Edinburgh Christmas Market – The Best Way to Visit in 2023

The Best Way to Visit Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2023

If you’re dreaming of a magical holiday adventure, look no further than the enchanting Edinburgh Christmas Markets. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, transforms into a winter wonderland, offering you the perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit, while traveling solo with confidence, in a safe destination. This guide will show you the very best way to visit Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2023.

2023 Dates for the Edinburgh Christmas Market

The dates for this year’s Edinburgh Christmas Markets in 2023 aref17th November – 6th January. They set to dazzle you for 7 weeks.

What’s On at the Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2023?

Let’s dive right into the festive fun! The markets feature a delightful array of stalls showcasing handcrafted gifts, locally made goodies, and scrumptious treats to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. There are Mulled Wine stalls and Hot Chocolate stalls to warm you up; a giant Ferris Wheel to get a panoramic, rooftop view of Edinburgh and a fun fair that the kids will never forget.

Taking my family to the Christmas Market was a yearly event that I have such fond memories of. When Jenners was still open they used to put a Santa sleigh and reindeer on the roof, that you could only see from the Ferris wheel. Sadly, Jenners is now closed, but there are still plenty of other great sights from the top of the wheel.

On top of this there is ice-skating, illuminated gardens, artisan makers, Santa, so many food and drink stalls, along with warming huts to take away that Scottish winter chill. Read on to find out more.

Where the Edinburgh Christmas Market Events Take Place

East Princes Street Gardens

The heart of the magic lies in East Princes Street Gardens, nestled beneath the iconic Edinburgh Castle. This stunning setting provides a picturesque backdrop for your solo adventure, offering breathtaking views of the market and the city’s historic skyline. 

The market here consists of 70 stalls, from around the world selling everything from warm winter wear, Scottish handmade gifts,

Take a ride on the Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest ferris-wheel. At 46 meteres it will give you a panoramic view of the city. And don’t worry about the weather. Each one of the 36 pods is enclosed. You should also go experience the Helter Skelter and, if you’re a bit of a trill-seeker, the Starflyer shouldn’t be missed.

The Mound Precinct

The Mound precinct is a public space next to the National Galleries on Princes Street. Buskers and street performers usually take over the precinct, but during the Christmas Market in Edinburgh in 2023, this is where you will find the European Market,

As always there will be a Christmas tree on the Mound, gifted from Norway. The history of this tree is really cool, as it is gifted as a thankyou from Norway to Scotland, for the support that Scotland provided to Norway during World War 2

West Princes Street Gardens

This is the family children’s market where you’ll find funfair rides and family-friendly attractions. The magical Santa Train is coming to town, travelling through an illuminated winter wonderland, there will be a spectacular wallking trail, as well as children’s rides

If you’ve got little ones, be sure to visit Santa in Santa Land in the comfort of his own grotto. He welcomes groups every half hour and the visit lasts 25 minutes.

You may also wish to explore other parts of Santa Land! Highlights for the little ones will include the Santa Train, the Christmas Tree Maze as well as Reindeer Rides. It’ll be a truly memorable experience for them. Tip for locals: 20% EH discount is applicable

St. Andrews Square

Visit Santa

Santa is going to be in St Andrews Square at this year’s Edinburgh Christmas Market. There will be a special letter writing station and a post box to send those important letters.

I also love the concept of Santa’s Stories. This is is a magical storytelling experience where each child gets the opportunity to meet Santa, learn the importance of giving, as well as receiving a gift of their own.

George Street & Castle Street – Edinburgh Christmas Market Venue

Ice-Skating

This year Edinburgh’s famous Alpine ice-rink will be on George St. This covered ice-rink means you can enjoy a Christmas skate whatever the weather.

Après skaters can warm up with a hot drink or treat from food stalls in George Street warming zones, take a ride on one of the vintage, traditional fairground rides including a double carousel, or have a wander through the Artisan Christmas Market. There are lots of lovely bars along George St if you fancy a cocktail or a wine instead, or restaurants if you want something more substantial.

