Edinburgh’s Christmas returns with city-wide festive celebrations for 2026
Festive markets, fairground thrills, cabaret shows and a packed programme of free events across the city
The countdown to Edinburgh’s Christmas 2026 is officially on, with only ten days until the city’s festive celebrations begin. With preparations already underway, the Scottish capital will soon sparkle with yuletide cheer, with this year’s programme expanding across the city, introducing a new festive hub at Bristo Square alongside activities on George Street and throughout Princes Street Gardens.
Edinburgh’s world-famous traditional Christmas markets return to East Princes Street Gardens from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with beautifully decorated chalets selling gifts, decorations and festive food. Over at the west side of the Gardens, the Festive Family Funfair is perfect for families looking to celebrate the season.
Thrill-seekers can take to the skies on the Around The World Starflyer, soaring 80 metres above the city, for breathtaking views, or enjoy a gentler ride on the LNER Big Wheel, offering sweeping scenes of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.
Across the road, West Princes Street Gardens promises fun for all ages at the Festive Family Funfair, from the classic Toy Carousel and Cups And Saucers to the adrenaline-inducing Matrix and Scottish favourite Techno Power.
Visitors can also look forward to the returning Polar Ice Bar With Icelandair, with a new Viking theme for this year, and the cosy, Highland-inspired Coorie Inn on George Street, the perfect place to warm up after the icy experience.
The live events programme has expanded this year, with not one but three cabaret and variety offerings, including La Clique, Stamptown and The Big Christmas Show at the Palais du Variété Spiegeltent on Bristo Square.
Opening on Friday 20 November, the Olivier Award-winning La Clique will bring its celebrated blend of cabaret, circus and sideshow burlesque to Edinburgh, featuring spectacular acrobatics, sword-swallowing, aerial performances and comedy. Meanwhile, alternative late-night cabaret favourite Stamptown, led by Zach Zucker, runs from Thursday 3 to Saturday 19 December, promising an anarchic mix of clowns, comedians and daring performers. Families can also enjoy The Big Christmas Show, a festive spectacle combining magic and circus, from the creators of 1 Hour Of Insane Magic.
Supported by new partner Halo, the Ross Bandstand will host a packed programme of free, family-friendly events from Saturday 14 November to Saturday 12 December. The celebrations open with the Edinburgh’s Chirtsmas Kick Off Concert featuring The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and The Eves, followed by spectacular pyrotechnics.
The following weekend, Edinburgh Diwali takes over celebrations, featuring a colourful parade, cultural performances and fireworks, plus the annual Christmas tree switch-on ceremony and the Scottish Norwegian Advent Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral.
The programme continues with Community Christmas, showcasing local carol singers and dancers, and Edinburgh’s Christmas Light Night Concert on Sunday 22 November, featuring community choirs, dance groups, Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle and performers from La Clique Noël among other surprises.
St Andrew’s Day celebrations will take place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, with two days of the A Taste Of Scotland programme, including a local makers' mini market, Scottish bands headlined by The Rollin' Drones! and the popular St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh on the Sunday, led by The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience.
The first weekend of December brings more festive entertainment, including Edinburgh Sings carol concert and the annual Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws, where organiser When You Wish Upon A Star aims to break the World Record for the most dogs dressed up in Christmas jumpers.
The Ross Bandstand programme concludes on Saturday 12 December with the Silent Disco Christmas Cracker, offering three music channels and DJs beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Tickets are required.
Edinburgh’s Christmas, Saturday 14 November 2026–Sunday 3 January 2027; main picture: Robin Mair.
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This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Edinburgh's Christmas.