Edinburgh Christmas Markets 2023: full tour! | tips for shopping and food

If like me you're excited for Edinburgh to reach its peak Christmasiness, this one's for you! Let's explore all four areas of Edinburgh's Christmas markets in 2023, exploring all the street food offerings and independent vendors selling their goods and artwork.
Edinburgh Christmas markets can be hella overwhelming, so hopefully this guide will help you to plan and enjoy the festive event to the fullest!
How do you feel about Edinburgh's Christmas markets? Is there a British city that does them better, or do you think UK's markets should be skipped altogether? Do you have a favourite festive drink or a treat you've been waiting for through the past 11 months? Let me know! .)
#edinburgh #edinburghchristmasmarkets #visitscotland
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[@graeme-s5g]

proud of my nearby city of edinburgh....as a scot..come and enjoy our great country

[@magdalenasochacka3652]

Actually i love christmas markets - but hate the crowd. This year ill be in Edinburgh Christmas market, so thank you for all your videos about Edinburgh! They are very helpful to plan a trip

[@buonasera6185]

I live in America and I have to say that I love Scotland and this Christmas Market is fabulous. Thank you for sharing. ♥️♥️♥️

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Thanks for such a beautiful, informative and entertaining video!! LOVED IT!!!

[@Kakibot]

So glad you enjoyed it!!

[@dr.random8920]

Thank you so much for going on the Ferris Wheel for us even though you were absolutely terrified! 🫣🩵

[@erickasantiago21]

Hello from the states. I absolutely love chrismas markets. My first christmas market was in Germany while my husband was stationed in the Army. This year, I'll be going to the christmas market in (Savannah,GA,USA) Thank you for sharing this video. It's very beautiful in Edinburgh. I hope to travel there one day💚🎄❤️✨

[@RoyaleBryYT]

We can swap if you want 😂😂😂 I’d rather be American than Scottish 😂😂

[@ariadnacenzano5880]

I'm from Barcelona and I for sure know how crowded christmas markets can get, and yes, it sometimes get a little anxious because of the noise and all..., But I love them nontheless, I go every year to the few that my city has, I even get my christmas tree there, and, I don't know, i just love how cozy it feels, the chestnuts roasting smell delicious, the caramelized nuts, the hot cocoa, the pine trees, the christmas songs in the background... I will actually be going to Edinburgh for a few days in december and can't wait to experience those feelings in the place that stole my heart! Thank you so much for this informative video, I will for sure go to Scottish Desing Exchange, for some reason I didn't see it last year and i was looking for some place to buy from small bussiness!

[@PaulBentham-c8y]

You are our little ray of sunshine in these dark cold days

[@alanjedwards]

I Love Christmas markets!

[@karstensawade]

A lot of people in Berlin say the same thing. The market is just a business... blah blah .. In the first week of December, I visit the Christmas market in Edinburgh for myself. Accompanied by my lovely wife. Thank you and greetings from Berlin (if you find errors in the text, you can keep them) 🙂

[@MsSmartmonkeee]

I am so amazed by your bravery and for conquering your fear kind of. Aloha from Hawai'i!

[@Kakibot]

“Conquering my fear… kind of” - the title of my autobiography 😂

[@russellfrancis6294]

New subscriber. I like your mode of dress. Nice to meet you .

[@Kakibot]

Hello and thanks for subscribing! ✨

[@Kiraschwarze]

thank you for the lovely overview - I love Christmas Markets and cant wait to explore them when I visit in a few days!

[@Richard-fv7rq]

Thank you, looking to go this year (2024) and we like what we see.

[@cristinabearden9629]

We are coming to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets this November and we are so excited! Coming from Georgia, USA❤️❤️❤️

[@Kakibot]

Fantastic! You’re gonna have a great time .)

[@kellyramirez7465]

Im going to Scotland, mostly staying in Edinburgh next Monday fir my second solo trip. Im excited for the market!!

[@joycenisbet4069]

st andrews squre George st the better

[@Evergreenwoks]

So excited for our first visit to Edinburgh this winter! Thank you for all your videos.