Assembly Rooms Christmas Fair

The Assembly Rooms have their annual Christmas Fair the weekend of the 2nd & 3rd December. It is open each day from 10.30am – 5pm and tickets are £4. . Expect 120 of Britain’s finest Artists, Designers and Makers all only selling their own work. If you’ve never been in the Assembly Rooms you shouldn’t miss this. Funny story – the 1st time I was in the Assembly Rooms was to take an exam with the Open University!

Buy your tickets for the Assembly Rooms Christmas Market here.

Kindness Tree

This year will also see a 10m tall Kindness Tree and Gift Donation point, dedicated to spreading goodwill to those who need it most. Donations made will help to provide thousands of Christmas dinners, food packs and gifts to homeless and vulnerable families, children, and individuals, or for shelter to those are struggling with homelessness this winter, as part of Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness.

Christmas at The Botanics

Christmas at the Botanics is one my my most favourite things to do at Christmas in Edinburgh. The Botanical Gardens are beautiful all year round, but at Christmas they transform into a magical wonderland of lights. There are new light displays along the trails around the garden, completely reimagined for 2023 – so new light displays for regular visitors to enjoy.

This year’s dates are the 16 November – 30 December.

The East Gate on Inverleith Row is the preferred option for those set to arrive by public transport or on foot. Catch buses with the number 8, 23 or 27 from the city centre. If you decide to get a taxi, you will get dropped off at the West Gate. the bus takes approximately 25 mins, whilst a taxi will take around 6 mins, dependent on traffic.

You MUST book ahead if you fancy this and are restricted on the dates you’re in Edinburgh. Believe me when I say it gets booked up! There are limited tickets available and they cost Off peak £19.00/ Peak £22.50. Family tickets are available. Buy tickets here.

Seeing Santa in Edinburgh

If you’re a fan of all things Santa, the Edinburgh Christmas Markets have a special treat in store for you. If you have children with you, you might consider purchasing a Santa’s Workshop Experience ticket, which includes meeting Santa, a small gift, and a memorable keepsake photo. Or bring out your inner child and go see him for yourself! There are also sessions with Santa telling Christmas stories, and the chance to experience a Georgian Christmas.

Practicalities: Tickets and Admission

Here’s the great news: admission to the markets is free! You can wander through the charming stalls, enjoy the festive ambiance, and soak up the holiday cheer without spending a dime. However, you need to be prepared for crowds. More than 2.5 million tourists and locals visited the market last year and we are expecting similar numbers this year. You do however, need tickets for the funfair rides, the big wheel, ice skating and other activities.

Tickets are not yet available, when they are you will be able to get them by clicking here.

Opening Times at Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2023

The markets open their gates daily, so you have plenty of time to explore. Here’s a handy tip if you struggle with crowds: visit during the weekdays and earlier in the day to avoid the even busier weekend crowds. Though I have to say, I love going after dusk, when it’s dark and all the lights look so pretty. The stalls typically open at 10:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM, except for Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. The market is closed on Christmas Day; on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day they have shorter hours, the market is open from 10am – 8pm and on Hogmanay the opening times are 10am – 7pm.

Activities Beyond Edinburgh Christmas Market

While the Christmas Markets are a highlight, Edinburgh has even more in store for the adventurous solo traveler. Explore the city’s rich history and culture by visiting the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the charming Old Town. Don’t forget to indulge in some traditional Scottish cuisine at local pubs and restaurants.

Edinburgh Castle of Light Show

Get ready to witness a truly enchanting transformation of Edinburgh Castle this festive season as the beloved Castle of Light returns for its fourth spectacular year. Let yourself be swept away as you enter into into a world of “Magic and Mystery.” A mesmerizing tapestry of entirely new projections comes alive, gracefully dancing across the ancient castle walls. Let yourself be led by immersive illuminations and captivating installations that will guide you on a spellbinding journey through the castle’s grounds. Every step you take is illuminated by a sea of twinkling lights and vibrant displays.

Please note: The castle is not open during this event and you won’t have access to inside the castle. The event takes place in the grounds outside. You can buy tickets here.

If you want to enjoy a special Christmas event inside of the castle this Christmas, then you need to be booking either a Christmas lunch, in the Queen Anne room or Afternoon Tea in the Tea Rooms. You need to pre-book both events Adult tickets for Christmas lunch cost £60 and for Afternoon Tea £55 with a glass of Prosecco. Buy tickets here.

