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The 12 Best Christmas Markets in Scotland

The 12 Best Christmas Markets in Scotland

| Last Updated: November 2023

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way to Scotland’s festive Christmas markets! Whether it’s a variety of food stalls, fun rides or quaint shops, you’ll have a blast shopping at these classic holiday fairs.

Let’s take a cue from the Twelve Days of Christmas and do a rundown of the 12 best Christmas markets in the country! 

1. Edinburgh Christmas Market

Website: https://www.edinburgh-christmas.com/

Facebook: Edinburgh’s Christmas

Address: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2EJ, UK

Duration: November 17, 2023, to January 6, 2024,

Happening for six weeks yearly, Edinburgh Christmas is at the top of our list of Christmas markets in Scotland. Think of twinkling bright lights and wooden stalls all over the place; that’s what you can expect when you go here.

It’s a grand affair held in the East Princes Street Gardens of the capital city, with lots of food stands and many exciting rides for kids and adults alike. We particularly love the Star Flyer, the Big Wheel, and the doughnut-shaped ice rink. 

Pro tip:

Santa Land is found in the west gardens in case you can’t spot it easily when you reach the market. We also recommend visiting the stalls of Castle Terrace for some traditional Scottish-themed gifts.

2. Glasgow George Square Christmas Market

Facebook: Glasgow Loves Christmas

Address: George Square, Glasgow, G2 1DH, UK

Duration: December 1, 2023, to January 8, 2024,

Glasgow has two Christmas markets, but we’re going to focus on the one in George Square for now. It’s the second-largest fair, next to Edinburgh’s, which attracts over a thousand visitors each year.

This is held right in the middle of the city centre beside Queen Street Station, featuring vibrant decorative lights and a 15-metre tall Christmas tree. What’s more, there are several food stalls, German-themed pubs and live music performances all night.

Pro tip:

The Native Handicraft Stall is a great stop if you’re looking for budget-friendly but authentic accessories. 

3. Oban Winter Festival

Website: https://obanwinterfestival.com/

Facebook: Oban Winter Festival

Address: Royal Bank Garage, Stevenson St, Oban, UK

Duration: November 17 to 26, 2023

You’ll experience a Winter Wonderland when you go to the ten-day-long Oban Winter Festival, which showcases various ballet and choir performances during the merry season. 

But on top of that, there’s a Christmas Market in the Royal Bank Garage where visitors can browse through different local products and cute souvenirs. This event also has lots of pop-up markets and craft stalls with fun activities, including face painting for the kids.

Pro tip:

Visit the vast woodlands at Dunollie, which are transformed into a winter wonderland with a ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ walking trail and carol performances.

4. Glasgow St Enoch Christmas Market

Facebook: Glasgow Loves Christmas

Address: St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4BW, UK

Duration: November 18, 2023, to January 3, 2024, 

The other half of Glasgow’s lively Christmas markets is found in St Enoch. The two are located close to each another, so you can take your pick between the two or go to both, whichever floats your boat.

While St Enoch is smaller in scale, it boasts an extensive variety of food stalls selling delicious treats: from home-baked sweets to German bratwurst and hog roasts.

Pro tip:

Try the famous Dickman, which has a chocolate shell with marshmallows. You can also have a cup of mulled wine while you walk around the market.

5. St Andrews’ Balgove Larder Christmas Night Market

Website: https://www.balgove.com/

Facebook: Balgove Larder

Address: Strathtyrum Farm, St Andrews, KY16 9SF, UK

Contact details: +44 133 489 8145

Duration: December 3 to 4, 2023

When it’s that time of the year again, perhaps you’d care to venture to the Kingdom of Fife and visit St Andrews’ Balgove Larger Christmas Night Market. It’s a two-day event hosted by the local barn with different food trucks and live music in the background. 

This quaint fair has a relaxing atmosphere, with glittering fairy lights and little to no crowds. You can casually look around with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate and check out some local goods.

Pro tip:

Aside from the market, we suggest dropping by their Steak Barn, a rustic restaurant known for their tender steaks.

6. Aberdeen Christmas Village

Facebook: Aberdeen Christmas Village

Address: Broad St, Aberdeen, AB10 1AG, UK

Contact details: +44 122 456 6291

Duration: November 21 to December 31, 2023,

You’ll definitely feel the festive Christmas spirit when you go to Aberdeen Christmas Village on Broad Street. This market features local sellers who come bearing a variety of unique gifts, delicious food and refreshing drinks.

There are also Nativity plays, dance shows and live musical performances happening around the area. The young ones and young at heart will also love participating in fun activities like the claw, Helter Skelter slide and open-air ice rink.

