As the year begins to creep closer to December, our teams’ thoughts naturally turn to Christmas. Discussions with our décor partners began months ago, and soon they will return to bring the hotel’s festive look to life.
It’s always one of our favourite moments of the year – seeing our grand staircases dressed in greenery, personalised trees arriving in the lounge, and the first hints of winter sparkle appearing throughout the building.
Beyond our own doors, the neighbourhood is preparing too. Edinburgh’s West End has become known for its beautifully decorated Christmas doorways, with visitors exploring the streets for Instagram-worthy photos. Melville Cresent (just a 60minute walk from The Bonham) draws quite crowd. Up and down the streets, the Georgian townhouses are framed with evergreens, red velvet ribbons and twinkling lights.
Inspired by the season, we’ve gathered a few of the most common questions visitors ask about Christmas in Edinburgh, along with our team’s insider advice for making the most of the city during this magical time.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
When does Edinburgh’s Christmas run / what are the dates and opening hours of the market and attractions?
Typically, Edinburgh’s Christmas festivities begin around mid-November and continue until early January – this year, it will run from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Construction of the 2025 sites started at the end of October, and (like last year) there will be two key Christmas Market locations – one in East Princes Street Gardens, and one across George Street. These traditional markets will operate from 10:00 to 22:00 daily, with the following exceptions:
24th December 2025 10:00 – 20:00
25th December 2025 CLOSED
26th December 2025 12:00 – 20:00
31st December 2025 10:00 – 17:30
1st January 2026 12:00 – 20:00
4th January 2026 10:00 – 18:00
It is worth noting that individual attractions (ice rink, rides, the Polar Ice Bar, etc) have their own operating hours and timed entries. Before you visit, we recommend that you view official dates and times.
Do I need to buy tickets to enter Edinburgh’s Christmas market and fairground?
Entry to the main Christmas market on George Street and East Princes Street Gardens is free, so you can stroll around the stalls without needing a ticket. However, if you plan to use the fairground rides, the ice-rink or the more premium attractions, then those do require tickets which can be purchased online in advance or in person on-site. It’s wise to pre-book especially on weekends in December, when demand is high and timed slots fill up quickly (some are already gone!). In the past, the week running up to Christmas has seen particularly large queues for rides and mulled wine stands.
Beyond the market stalls themselves, the city centre comes alive with festive experiences. This year you’ll find:
- The Ferris Wheel overlooking Princes Street. The LNER Big Wheel will be returning for another year – and the best thing about it is that it doesn’t need to be a sunny day to enjoy it. The pods are enclosed and weather-proof, each accommodating up to 6 people (and manual wheelchair users.)
- The Star Flyer. This ride has become somewhat of an internet sensation, with Edinburgh Influencers flocking to it every year to capture incredible shots from 80-meters up! You will find it at East Princes Street Gardens.
- The ice rink on George Street. This will open on the 20th November this year, and (alongside their usual skate sessions) they will also provide ‘Relaxed Sessions’ for those who need a little more space and something kinder on the senses. Toddler Sessions for children who are too small for the skates will be available in 2025, as well as Late Skates (for adults.)
- Drinks in the Polar Ice Bar. 2024 saw the arrival of this -8°C venue – where your table, chairs and glasses are crafted entirely from ice! This year, they’ll be offering alcoholic or non-alcoholic festive cocktails, with your first drink included in your entry ticket – served in carved ice glasses. Your slot allows you 30-minutes inside the bar, and this year comes with a brand-new theme. Find out more about the Edinburgh Polar Ice Bar theme here.
Alongside the above, Edinburgh Christmas will also be hosting a series of one-day events – with tickets anticipated to sell quickly! This includes Santa’s Stories, the Light Night Concert, St. Andrew’s Day Ceilidh and Mini Market, and ‘A Taste of Scotland’ with Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Explore the full Christmas event list.
Are babies and dogs allowed in the Edinburgh Christmas Market?
The official team highlight that babies in prams are welcome, though during the busiest times navigating the market with a large pushchair can be tricky (you might prefer a carrier or earlier morning visit.)
Dogs (other than registered assistance dogs) are not allowed into the fenced market area in East Princes Street Gardens, so if you’re travelling with a pet you’ll need to explore nearby parts of the West End or Princes Street Gardens outside the market zone instead.
What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds or get great photos?
To avoid the highest crowd levels, aim for a weekday morning or early afternoon rather than the evening rush. The market is busiest on weekends and after workhours when the lights are at their peak.
For photography, try arriving just after dusk (when the lights register but the crowds haven’t yet peaked), or early in the morning when you’ll have clearer views and fewer people. Visiting in November and early-December tends to be calmer than the second half of the month. As our team here at The Bonham often say: enjoy a quiet hot chocolate first and then head into the buzz.