The Pantomime and Other Christmas Shows

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the theatre.

The Traditional Pantomime

Edinburgh offers an annual Pantomime, this year it will be “The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.” The Pantomime is a quintessentially British stage-show that everyone should experience once in their life – whether you have kids or not! I used to go before having children, as it was always part of my family’s Christmas traditions. So don’t worry if you’re a solo traveller, go, experience it and before you know it you’ll find yourself booing the baddies and shouting ‘he’s behind you!’ It’s great fun – laughter and good times guaranteed! This year the panto will be at the Festival Theatre from Sat 25 Nov 2023 to Sun 31 Dec 2023. Click here to get tickets.

The Christmas Play

If you are looking for an alternative to the Panto, then, the Lyceum Theatre is putting on a brand new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” with a Scottish twist, from 25 Nov 2023 – 1 Jan 2024.

In this adaptation, when the beautiful and fearsome Snow Queen steals young Kei away to her frozen kingdom, she leaves behind the brave and brilliant Gerda, an Edinburgh lass who will stop at nothing to rescue her best friend. Check here for tickets.

The Christmas Ballet

If ballet is more your thing, this year’s festive offering at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh is a telling of Cinderella. Cinders, Scottish Ballet’s festive favourite returns for the winter season with a new name, glittering new designs, and a charming twist to the tale.

Breaking with tradition in theatre is a tradition in itself, and Scottish Ballet’s playful new production of Cinders will have a surprise in store each night for audiences as the curtain rises. On some nights, Cinders will be a woman, swept off her feet by her Prince, and on others, Cinders will be a man, swept off his feet by his Princess! So much fun!

The Ballet starts Fri 5th January 2024 in Edinburgh, or pop through to Glasgow between the 9th – 31st December 2023. Get tickets here.

A Classic Edinburgh Christmas: Places you need to visit during your Christmas Christmas Market Trip

The Dome

No visit to Edinburgh over Christmas (or at any time of the year to be honest) is complete without a visit to the Dome.

The Dome is an Edinburgh Landmark. It was originally the site of the old Physicians’ Hall (1775). It was built and designed by James Craig the celebrated planner of Edinburgh’s New Town. When I first arrived in Edinburgh it was a bank. These day’s (since 1996) it’s a bar / restaurant situated towards the East end of George Street. If you do nothing else, then at least give it a walk by to experience their really cool Christmas decorations – sometimes they even have a snow machine!

However, if you get the chance, you need to go into experience the beauty of the building and the most fabulous Christmas tree! The restaurant has been taking bookings for the Christmas period since February!! That blew my mind. There are still some vacancies and you need to book in advance. If you just want a drink then there is no booking, just a first come first served system.

The Balmoral Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel is another Edinburgh Landmark. It was built in the heyday of the steam train and to this day it’s clock tower is an iconic sight in the Edinburgh skyline. In my younger days I used to attend Christmas Balls in the hotel. If you can’t wangle an invite to one of those then try afternoon tea in the Palm Court or dinner and drinks to experience the luxury hotel for yourself.

The Georgian House

A Georgian Christmas at No. 7 Charlotte Square gives an insight into how the original residents, the Lamont family, would have experienced Christmas between 1796 and1815. Christmas at this time, for a wealthy Edinburgh family would have consisted of a month-long celebration involving parties, balls at the New Assembly Rooms on George Street, and family get-togethers. 

You can get to experience a slice of this life, if you visit The Georgian House over the Christmas period. Click here for more info, dates and tickets. A really fun experience. If you have kids they can meet Santa in the dining room and find other activities upstairs in the attic!

Accommodation for your solo stay

Worried about finding the perfect place to stay? Edinburgh offers a wide range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Consider booking a centrally located hotel near the Christmas Markets, maybe on George Street for easy access and added convenience. This way, you can drop off your festive finds whenever you like and return to the magic in no time.

Safety First

Your safety is paramount. Although Edinburgh is generally a safe city, like any other place, it’s essential to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings secure, especially if you’re winding your way through the crowds at the Christmas Market. I would hate for an opportunist pickpocket to spoil your experience.

