Posted by Maris on 5th Dec 2023
Guide to Christmas markets in Scotland
It's that time of year again, when small hints of Christmas arrive and a warm sense of joy sets in. Tree decorations, festive homeware, and the annual Christmas sweaters are already on the stores, holiday food advertisements are appearing on our TVs, and the merry Christmas jingles are already being played - how can you not be in the mood?
In 2023, Scotland will have a plethora of Christmas markets providing everything from seasonal products and handcrafted goods to winter fashion and, most importantly, delectable sweets and mulled wine! These markets are Scottish Christmas traditions, and they are the greatest way to avoid the stress and bustle of retail shopping in favor of a more relaxed and cultured festive experience.
This list has been put together to help you plan your next festive outing, which might coincide with a winter vacation in Scotland.
Oban Winter Festival
Oban is located on the West Coast.
When: November 17-26, 2023
Oban, a lively fishing town on Scotland's west coast, presents an annual ten-day winter festival honoring the town's unique culture and community with street parades, reindeer, performing arts, pipers, arts and crafts, ceilidhs, and family fun. During the Oban Winter Festival, local cafes, bars, and venues get involved, creating an environment unlike any other. The easiest way to get around is on foot, which ensures you don't miss out on the pleasure that lurks around every corner.
Make sure you don't miss the Haggis and Whisky Festival; there will be haggis hurling! Great shops, restaurants, bars, and unexpected performances are all waiting to be discovered, and the Glencruitten Woods Light Festival offers a night-time walking event complete with a light show! Public transportation is even available to bring you there. This is the ideal opportunity to visit this great corner of the world and experience an event that you can dip in and out of while also seeing the surrounding area.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
Edinburgh's East Princes Street Gardens
When: November 17, 2022–January 6, 2024
This Christmas market is located in the heart of Edinburgh. With a fantastic location on Princes Street, you can enjoy beautiful views of Old Town and the historic Edinburgh Castle. With no time limit, this market is ideal for soaking up the festive ambiance while savoring scrumptious snacks like freshly prepared crepes, gingerbread, sugar-coated churros, marshmallow sticks, and thick hot chocolate. Hand-made crafts, leather purses, and jewelry are available for purchase, while the 'Johnnie Walker Bothy Bar' welcomes you in for a cozy mulled wine and a spot to rest the legs.
Edinburgh's market is widely known for its stunning array of rides, some of which carry you high above the city to take in the breathtaking vistas. The carousel, Christmas tree maze, and Santa Claus Land are available for the younger members of your party, ensuring that everyone has a good time during their stay.
Traquair House Christmas Fayre
Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders
When: November 25-26, 2023
Traquair House in Innerleithen, a slightly smaller but no less magical event, decks its walls in a Victorian-era style to provide you and the kids a day of Christmas pleasure. Traditional wreaths, mantle decorations, hanging stockings, Christmas trees, and pillar candles are all expected during this day-long festival in Scotland's oldest inhabited residence.
Local choirs and the silver band will perform in this traditional Scottish mansion, putting you in the mood for a pleasant family Christmas. These smaller activities are ideal for younger children, and with Santa's Grotto, puppet shows, chestnut roasting, and home-cooked meals to enjoy, you and your loved ones will have a great day. What about the adults? There will be plenty of photo ops and mulled wine available!
Logie Steading Christmas Market
Forres in the Highlands
When: November 25th, December 2nd, and December 9th, 2023
Logie Steading will host its picturesque Christmas market again this year after several successful years. This market, located in the Scottish Highlands on the boundary of Inverness-shire and Morayshire, gathers people from all around together to enjoy delicious food, talent, and everything Christmas.
This site, a luxury shop and café by trade, already has everything to make this indoor market spectacular, and you will be amazed at the level of festive decoration throughout. There will be over 50 vendors selling hot food, drink, jewelry, homeware, and arts & crafts, with an emphasis on handmade and local. This is the ideal event for taking in the festivities and finding one-of-a-kind gifts for individuals you care about.
Drumlanrig Christmas Fair
Drumlanrig Castle is located in Dumfries and Galloway.
When: December 1-2, 2023
This is one of Scotland's greatest indoor Christmas markets, set against the spectacular Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway. It features exquisite food, music, accessories, and crafts made by a variety of local artisans.
There is enough for everyone to enjoy on-site entertainment such as Santa's Grotto and Clydesdale horse and cart rides, and one thing not to miss is the thrilling light-up of the Christmas tree. The unique setting with views out across the Nith Valley, where the market is set in a marquee in front of the brilliantly lit castle, only adds to the romance. If you're searching for a market on a smaller, more local scale, this weekend winter wonderland extravaganza is ideal.
George Square Christmas Market
Where: Glasgow's George Square
When: December 1, 2023–January 7, 2024
George Square is located in the heart of Glasgow, and Queen Street train station attracts travelers from all over the world - what better location for a Christmas market? In December, the plaza comes alive with traders from all over the world displaying their best holiday produce and crafts for you to enjoy. A day can be spent perusing the different stalls, which are brimming with trinkets, handcrafted presents, winter accessories, and festive homeware.
Christmas treats will be available at the food stands, where you can try everything from cheese to chocolate. If you're looking for something more full, hot dogs and burgers are available, and a warming glass of Glühwein is the ideal drink to enjoy while you're out and about. There are a variety of rides and entertainment options to keep everyone in your group satisfied! This family-friendly market is ideal if you want a taste of bustling city life blended with Scottish Christmas spirit.
Christmas breaks in Scotland
The Scots like getting together and enjoying Christmas with their families, friends, and local communities. We have our unique Scottish Christmas customs, as do most countries, and we invite you to join in the fun.
Look through our selection of charming winter getaways and larger family homes for the Christmas holidays in Scotland.