MerryHoHo
Illustration

Christmas markets · Scotland

Christmas Markets in Scotland 2026

6 Christmas markets in Scotland, in 3 towns and cities: 4 of them have 2026 dates announced, and the multi-week markets open between 6 November and 20 November. Best known: the markets of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

6 markets · checked October 2026

6

Christmas markets in Scotland

3

towns where we list markets

3

towns with a full guide

4 / 6

markets with 2026 dates announced

Scotland's Christmas markets are concentrated in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Edinburgh's Christmas market is the most visited and spreads through the city centre. Glasgow has several: Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green, a Clydeside Christmas village, and a market at Glasgow Fort. Aberdeen has its own Christmas Village. All three cities are close enough for a trip between them.

The best-known and prettiest Christmas markets in Scotland

Picked by search interest, visitor reviews and our own verdict, the strongest market in each town. 2026 dates only where the organiser has confirmed them; otherwise last season's dates, marked as such.

  1. Edinburgh

    Edinburgh Christmas Market

    Christmas market

    2026: 14 Nov – 3 Jan 2027

    A must on a winter trip to Edinburgh — go after dark, on foot or by tram.

    🧒 With kids🎉 With friends✨ Date night
    Edinburgh guide →

  2. Glasgow

    Glasgow's Winter Wonderland

    Winter festival

    2026: 6 Nov – 27 Dec 2026

    The convenient city-centre site for a quick visit — the larger Glasgow Green site has more.

    🧒 With kids🎉 With friends
    Glasgow guide →

  3. Aberdeen

    Aberdeen Christmas Village

    Winter festival

    2026: 12 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027

    The North East of Scotland's Christmas hub — for rides and food rather than crafts.

    🧒 With kids🎉 With friends
    Aberdeen guide →

🧒 With kids

✨ Date night

🎉 With friends

Christmas markets in Scotland by town

All 6 Christmas markets in Scotland: dates at a glance

Sorted by town, checked in October 2026. Each market links to its guide with opening times, how to get there and our verdict.

Tips for your trip in Scotland

  • Edinburgh and Glasgow are linked by frequent trains (about an hour); Aberdeen is a longer ride north.
  • Edinburgh's market is very busy on Saturdays and in the evenings in December: a weekday morning is much calmer.
  • Dark falls by mid-afternoon in December, and it can be cold and wet: bring a warm waterproof layer.

How we check the dates

Dates, prices and travel details come from the organisers and councils; ratings are from Google, as a guide only. Where the 2026 date is missing we show last season's, marked as such. Last checked in October 2026: opening times can change, so check the organiser's website before you travel.

Questions about Christmas markets in Scotland

When do the Christmas markets in Scotland open in 2026?
For 4 of the 6 markets in Scotland, 2026 dates are already announced. The multi-week markets open between 6 November and 20 November, half of them by 14 November, and most close around 3 January. For example: Edinburgh Christmas Market: 14 Nov – 3 Jan 2027; Glasgow's Winter Wonderland: 6 Nov – 27 Dec 2026; Aberdeen Christmas Village: 12 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027. Smaller markets often run only for a few days or weekends, so check the dates on each town's guide, and check the organiser's website before you travel as opening hours can change.
What is the best Christmas market in Scotland?
It depends what you like. Going by search interest, visitor reviews and our own verdict, the standouts in Scotland are: Edinburgh Christmas Market (Google 3.8 ★, 663 reviews) – East Princes Street Gardens below the castle; Glasgow's Winter Wonderland – Rides, ice rink and food stalls in the city centre; Aberdeen Christmas Village – Rides and ice skating on Broad Street. For a quieter visit pick a smaller town; the «with kids, for two, with friends» tags on each market say who it suits.
How many Christmas markets are there in Scotland?
Our list currently has 6 Christmas markets and festive events in 3 towns and cities in Scotland, 3 of them with a full city guide. We list markets announced by the council, the organiser or the tourist board, not one-day school or church stalls, so the real number is higher.
Do you have to pay to enter the Christmas markets in Scotland?
Mostly no: the markets in Scotland are free to walk around, and each guide says whether rides, ice rinks, grottos, parking or park and ride cost extra.
How do I get to the Christmas markets in Scotland?
Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Queen Street or Central are in the centres of their cities, a short walk or tram ride from the markets; Aberdeen's railway station is in the city centre. Glasgow Fort is a retail park outside the city, reached by bus or car; check the guide for details.
Which Christmas markets in Scotland are best for children?
According to our guides: Edinburgh Christmas Market (east Princes Street Gardens below the castle); Glasgow's Winter Wonderland (rides, ice rink and food stalls in the city centre); Aberdeen Christmas Village (rides and ice skating on Broad Street); Glasgow's Winter Wonderland — Glasgow Green (open-air ice rink with a Bavarian bar). Some rides and grottos are paid; the guide for each market says which.

Christmas markets in other parts of the UK

All Christmas markets in the UK →