Hogmanay Street Party

If your visit coincides with New Year’s Eve, you’re in for a treat! Come New Year’s Eve, or Hogmanay, as it is known in Scotland, Edinburgh Christmas Market gives way to the biggest street party in Scotland.

Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay Street Party is an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year. Join the lively crowds, enjoy live music, and catch the spectacular fireworks display lighting up the skies over Edinburgh Castle.

Hogmanay Celebrations

Whilst the Edinburgh Christmas Market continues until after Hogmany, there is a whole host of events to choose from on for Hogmanay itself.

Pulp are presiding over this year’s Hogmanay celebrations, you can see them at Concert in the Gardens, which take place in West Princes Street Gardens. Pulp’s headline appearance at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay marks the Sheffield band’s first live show in the capital for over 20 years, where they will perform the last show of 2023 and first of 2024, bringing in the bells beneath the majestic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. As of this date, support acts are still to be announced, but I will update as that info is released. You can keep up-to-date on all the latest info about the Hogmanay celebrations by clicking here.

This year is the 30th birthday celebrations for the Hogmanay Street party, which makes me feel really old as I remember very clearly being at the 1st few years! The atmosphere in the crowd is incredible, the fireworks are always outstanding, and even if you can’t get tickets into the garden enclosure, you can still hear the music along the street.

There are still tickets available for the street party, which begins at 9pm on the 31st. Click here to get one before they sell out! Cost £28.50 per ticket.

On top of the Main headliners in the Concert in the Gardens, you can also choose between:

Tartan Zone

Tartan Zone, on the Waverly Bridge. Here you can get down with your Ceildhi, with the opening act with give us an exhilarating hour of energetic ceilidh dancing from the islands with the Hannah Fisher Band. This will be followed by other Scottish bands to keep you entertained all night long. Or you might prefer the Silent Disco Street Party.

Disco Zone

The Disco Zone is where you can join 4,000 others in a silent disco boogie, celebrating the music of the bands that have played over the last 30 years at our Hogmanay celebrations, along with floor filler tunes from a variety of DJ’s.

Elsewhere across the city centre there will be street entertainment, drummers and pipers, funfair rides, food and drink stalls, all culminating in a carnival atmosphere you won’t want to miss.

The Night Afore

The night afore gives you the option of a massive disco party in West Princes Street Gardens with Internationally renounded band – Bjorn Again. Tickets cost £35 and can be bought here.

You might prefer to join the crowd in the Assembly Rooms for an evening with Ross Wilson. Ross Wilson,  aka Blue Rose Code writes songs straight from – and to – the heart. They address universal themes of love, loss, home and faith in a deeply personal way and seamlessly blend folk, Americana, jazz, soul and pop influences into something truly unique. Known as a amagnetic performer who loves to connect with his audience, Ross and Blue Rose Code are firmly established as one of Scotland’s most uplifting and powerful live acts.

Ross will be joined by some special guest stars during the evening celebrations. Tickets are £30 and can be bought here.

Torchlight Procession

The annual torchlight procession takes place on Friday 29th December. The celebrations begins in the Meadows at 6.00pm, the parade leaves at 7.30pm and arrives in the city centre for 8.30 – 9pm.

There will be entertainment in the form of live Street Theatre, Fire Performers, Pipe Bands and Drummers to get celebrations started, before Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad lead the procession, to create a stunning river of fire through the capital’s historic Old Town. You must have booked beforehand. The cost is £20 per torch and £7.50 for a wristband (only available if you have bought a torch). Even if you don’t join in by carrying, come down and watch the procession; 20,000 torches is a sight you’ll never forget.

The event raises money for Social Bite. Last year it raised £50,000 for projects in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

In Conclusion: The Best Way to Visit Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2023

As a solo female traveler over 40, the Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2023 offers the ideal setting for a memorable holiday experience. You will enjoy a magical explosion of twinkling lights, enchanting sounds, mouth-watering flavours and lots of fun and laughter are waiting for you.

With its enchanting atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and a city filled with history and culture, Edinburgh is ready to welcome you with open arms. Embrace the holiday spirit, enjoy the festivities, and make magical memories on your solo adventure.

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