As the holiday season approaches, Scotland transforms into a magical winter wonderland that offers visitors a festive Christmas experience.
From the capital city of Edinburgh to the quaint towns of the Scottish Highlands, the country is dotted with charming Christmas markets that capture the season’s spirit.
Whether you’re looking for handcrafted gifts, authentic festive food, mulled wine, or want to soak up the holiday atmosphere, the bustling Christmas markets all over Scotland offer the perfect opportunities for visitors to capture the true magic of Christmas.
So, if you’re planning on visiting Scotland this holiday season but don’t quite know where to go, this article is just for you as we explore the country’s best Christmas markets.
What Are the Best Christmas Markets in Scotland?
There are a large number of Christmas markets scattered throughout the country. Some of the best Christmas markets in Scotland that we believe you should consider include:
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market (Princes Street Gardens)
One of Scotland’s most notable Christmas markets is hosted in the heart of Edinburgh, right in the picturesque setting of Princes Street Gardens.
This vibrant market runs from November 17th until January 5th and captures the true essence of the festive season, attracting visitors from all over the globe.
With its stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the twinkling lights illuminating the gardens, the market creates a truly magical atmosphere that immerses guests in the holiday spirit.
Each year, hundreds of vendors put their hard work on display, ranging from handcrafted gifts to mouth-watering street food and, of course, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Glasgow Christmas Market (George Square & St. Enoch Square)
Glasgow’s Christmas market is renowned all over the UK for its festive atmosphere and wide range of offerings, ranging from artisanal gifts and handmade crafts to festive foods from all around the world.
Each year, the Christmas market is held in two key locations, George Square and St. Enoch Square, and runs from November 18th to January 5th.
It can get quite busy, especially in December, so if you plan on visiting, we recommend doing so between Monday and Friday, when it’s significantly less busy.
Aberdeen Christmas Village
From Tuesday the 14th of November to Tuesday the 31st of December, a significant section of Aberdeen’s city centre is transformed into what locals call the Christmas Village.
It becomes the place to be during the festive season as it features an ice rink, fairground rides, and a large variety of vendors offering anything from delicious mulled wine and tasty food to gifts and festive crafts.
So, if you plan on coming as far north as Aberdeen between mid-November and the last day of 2024, the Christmas Village is one place you must visit.
Inverness Christmas Market
Held in the city centre, each year, the Inverness Christmas market captures the Christmas spirit of the Highlands. It’s charming, cosy, festive, and filled with the warmth of the holiday season, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Running from late November to just before Christmas, this market offers a blend of traditional Scottish culture, delightful cuisine, and contemporary festive cheer that is adored by thousands.
Dundee WinterFest
Dundee WinterFest is a popular annual event that brings festive cheer to the fourth-largest city in Scotland.
The WinterFest takes place in the city centre and often features a mix of traditional market stalls and entertainment, including live performances and family-friendly activities.
From artisanal crafts to delicious seasonal treats, Dundee WinterFest offers something for everyone. Though the exact dates can vary from year to year, WinterFest usually begins around late November and runs at least until Christmas, providing plenty of opportunities for visitors looking to soak in the holiday spirit.
Perth Winter Festival
Perth’s Winter Festival is a delightful celebration adored by young and old alike. It features local crafts, delicious food, mulled wine, and festive live entertainment.
Each year, it captures the essence of the holiday season and brings everyone together, transforming the city into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with joy and cheer.
If you have plans to head up to Perth, the Winter Festival is one of the several Christmas events that are held in the city over the holiday season and is definitely worthy of a visit.
Stirling Christmas Market
The Stirling Christmas Market is best known among locals for its charming ambiance and focus on Scottish culture. So, if you want to indulge in a festive experience that truly celebrates the spirit of Scotland, this market is a must-visit during the holiday season.
The Christmas market is always located in the heart of Stirling, and features stalls offering anything from local handmade crafts and delicious food to festive drinks like mulled wine and tasty hot chocolate.
In addition to the stalls, the Stirling Christmas market often features live music and entertainment, providing a delightful backdrop for visitors to enjoy while they browse.
If you want to catch the live entertainment during your visit, make sure to plan your trip to the Stirling Christmas market in accordance with the market’s schedule.
Ayr Christmas Market
Ayr’s Christmas market is quite unique to what you’ll typically come across in Scotland and the rest of the UK. It’s super cosy and mostly community-focused, meaning everything that you see is either sourced from or made in the local area.
