The Edinburgh Christmas Market is under new management. Here’s what to expect in 2022.

After new organisers were found for the Edinburgh Christmas Market, we’re pleased to announce it will indeed be going ahead this year. Hoorah!

You may be wondering why we’re especially excited…

Basically, the Edinburgh Christmas Market has come under new management. Many were speculating whether it would go ahead altogether. But fortunately, it will. We’ll dive into this a little later on. 

The Edinburgh Christmas Markets are undoubtedly one of the best Christmas Winter Markets in the UK to visit. From mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs in blankets, here is everything you need to know about this year’s Edinburgh Christmas Market.

Is the Edinburgh Christmas Market cancelled or going ahead? 

According to Edinburgh Live, the £5 million agreement with the German firm Angel Events to hold the markets fell through over a “difference of opinions”. Fortunately, experienced local event producers Unique Assembly, will now deliver both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals for 2022.

When is the Christmas market in Edinburgh?

The beautiful and well-renowned Edinburgh Christmas Markets spread festive cheer across the Scottish capital between 25th November 2022 and 3rd January 2023.

Edinburgh Christmas Market opening and closing times 

The markets will open from 10am – 10pm everyday between 25th November and 3rd January 2023, with some exceptions on the dates below:

• November 25: 2pm-10pm
• December 24: 10am-8pm
• December 25: Closed
• December 26: 12pm-8pm
• December 31: 10am-6pm
• January 1: 12pm-8pm.

Where is the Christmas market in Edinburgh?

The Christmas market is located in East Princess Street Gardens, beside Edinburgh’s main shopping thoroughfare, the bustling Princess Street. The postcode is EH2 2DG.

Had original plans stayed in place, the market would have expanded to other areas of the city. One such plan was a ‘Santa Land’ on Royal Mile.

What’s on at the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

The Edinburgh Christmas market is set to have over 70 vendors serving a mix of Christmas gifts, and food, both local and international.

The Market will also, as in previous years, have a Ferris wheel and ice skating rink among other amusements. You can find out more information on the Edinburgh Winter Festival site, which includes activities like: 

• The Christmas Tree Maze
• Ice skating
• An Edinburgh Christmas Carol
• BYOB pottery painting (adults only!)
• …and much more

TikTok creator @themcnaughttwins puts it together quite nicely:

Is the Edinburgh Christmas Market free?

The Edinburgh Christmas Market is completely free to attend, making it a fantastic cheap day out in Edinburgh during the winter season.

However, some activities may be ticketed, such as shows and Ice Skating. It’s also a good idea to bring some extra cash if you decide to shop from one of the 70+ vendors.

Edinburgh Christmas Market parking

It’s very easy to find parking while attending the Edinburgh Christmas Markets. We recommend parking at the Princess Exchange or the NCP Edinburgh Castle Terrace for easy access to the markets.

Edinburgh Christmas Market by bus

The bus services that will take you to the Edinburgh Christmas market are 100, 22, 31, 37, 909, X25, X37, X38, X60. 

Here’s a list of the nearest bus stations to the markets:

• Princes Street (2 minute walk)
• South St David Street (2 minute walk)
• Hanover Street (3 minute walk)
• Princes Street (4 minute walk)
• George Street (5 minute walk).

Edinburgh Christmas Markets by train

Be advised that with regular rail strike action of late, services may be affected.

However, the closest station to Edinburgh Christmas market is Edinburgh Waverley Station, which runs most services by Avanti West Coast, Cross Country and ScotRail. 

The station is just a 3-5 minute walk from the Edinburgh Winter festival.

Can dogs go to the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

Want to take your pooch? You can! The Edinburgh Christmas Market is a dog-friendly outdoor event. In fact, it’s described by locals as one of the most dog-friendly markets alongside those in towns and cities like Bath, Oxford, and London.

What is Hogmanay?

You may have heard of the term Hogmanay thrown around. Hogmanay is the Scottish term for new year celebrations. It is thought to have first been used widely following Mary, Queen of Scots’ return to Scotland from France in 1561. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is famous around the world, with visitors travelling from around Scotland and beyond to soak up the Scottish celebrations. It’s a true spectacle you can’t miss, especially if you’re stuck for plans this New Year’s.

When is Hogmanay in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Hogmanay will take place on New Year’s Eve (Saturday 31st December 2022). Expect to witness incredible live music, fireworks and their famous Street Party. Pet Shop Boys will headline Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Concert in the Gardens this year too.

It is a ticketed event. Here’s what you’ll need to pay:

• Enclosure £85.00 inc. fees
• Gardens £70.00 inc. fees

And that’s everything you need to know about the Edinburgh Christmas Markets of 2022! Don’t forget to check out our Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market or York Christmas Market guides if you’re more local to these areas too.