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Trains to the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025

Enjoy the magic of Edinburgh's Christmas this winter!

      What do I need to know about the 2025 Edinburgh Christmas Market before travelling?

      Edinburgh’s Christmas returns for 7 weeks of seasonal fun from 15 November 2025 to 04 January 2026.

      Edinburgh’s Christmas takes over the historic city centre with Christmas celebrations for the whole family. Across three sites, Edinburgh’s Christmas features the LNER Big Wheel, the Ice Rink with Emirates, the spectacular Polar Ice Bar and one of the UK’s best Christmas Markets.

      Edinburgh’s Christmas is just a train journey away – so book now and join us for the festive fun!

      Where are the Edinburgh Christmas Market locations?

      There are 3 Edinburgh Christmas Market locations spread around the city centre, each with a different theme.

      East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market

      Regularly listed as one of the UK’s best Christmas Markets, the East Princes Street Christmas markets are full of festive food and perfect gifts.

      • Enjoy stalls packed with handmade jewellery, homeware, self-care staples and Christmas decorations, the Christmas Markets are a magical festive treat for the whole family.

      • The LNER Big Wheel! One ride won't be enough!

      • Also in East Princes Street Gardens is the daring Around the World Starflyer, the carousel and the ever popular EDINBURGH sign.

      West Princes Street Gardens

      Fun for the whole family, including:

      • Santa has set up shop in West Princes Street Gardens where you’ll find him telling tales and giving out gifts at Santa’s Stories.

      • The Festive Funfair chock full of prizes to be won, tasty treats, and thrilling rides for the whole family.

      George Street West & Castle Street

      George Street West is home to:

      • Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink with Emirates! ! A staple of the Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, the iconic Ice Rink on George Street is the perfect place for a yearly family tradition, date night, or just a night out with friends.

      • The spectacular Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience. Redesigned for 2025, the immersive ice experience becomes the Ice Queen’s Castle, full of hand-carved ice sculptures and delicious icy cocktails from local producers Whitebox Cocktails.

      When are this year’s Edinburgh Christmas Market dates?

      Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is open from Saturday 15 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.

      Do I need to buy Edinburgh Christmas Market tickets before travelling?

      Edinburgh’s Christmas is free to enter, with tickets available online for attractions including the LNER Big Wheel, Star Flyer, Polar Ice Bar, Ice Rink and Santa’s Stories.

      There are Box Offices across all three sites, but as Christmas gets closer these can be pretty busy, so we’d advise booking online.

      Travelling to the Edinburgh Christmas Market by train

      If you’re travelling to the Christmas fair in Edinburgh, then make your journey part of the adventure!

      Getting the train means plenty of space to stretch out, food and drink whenever you want, and no traffic or parking hassles when you get there.

      Plus you’ll get to enjoy the view of Christmas lights up and down the country to get you in the festive mood!

      You can buy train tickets to Edinburgh from any station in England, Scotland and Wales through the LNER website and app, with no booking fee!

      Popular LNER trains to the Edinburgh Christmas Market

      London Kings Cross to Edinburgh

      Thursday 21 May 2026
      From
      £41.40

      York to Edinburgh

      Wednesday 17 June 2026
      From
      £22.90

      Newcastle to Edinburgh 

      Saturday 23 May 2026
      First Class from
      £30.20

      Other top tips for this year’s Christmas fair in Edinburgh

      What are this year’s Edinburgh Christmas Market hours?

      Sign up to the official Edinburgh Christmas Market 2025 newsletter and be the first to hear about news and updates – including Edinburgh Christmas Market hours.

      When is the best time to go to Edinburgh Christmas Market?

      Last year, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market attracted more than 2.5 million people. With this kind of popularity, the best advice is to get there early!

      Can I pre-book a ticket for the rides at the Edinburgh Christmas Market?

      You can pre-book a selection of rides and activities online in advance such as ice skating, the LNER big wheel and Santa’s Stories.

      All rides – including those bookable online – can be paid for at the point of entry to the ride or attractions.

      What else is there to do in Edinburgh this Christmas?

      There’s plenty else to see and do in Edinburgh this Christmas. The whole town comes alive with celebration, including streets with decked lights, Winter Windows – a collaboration between primary school children and local businesses -- and the Christmas Globe, perfect for a festive photo!

      Go for a spin on the LNER Big Wheel!

      The LNER Big Wheel is Back at Edinburgh's Christmas this year. Located at East Princes Street Gardens, this towering wheel gives passengers a unique perspective of the spectacular city of Edinburgh. With incredible views, one ride won’t be enough! Enjoy the comfort of the enclosed and weather-proof pods.

      The LNER Big Wheel

      Our Christmas Travel Tips