Santa Stories in the Piccolo where children can enjoy a special Christmas tale, told by Santa himself along with some special guest helpers. All children will receive a gift and sittings will also include BSL, relaxed and audio described sessions.
George Street will be home to the spectacular Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink; Lidl on Ice, in partnership with Essential Edinburgh, which this year for the first time will be under cover allowing visitors to enjoy the fun in any weather surrounded by the elegant 18th century architecture. Skaters and friends can warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate from the winter warming area, enjoy a ride on a vintage funfair ride before enjoying the rest of what George Street has to offer.
Back in St Andrew Square, in partnership with Essential Edinburgh, is Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, Tree and Gift Donation point. Dedicated to spreading festive goodwill to those who need it most, people from all walks of life will be encouraged to help create a moment of kindness. Donations can also be made to help provide thousands of Christmas dinners and food packs, to help with the distribution of gifts to homeless and vulnerable families, children and individuals or for shelter to those without a roof over their heads this winter.
Open seven days per week from 10am- until late, Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets, Santa Land, Forth 1 Big Wheel, and other festive rides open on the afternoon of Friday 25 November. The George Street Ice Rink opens on Saturday 26 November.
Edinburgh Winter Festival is the best place to find Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations this winter. The site is the only place to buy tickets to the various official Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions, and also provides tickets to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay official events and wider celebrations around the city. Find festive events across Edinburgh including festive ceilidhs, musical concerts, workshops, club nights and more!