The market showcases local artisans and food producers, offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious baked goods. Usually held in early December, the Ayr Christmas market is a delightful place to experience the warmth of the festive season while supporting local businesses.
So, if you’re around or plan on specifically visiting Ayr during the Christmas period, the Christmas market should definitely be on your itinerary.
Oban Winter Festival
Oban is not only one of the most scenic coastal towns but it has also been voted one of the top 10 most festive Christmas towns, not just in Scotland but also in the whole of the UK. That comes as no surprise, considering it’s home to the infamous Oban Winter Festival.
The Oban Winter Festival is an annual celebration of the festive season. This event transforms the charming coastal town into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors from near and far. The festival lasts for over a week, offering a packed schedule of activities, performances, and festive events that cater to all ages.
However, that’s not all. In the town of Oban, the Christmas festivities span from mid-November up until the end of the year, so there’s plenty to do and see regardless of when you choose to visit.
Pitlochry Winter Wonderland
Pitlochry’s Winter Wonderland is a magical Christmas market nestled in the heart of the Highlands.
With its picturesque setting and charming stalls, locals and visitors who have booked getaway breaks in this part of Scotland can explore a variety of local crafts and delicious food offerings.
The market typically features festive entertainment, including carol singing and performances, making it a delightful destination for families with children of all ages.
Typically, the winter wonderland of Pitlochry runs throughout December and can be the perfect place to create lasting memories during the holiday season.
Cosy Hotels Near Scotland’s Best Christmas Markets
One great way to make your Christmas experience even more magical is to stay in one of the many cosy hotels located near Scotland’s best Christmas markets. That way, after a beautiful day out, the festivities can continue right at your doorstep.
At Bespoke Hotels, we have a couple of recommendations that you don’t want to miss out on, especially if you’re planning on visiting Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness, Oban, or the Highlands.
Edinburgh
There are a number of hotels in Edinburgh that we would recommend you stay at, but one that stands out is the Bonham Hotel.
This 5-star hotel combines luxury with a boutique charm, making it a perfect choice for travellers looking to experience the magic of Edinburgh during the holiday season.
Located in the renowned West End, it’s just a short walk from the city centre and many of Edinburgh’s key attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the Princes Street Gardens, where the biggest Christmas market in Edinburgh is hosted each year.
Dundee
If you’re planning on paying the Dundee WinterFest a visit or one of the many other Christmas markets in the area and want to enhance your festive experience, you have to stay at one of the best hotels in Dundee.
One hotel that we couldn’t recommend enough is the Carnoustie Golf Hotel. This 4-star hotel boasts 96 luxury en-suite guestrooms, including ten higher-end suites, which offer guests incredible views over the North Sea, the Championship golf course, and the local town of Carnoustie.
Inverness
Although Inverness is one of the smallest cities in Scotland, it’s one of the most magical during the Christmas season. To complement your stay in the Scottish Highlands, we recommend that you treat yourself to a luxury stay at one of the best hotels in Inverness.
Though there are a number of great accommodations to choose from, our main recommendation for the holiday season would be the Tulloch Castle Hotel.
Nestled just a short drive from the city centre, this 3-star hotel is steeped in history and charm, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the festivities of Inverness.
Oban, Argyll & Bute
The small resort town of Oban is not only known for being the seafood capital of Scotland, but also for being home to some of the best hotels in Argyll and Bute.
During the Christmas period, Oban transforms into a picturesque holiday destination, making it an ideal spot for festive celebrations.
If you’re planning to visit the Oban Christmas Market or enjoy the seasonal activities in the area, we recommend staying at the Great Western Hotel.
This 3-star hotel offers comfortable accommodations with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for travellers seeking a cosy retreat during the festive season.
Highlands, Cairngorms
If you, too, plan on visiting the Highlands and enjoying the Christmas festivities while taking in the breathtaking views of the local countryside, the best place to stay is the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel.
This 3-star hotel was first built in the 19th century and is now a fine example of what a Scotting hunting lodge used to look like, offering guests a unique blend of historic charm and modern comforts.
Book Your Next Scottish Getaway
If you already know which Christmas market you want to visit in Scotland this year, book your stay in one of the best hotels in Scotland. During the festive season, the hotels we mentioned above get booked up fast.
To avoid disappointment, make your reservation as soon as possible. If you have any questions before doing so, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