Pro tip:

There are many parking spaces near the Christmas Village such as the NCP Aberdeen Shiprow, Gallowgate and Frederick Street car park.

7. Dundee Ethical Christmas Fair

Address: City Square, Dundee, DD1 3DB, UK

Duration: November 26 to December 23, 2023,

Recognised as Scotland’s first Fairtrade City, Dundee holds an Ethical Christmas Fair where locally-made sustainable goods for sale are ethically sourced. There are also local and international retailers in this market.

In case you’re curious, the profits made by international sellers will go to individual projects for their communities. 

You’ll have a lovely time hopping from one stall to another – there are more than 50 of them! – and checking out their delicious treats and cute trinkets.

Pro tip:

If you still want to shop more, the market’s a few minute-walk from the Overgate Shopping Centre and High Street. They’re filled with high-end shops, parking spaces and picnic areas.

8. Inverness Eden Court Christmas Market

Website: https://www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk/events/december-at-eden-court/

Address: Eden Court, Bishops Rd, Inverness, IV3 5SA, UK

Duration: November 17 to 19, 2023 and December 1 to 3, 2023

Organised by Exclusively Highlands, the Inverness Eden Court Christmas Market is a two-part Christmas event with over 100 exhibitors. They have it all, from patisseries to clothing shops..

You can even buy different art illustrations, organic and vegan skincare products and giftware for yourself and your loved ones. For some live entertainment, there are traditional pantomimes or shows in the nearby theatre.

Pro tip:

If you’re watching a show at the theatre, we recommend sitting in Row C of the ‘stalls’. These are large and comfortable seats with lots of legroom and a great view of the show.

9. Perth International Christmas Market

Address: High St, Perth, PH2 1SF, UK

Duration: November 14 to December 7, 2023,

The Perth International Christmas Market starts the holidays with a bang – and a big one of that – with a fireworks show and a big light switch-on with celebrity guests. Then, you’re more than free to explore all the food, drink and gift selections.

The excitement kicks up a notch as a string of additional activities happens in the next few days like the annual Great Perthshire Soup competition and Gin & Chocolate Festival. 

Pro tip:

There are lots of dog-friendly activities for you and your four-legged best friend in the market like attending the Christmas Barket, buying doggy treats and visiting Santa Paws.

10. Stirling Christmas Market

Facebook: Stirling Christmas Market

Address: Albert Halls, Dumbarton Rd, Stirling, FK8 2QL, UK

Contact details: +44 792 005 0694

Duration: November 19 to 20, 2023

The Stirling Christmas Market aims to help boost small businesses all over the city, in time for the season of giving. It’s a lovely two-day event where visitors can find a vast selection of handmade crafts and local products.

Rather than have the traditional hot chocolate, you’re given a free mocktail and a slice of mince pie while you go around and shop your heart out. 

Pro tip:

Take note that entrance to the market is not always free, unlike other Christmas fairs. For 2022, there was a £4 entry fee where half of the profits were given to deserving charities like Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and Strathcarron Hospice.

11. Drumlanrig Castle Christmas Fair 

Website: https://www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk/event/christmas-fair/

Facebook: Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

Address: Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries & Galloway, DG3 4AQR, UK

Contact details: +44 184 833 1555

Duration: December 2 to 3, 2023

Try something different and enjoy the festivities in a majestic castle – literally! – by visiting the Drumlanrig Castle Christmas Fair in Dumfries & Galloway.

Instead of having to deal with the cold outside, you can do some Christmas shopping inside a heated tent with 40 different food and craft stalls. You can even listen to the local band, visit Santa in his grotto and have some fun in the gardens and playground.

Pro tip:

Dare yourself to sign up for the 5K Santa Jog – yup, there’s such a thing here – where you’ll dress up as the famous white-bearded character and run around the estate. 
If that’s not your jam, you can watch by the corner and see a hoard of Santas rushing to the finish line.

12. Traquair House Christmas Fair

Website: https://www.traquair.co.uk/event/traquair-christmas-opening/

Address: Traquair House, Innerleithen, EH44 6PW, UK

Contact details: +44 189 683 0323

Duration: November 25 to 26, 2023

Known as Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, the Traquair House and Grounds hosts a jubilant two-day annual fair for the upcoming holidays. 

Visitors get a closer look at this traditional and cosy home wrapped as beautifully as a present with wreaths, mantel dressings and Christmas trees. 

You’ll also get to enjoy the performances local choirs and silver bands and take a look around the few market stalls in the courtyard.

Pro tip:

Pre-book a slot to visit Santa in his grand grotto. Entry tickets are available starting October 2023.

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