[@Kakibot]

When is it you’re visiting? Hoping the weather treats you well during your first experience of Scotland! .)

[@thomaschapman7533]

So happy to see your version, your expert video of this Christmas market. Again most of these videos are “wander aimless vids” but you show the maps, the new and the old, and give us a well organized view of the new set up. Plus a harrowing scary heights, way too high, kinda expensive big wheel reporting. None of the wander around videos had a ride section- well done you!

[@guiwelter390]

Love your videos! Sooo looking forward to visiting Edimburgh this january for the first time, hope the weather cooperates haha, cheers from brazil!

[@g.m.4877]

Hope you enjoy yourself!

[@wagnergatto1034]

Olá! Estarei em Edimburgo no início de janeiro. Também espero que o clima nos ajude.

[@lucieklimesova3729]

Hello from Czech Republic🇨🇿Nice video🎄 Very beautiful city. Hope to come back to Edinburgh soon!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙🩵

[@alisonrodger3360]

You've reminded me of the old Kelvin Hall in Glasgow xmas fair. The big wheel took you right up into the roof girders. I still don't know who thought an indoor big wheel was a good idea!

[@cynthiasmith9910]

We were just in Edinburgh around a month ago. Was nice to see a familiar area. I am also deathly afraid of heights and was having a panic attack with you 😂. I would enjoy a quick visit to a Christmas market as not a fan of large crowds either. Thank you for your enjoyable videos.

[@Alternative420]

God I want to move to Scotland so badly!!!! Amazing video ❤

[@sophiaashley97]

Ah, fond memories of being pushed along the Princes Street market area last year🤣 beautiful footage as always!

[@Kakibot]

Yes this city MAKES YOU have a good festive time 😅

[@isabellefassin2111]

❤🎉merci beaucoup pour cette magnifique vidéo 🙏🥰🍀🔥😘🇧🇪

[@beataestelle-nf6xw]

SO glad to have your Edinburgh videos back. Today I went to George Street in the day and then went into Scottish Design Exchange for your pins. Missed your Edinburgh content immensely over the last few weeks 😊

[@claires1177]

We loved Edinburgh when we visited for the Fringe, and now we would love to spend a few days during Christmas some other time. It looks absolutely beautiful!

[@Kakibot]

Good to see someone who enjoys the bustle of the busier seasons! A christmas visit is a must ✨ makes the city look so magical - which sounds like a cliche but I am obsessed with how sparkly it is in December!

[@claires1177]

We agree with you! Edinburgh has special magic! We fell in love with this beautiful place!

[@rafsonrafson]

I love christmas markets! Been waiting for my annual dose of bratwurst and mulled wine/cider for weeks! :D It's the first time for me at the Edinburgh ones, but they seem enjoyable outside the absolutely busiest hours like Saturday evening. Totally agree with your opinion on the reddit crowd, grumpy sods!

[@lyndaburns2725]

I’m with you in connection with that Big Wheel. Went on it early one morning last year by myself. I just wanted off and couldn’t relax. Fine when it’s moving but that hanging and swaying at the top was horrible. 😀

[@Kakibot]

Exactly!! And why does it CREAK! 😐 I have too much to live for to take on such risks 😂

[@daja8787]

Im going to Edinburgh in 4days! So excited!🎉

[@Kakibot]

Yay!! Hope you have fun! .)

[@SandyKH]

I love the tradition of Christmas markets, and I hope they continue. I avoid the more crowded ones. I like seeing how different cultures focus on different things. On the one hand, they are all the same and yet they are also very different. Have yet to see Edinburgh's Christmas Market, but hope to go soon... maybe next year.

[@rociotfw.roreads]

Omg how pretty ❤ I went in march and it was already beautiful but my new goal in life is to visit Edinburgh in Christmas 😂

[@jasonsmart3482]

My sister is visiting my brother in Stirling and they are fully planning to got to Edinburgh for the market, Have linked her in.