What should I know about weather, what to wear, and getting around?
Edinburgh in December can be cold (often around 3-6 °C), windy and damp, especially after sunset. Dress in warm layers, wear waterproof outerwear and comfortable shoes suited to walking cobbled streets, slippery floors, and (possible) icy conditions.
From The Bonham in the West End you’re well placed to walk into the main city centre venues without needing your car. Public transport is reliable, but if you do drive make sure you allow extra time for winter conditions and very limited central parking. Many of the festive areas are best visited on foot.
Edinburgh Christmas events outside of the market
While many think Edinburgh’s Christmas events go no further than the Christmas market in the Gardens, there’s actually a whole lot more going on under the banner of Edinburgh’s Christmas:
Christmas at the Botanics
If you’re after something slightly more serene, the light trail at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers an after-dark walk through the illuminated gardens, blending seasonal lights, impressive, themed displays and a chance to avoid the larger crowds (due to allocated time slots.) A lovely option for an early evening outing before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Edinburgh Castle’s Castle of Light
The annual projection-show on Edinburgh Castle is one of the standout events during the festive programme. The show, which projects illuminated visuals on the castle walls, adds an exciting new level of drama to the city. VisitScotland lists it as a ‘must-see for the “winter festivals” line-up.’
Every year celebrates a new theme, and this year is ‘Fire & Ice’ – a nod to the old rock that the city’s castle now sits upon.
Bonham Team Tip: Arrive at dusk for best lighting, wrap up warm (layers are key!) and grab a hot drink from a nearby café.
Make Your Own Chocolate Bar at The Chocolatarium
From 22nd Nov to 24th Dec 2025, The Chocolatarium is offering a guided introduction to chocolate making near the Royal Mile. Visitors can learn about the process from the raw bean through to the finished bar, then decorate their own with a choice of seasonal ingredients. The visit also includes tastings and a chance to enjoy hot chocolate in a small workshop setting. Sessions last around 90 minutes and are suitable for a range of ages.
HelloArt Christmas Market
HelloArt will hold a one-day festive market at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on 22 November from 12 to 5. Local artists and makers will be selling art and handmade pieces and visitors can join creative workshops, including wreath making and other simple crafts. Food and drink will be available with a focus on warm and seasonal flavours, creating a relaxed place to browse, make something and enjoy the lead up to Christmas.
The Lauriston Castle Christmas Magic Show
Lauriston Castle hosts an evening of festive magic on 23 November 2025, bringing stories and legends from Edinburgh’s past to life through illusion and mystery. The show takes place inside the castle, which is decorated for the season, adding to the atmosphere. Advance booking is recommended as places are limited.
Tea Green Winter Market at the National Galleries of Scotland
Across the weekend of 22 and 23 November 2025, the Portrait Gallery will welcome Tea Green’s Winter Market. Makers from all over Scotland are invited to showcase what they create, from textiles and ceramics to jewellery, prints and other handmade pieces. Each day brings a different line up of stalls, so browsing can feel new even on a return visit. It is an easy way to find thoughtful presents and meet the makers behind them.
Christmas Night Market at The Pitt
On Friday 28 November from 4 until 11pm, The Pitt will host an evening market with food, music and stalls from independent makers. Visitors can browse a wide mix of items such as clothing, artwork, homeware and edible gifts like cheese or sweet treats. There will be craft activities and a visit from Santa for families spending time together, while adults can enjoy warm seasonal drinks or a cold pint. Street food traders will be serving a range of dishes throughout the night and DJs will be playing into the later hours. Entry is free and the atmosphere is informal, with places to sit, chat and enjoy a winter night out
Moonlight Sonata at Christmas – St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral will host a series of piano concerts on 28 November, 6 December and 20 December 2025. The evenings feature British pianist Warren Mailley Smith performing well known pieces by Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and others. The music is presented by candlelight inside the cathedral, which adds to the calm and reflective feel of the event. It offers a quieter way to enjoy the season in a historic space on the Royal Mile, whether you are familiar with classical music or simply curious to experience it live.
Santa’s Grotto at Dynamic Earth
From 29 November to 23 December 2025, Dynamic Earth will welcome families to visit Santa in a setting inspired by the polar regions. The experience includes meeting Santa, exploring wintry scenes with animals such as Arctic foxes and polar bears, and watching the Northern Lights projected above. A short storytelling session rounds off the visit, bringing festive tales into a snowy themed space.
Edinburgh is full of activity during the Christmas season, so returning to a comfortable base can make all the difference.
The Bonham gives guests a peaceful space to relax between experiences, with dinner and drinks available before heading out again to explore the city after dark. If you are considering a winter visit, reserving a stay ensures you are close to the celebrations while still having somewhere quiet to retreat to.
