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  5. Trains to the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026

Trains to the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026

Enjoy the magic of Edinburgh's Christmas this winter!

      What do I need to know about the 2026 Edinburgh Christmas Market before travelling?

      A brrrrilliant destination for lots of winter family fun. Edinburgh’s lively Christmas Market is back for 7 weeks of delicious food, spectacular outdoor events and a sprinkling of funfair rides, from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Christmas celebrations for the whole family take over the historic city centre. Make the most of the LNER Big Wheel, cosy up for Santa’s Stories, enjoy the breathtaking Around The Work Starflyer and browse one of the UK’s best Christmas Markets.

      Even better, it’s all just a train journey away. So book now and join us for the festive fun.

      Where exactly is the Edinburgh Christmas Market located?

      This year you’ll find all the dazzling festive events around East Princes Street Gardens.

      East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market

      Revel in the festive fun at one of the UK’s best Christmas Markets. The East Princes Street Christmas Markets are brimming with amazing street food, a great atmosphere and one-of-a-kind gifts you’ll want to keep for yourself.

      • 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.

      • Take in incredible views from the LNER Big Wheel. One ride won't be enough!

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

      West Princes Street Gardens

      Filled with delights for whole family, where you can:

      • Cosy up with Santa in West Princes Street Gardens with bubbling hot chocolate and toastie blankets. You’ll find him sharing tales and gifts at Santa’s Stories from Friday 20 November to Thursday 24 December.

      • Enjoy the Festive Funfair chock full of prizes to be won, tasty treats and thrilling rides for one and all.

      When are this year’s Edinburgh Christmas Market dates?

      Step into Edinburgh’s Christmas Market from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

      Settle down and listen up for Santa’s Stories from Friday 20 November to Thursday 24 December 2026.

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

      Good news! Edinburgh’s Christmas is free to enter. You can buy tickets online for attractions like the LNER Big Wheel, Starflyer and Santa’s Stories.

      Don’t worry if you feel spontaneous and just turn up, there are Box Offices where you can buy tickets for all the attractions. As Christmas gets closer these can be pretty busy, so it’s a good idea to book online.

      Travelling to the Edinburgh Christmas Market by train

      If you’re travelling to the Christmas fair in Edinburgh, why not make your journey part of the adventure?

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

      Plus, you can enjoy the view of twinkling Christmas lights up and down the country on the way, to get you in the festive mood.

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

      Popular LNER trains to the Edinburgh Christmas Market

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

      What are this year’s Edinburgh Christmas Market hours?

      For all the festive info, sign up to the official Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026 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?

      We’d say get there early in the season. Last year, 2.5 million people enjoyed Edinburgh’s Christmas Market.

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

      Yes. You can pre-book rides and activities online ahead of time, like the LNER Big Wheel and Santa’s Stories. That way you won’t miss out on any of the fun.

      But don’t worry if you’re not that organised. You can pay when you’re entering the ride or attraction.

      What else is there to do in Edinburgh this Christmas?

      There’s plenty else to keep the whole family merry and bright. The whole town comes alive with celebration, including streets decked with lights, Winter Windows, which is a collaboration between primary school children and local businesses, and not forgetting the Christmas Globe, perfect for a festive photo.

      Go for a spin on the LNER Big Wheel!

      We’re over the moon that the LNER Big Wheel is back for another year. You’ll find it at East Princes Street Gardens. Our towering wheel offers a unique perspective of the spectacular city and all its sparkling festivities. With incredible views, one ride won’t be enough! Enjoy it all in comfort from one of the enclosed, weather-proof pods.

      The LNER Big Wheel

      Our Christmas Travel Tips

      • Going as a group? Save on your Christmas Market travel with LNER​

        Getting to Christmas Markets is easier and cheaper with LNER, with groups of 3-9 people saving 20% off LNER Advance tickets. The discount is automatically applied to your booking when you have between 3 and 9 people travelling with you and you're buying LNER Advance tickets.

        Save on group travel

      • Get inspired by other Christmas Markets along our route​

        We've created our ultimate guide to Christmas Markets and festive events along our route. So whether you're looking for a laugh out loud panto to watch this winter, or wondering where to find the best Christmas light displays, you're sure to find it here.

        Christmas Markets and Festive Events

      • Tips for travelling at Christmas ​

        We all know that Christmastime is one of the busiest times of year for train travel. Be sure to plan ahead with tickets on sale for the Christmas and New Years period now.

        Our travel tips