[@MonicaLily8]

It looks so beautiful! I'm planning to come next December (because I'm a glutton for punishment), so I love watching your vids to get to know your beautiful city/country! Thanks for the video ^^. I love the Christmas Market we kinda have here in San Diego, we call it December Nights, and I've sadly missed the last few years. But it's always a favorite of mine!

[@Kakibot]

I’d be really curious to visit festive markets all the way on the west coast! Fingers crossed your trip next year works out amazingly!

[@MaritaSynnestvedt]

Love them ❤️

[@LIKWID]

I can absolutely sympathise with you about the big wheel fear! I used to love going on them when I was younger, however. Now that I'm in my 30's my fear of heights has gotten quite bad. My wife and I went on a big wheel in the centre of Budapest and I had the same feelings as you. Really wanted to see the view but the constant stopping and rocking motion gave me such a bad feeling. Once it was moving consistently I actually started to enjoy it and look at the view instead but yeah, I can totally sympathise with how you felt!

[@arthurerickson5162]

Wonderful video! Despite the occasional crowds, I love going to Christmas markets. There are 3 in nearby New York City that I visit every year. I’ve also visited markets in London and York. Now I’ll have to experience Christmas in Edinburgh, too! BTW, I was in Edinburgh late last month (stayed at Eden Locke) and dropped a lot of cash for gifts at the Scottish Design Exchange🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

[@Kakibot]

Oh that explains why October was my best month ever at Scottish Design Exchange 😂! Thank you for supporting small makers!! How was your experience with the markets in York? I’ve never been but am super curious!

[@arthurerickson5162]

@@Kakibot York is a favorite destination for me, but it was a few years ago when I was visiting at Christmas time. There were many local and regional small businesses represented, selling everything from crafts to food and, of course, beers, wines, spirits and chocolate! You also had to make sure you explored side streets because there were many other stalls off the beaten path. A true Yorkshire experience! I loved it. You and Simon should visit sometime (there are no big wheels for you to ride)! 🎄I did buy 3 of your Scottish flag pins - one for each of my daughters-in-law and my granddaughter to go on the winter hats from Island Studios. If I wasn’t off to Inverness the next day, I could’ve spent my entire gift/souvenir budget there😅!

[@nicolelawsinhang]

Great video ❤❤ I love Christmas market although I don’t appreciate the prices 🥲 but I just love walking around and immersing myself in the festive atmosphere!

[@alexandrazemko746]

Flight ticket booked ✈️ Hello from Slovakia 🇸🇰

[@Kakibot]

Woop! Is it the Christmas season you’re coming over for?

[@EmmaJupiter]

We'll be spending the holidays (through Hogmanay) in Edinburgh this year, so I've been absolutely bingeing your videos and hoped you'd be doing some on Christmas this year! This definitely helped us know what to expect in terms of the markets (particularly the crowd levels and where to actually get Scottish goods), so thank you very much for the information😅

[@biancaeksteen9687]

Hey there!! my sympathies for the giant wheel. I also have a terrible fear of heights so I know exactly how you felt!! The market looks amazing!!

[@roastlamb236]

What a timely video! I’ll be visiting Edinburgh in Dec and I’ll definitely be popping by the Christmas market - at least a few times! Thank you, Kat. I love Christmas Markets! 👍🏼😄

[@Kakibot]

Multiple market visits! Good strategy, I’m sure at least one of the visits will be peaceful! .D

[@PhotoSportiv]

Hi Kaki, cool video.! As someone living in Germany, I love a good Xhristmas market, however nowadays there oh so expensive!! When I see those prices, I convert them straight away in my head into €€, then let out a huge Gasp! Have a lovely Xmas and new year! 👍👍

[@Steve-Duh-Rino]

Beautiful video!

[@Kakibot]

Thank you! ☺️

[@darrenmcalinden4672]

Anyone know what the markets are like in the last few days? Will the be as busy as just before Christmas. My wife always wanted to go to Edinburgh and I've bought us tickets as her Christmas present to take her at the start of January

[@davidpierce3217]

Me: "Oh lovely, a cozy Kat vid, this will be chill, relaxing, and low stress." Also me: "OMG what fresh hell is that Starflyer!! AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!"

