What a beautiful time of year to be in Edinburgh with all the Christmas lights twinkling and the smell of mulled wine in the air.

The Christmas Markets are a great place for a wander around, the kids will enjoy the rides and there are nice little nicknacks to purchase. If however you’re looking for an alternative to the busy Princes St and George St stalls there are still places you can experience some Christmas sprit that might be a little lass crowded.

Summerhill Market

Located on the edge of the Meadows, Summerhall is an indoor independent hub for local creatives. If you’re looking for something original and locally made this might be you’re ideal Christmas market, with 90 stalls, food vendors and carol singers. They will be hosting an in person and virtual Christmas market on the weekend of the 2nd & 3rd of December 2023.

Out of the Blue Christmas Arts Market

With more than 150 stalls, many run by the artist themselves, this community Christmas market has everything from paintings, art prints and fashion to pottery, ceramics and jewellery. A good indoor market for when the winter weather hits. Saturday 4th & Saturday 11th December £2 entry.

Meadows Christmas Market

Seb’s Urban Jungle Plant Shop at 10 South Clerk Street will be transformed into the Meadows Christmas Market with vintage clothing, wares from local artists, designers and craftspeople, coffee, snacks and of course houseplants throughout November and December.

Assembly Rooms Christmas Fair

Set under the shining chandeliers of the 200 year old Assembly Rooms, 120 of Britains’ finest artists, designers and craftspeople will be selling their own works. Conveniently located on George Street, this arts, crafts and design fair is a great alternative to the traditional Christmas markets in town on the 2nd & 3rd of December, £5 entry.

Dynamic Earth Christmas Market

Another poor weather alternative is this eco-friendly winter wonderland at the Dynamic Earth indoor stratosphere. Choose from handcrafted, locally sourced and environmentally responsible gifts at this guilt-free gifting market, Sunday 3rd, 10th &17th December.

Jupiter Artland Christmas Fair

Outdoor sculpture park Jupiter Artland is transformed into an annual winter grotto where you can enjoy home-made mulled wine, seasonal live music, artisan gift stalls , street food vendors, elf workshop (booking required) and absolutely not to be missed are the gorgeous festive donkeys. This is also an excellent place to meet Santa in the magically decorated dovecot (booking essential). Prices dependant on times.

Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair

This magnificent 17th century manor house is the private home of Lord Hopeton which throws open its doors each year for an extravagant Christmas fair. Over 50 exhibitors fill the house with exceptional Christmas gift ideas, entertainment, and The Stables Kitchen offer a cozy area to recover once all the shopping is done. November 24-26 prebooked tickets only.