There are over 70 stalls to explore and events to take part in
The market opens today(Image: Getty)
Christmas is now just six weeks away, and the festive spirit is already starting to arrive in towns and cities across the UK. Markets have been popping up, transforming streets into winter wonderlands.
This weekend marks the opening of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations, which take over the stunning city. The Scottish capital held its first Christmas market in 1999, and it has since grown into a huge event.
It is considered one of the UK’s best and most picturesque winter festivals, with visitors flocking from across the world. The city centre is filled with traditional markets, funfair rides, attractions, music concerts, community events and family-friendly performances.
The celebrations are set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the grand Georgian streets. Visitors can enjoy a drink in the Polar Ice Bar or the Coorie Inn or take part in pub quizzes, wreath-making and candle-making workshops.
For thrill seekers, there is a big wheel, Helter Skelter, vintage carousel ride, waltzers and dodgems.
Where is Edinburgh’s Christmas market?
The Christmas celebrations are spread out across Edinburgh’s city centre. West Princes Street Gardens, East Princes Street Gardens, George Street and Bistro Square have all been transformed for the festive season.
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When does it open?
Edinburgh Christmas opens on Saturday, November 14 and runs all the way until January 3. East Princes Street Gardens’ celebrations are open daily from 10am until 10pm, with some changes to the hours during the week of Christmas.
It will be closed on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, the market will run from 10am to 8pm, and on Boxing Day from 12pm to 8pm. New Year’s Eve will be open from 10am to 5pm, and from 12pm to 8pm on New Year’s Day. The final day, January 3, will be open 10am until 8pm.
West Princes Street Gardens has slightly different hours. From November 14 until December 6, it will be open from 12pm to 8pm Monday to Wednesday, from 12pm to 9pm Thursday to Friday, and from 10am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday.
From December 7 to December 18, it will be open from 12pm to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday. It will also be closed on Christmas Day.
The Coorie Inn, George Street, will be open daily from 12pm until late, and will be closed until December 25. Visitors have been urged to check the opening times when planning their visit, as they are subject to change.
How to get to Edinburgh Christmas
The events are spread across the city, with many different transport options available. Lothian Buses runs over 70 bus routes in and around Edinburgh.
The trams can also be used, with stops at St Andrew Square, Princes Street and the West End. Edinburgh Waverley train station is around a two-minute walk from East Princes Street Gardens.
The nearest coach station is Edinburgh Bus Station, which is around a six-minute walk away. There are no designated car parks for the event, but there are car parks across the city centre.