[@Kakibot]

UNEXPECTED THRILL!! Curious to know who has decided that being flung high up into the air in almost freezing temperatures was in any way compatible with the festive cheer 🫥

[@miniman-ss2ld]

Forgot the botanic gardens

[@simonmountney]

Send kat a super thanks and I'll try and get her on the tall and scary ride ;)

[@EclipsedWillow]

Oh, poor Kat 😂 I think she suffered enough on the big wheel 🤭

[@ouime60]

As an Edinburgh resident, I successfully avoid the Edinburgh Christmas market when ‘Underbelly’ (a London company) took over the running of it. I believe they have lost the contract because of so many complaints from locals (and the total mess they made of Princes Street Gardens), so I may have a look next year.

[@mattkeyes9153]

Should I prebook or purchase tickets prior to arriving on the day of ok?

[@jdan5793]

Where are the Glasgow art guys located in the market Kat? X

[@EclipsedWillow]

I'm so excited about seeing a video so close to me visiting! 🥰 I'll definitely have to go visit some of the small shops 😄 Do you have any recommendations for where to get beautiful jackets and sweaters like yours? 😍

[@Kakibot]

Oooh that’s a hard question to answer as I mostly collect my coats and jumpers all over - this particular coat I found in a second hand store in Japan, so not a super helpful tip 😅 I do love to comb Vinted for coats, too!

[@EclipsedWillow]

@@Kakibot Thanks, I'll have to try vinted and maybe some vintage/second hand shops in Edinburgh ☺️

[@mayannemanzano-guerzon3205]

Hello! Thank you. This is very helpful. We are going on the last week of November this year. Will all these be open and available then? Thank you!

[@Kakibot]

Yes, the markets should be up from November 17 - sometimes the other locations take a day or two extra to be fully on, but you should have access to all the festive vibes if you're coming at the end of November .)

[@Sjezzy]

We're here in Edinburgh! Thank you.. quick question tho, whats your camera gear?

[@Kakibot]

Sony a7siii .) lens depending on setting, usually my Sony 24-240!

[@jasongray4517]

A bit of a bah humbug, but i have to admit it looks lovely. Difficult to be cynical when you see it all lit up, looking gorgeous.

[@karupe9982]

Listen, lights, cold, games near monuments... Sounds great but u vet the budget goes SOOOO UP i don't think i'll ever have enough to go on Christmas. Guess we'll have to set for spring or summer

[@IAmWithinEverything]

I want to visit❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Semtex9387]

Can anybody tell me how long it takes to stroll around the market please

[@tenorclef4090]

So were you eventually able to settle down and enjoy the views from the Big Wheel, or was it terrifying the whole time? I can't decide whether I should or shouldn't...

[@lawrnk]

Shame there are no dates told in the intro or video notes

[@andyoooooh8780]

Glad to see you standing up to the Edinburgh subreddit. Theyre honestly a bunch of miserable folk and it worries me that might be some peoples first impression of locals.

[@rjflores438]

I would rather be punched in the face by Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder than go on the Starflyer ride again! I went on the exact same ride when I visited Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and couldn't wait to get off, being hurtled 200ft up in the air with my legs dangling out of the side is not my idea of fun!

[@virginiaspencer8865]

St Andrew Square, not St AndrewS Square.

[@andrewwalker8382]

Does it really matter? I lived in Edinburgh 13 years and called it that. In fact; everyone I know calls it St Andrews sq.

[@glasgowbhoy8711]

They r all the same in every city when you have seen 1 you have seen them all… highly overpriced average things with massive crowds in the freezing cold

[@bootsmith8016]

Thank you for this! I have the same reaction to Ferris wheels that you do. Whenever I give in to temptation to go on one, by the time I get to the top I am telling myself I just have to survive it and then I am never getting on one again 😅🥺😰

[@gerardromeijn4123]

Wow, what a great video again and you are so brave you did the ride in the big Wheel 😮🫣😎👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I'm to chicken...🫣😬😅😅😅

[@ihatecrazyfrog]

Another great video :)

[@Kakibot]

Thanks Craig! :)