{"id":572033,"date":"2025-11-15T12:54:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-15T12:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/572033\/"},"modified":"2025-11-15T12:54:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-15T12:54:25","slug":"edinburghs-christmas-market-returns-seven-tonnes-of-mulled-gin-local-discounts-and-the-best-views-in-the-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/572033\/","title":{"rendered":"Edinburgh’s Christmas Market Returns: Seven Tonnes of Mulled Gin, Local Discounts, and the Best Views in the City"},"content":{"rendered":"

The market officially runs from 15th November 2025 to 4th January 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The familiar scent of mulled gin and roasting nuts has returned to the city centre as the Edinburgh Christmas Market officially opens in East Princes Street Gardens. While the twinkling lights are a magnet for visitors from across the globe, organisers Unique Assembly are clear: this year is very much a Christmas for Edinburgh people.<\/p>\n

\"Great<\/a><\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t just a talking point. To subtly bypass the busiest crowds and make the most of the attractions, locals with an EH postcode<\/strong>\u00a0can get a 20% discount\u00a0on rides, the ice rink, and the Polar Ice bar.<\/p>\n

A spokesperson for Unique Assembly, the team behind the event, confirmed the focus. \u201cThe biggest thing is your EH postcode discount. Don\u2019t forget to do it,\u201d they urged. \u201cOn the rides down in West [Princes Street Gardens] and the Polar Ice bar and the ice rink, they\u2019re all there for locals as much as for tourists.\u201d<\/p>\n

Locals just need to bring a utility bill or similar proof of address to claim their discount on-site.<\/p>\n

The View from Above: The LNER Big Wheel<\/p>\n

I was one of the first up the LNER Big Wheel<\/strong> this week, and it is a highly recommended experience for anyone confident with heights. The view of the city from the top is truly remarkable, offering a perspective of the Old Town and the Castle that you simply cannot get from street level.<\/p>\n

Tickets can be booked in advance here: https:\/\/edwinterfest.com\/edinburgh-christmas\/whats-on\/lner-big-wheel<\/a><\/p>\n

\"LNER<\/a><\/p>\n

What\u2019s New for 2025?<\/p>\n

This year sees some significant and welcome changes alongside the wheel. Santa<\/strong> has moved back to West Princes Street Gardens<\/strong>, transforming the area into a dedicated family hub alongside the ice rink and Star Flyer.<\/p>\n

The Polar Ice Bar<\/strong> will also be running special family-friendly sessions<\/strong> for the first time, allowing children to experience the ice sculptures with a hot chocolate in hand.<\/p>\n

Over at the Ross Bandstand<\/strong>, visitors can enjoy an expanded programme of free community events, including a performance from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Meet the Traders<\/p>\n

\"Royal<\/a><\/p>\n

Behind the festive stalls are stories of passionate local and Scottish producers.<\/p>\n

One of the most anticipated new arrivals is the Great Glen Distillery<\/strong>, officially the smallest distillery in Scotland. Despite their size, they have arrived with a staggering seven tonnes of their Mulled Gin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Adam Dwyer, Managing Director, said: \u201cWe are incredibly excited to be part of Edinburgh\u2019s Christmas Market. This event is an iconic part of Scotland\u2019s festive season\u2026 We can\u2019t wait to share the flavours of Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

The distillery, based on the banks of Loch Ness, has already won prestigious awards, including three Great Taste Stars for its flagship gin. For Adam, coming to the capital was essential. \u201cEdinburgh\u2019s kind of the beating heart of Scotland,\u201d he explained. \u201cThis is our we spent the summer making it all and now we get to spend the winter chatting to people\u2026 it\u2019s all hands on deck.\u201d<\/p>\n

You will also find familiar local faces, like Selbrae House<\/strong>. The Fife-based, family-run brand creates handcrafted homeware inspired by Scottish heritage. \u201cWe\u2019re so excited to be part of Edinburgh\u2019s Christmas once again, it\u2019s one of our favourite festive traditions,\u201d a spokesperson for the brand said.<\/p>\n

For some, the market is a decades-long tradition. Chandra<\/strong> of Royal Mile Silver<\/strong> is one of the longest-standing street traders in Edinburgh, having worked in the city for 30 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe get a lot of groups\u2026 that come and say, \u2018Oh, every year we come here and buy a ring off you\u2019,\u201d Chandra told us. \u201cWe\u2019re part of people\u2019s story.\u201d<\/p>\n

She even shared a story of a nervous customer grabbing a ring to propose on the Big Wheel, only to return with his new fianc\u00e9e, who was arguing the ring was too big, delighted to be engaged, but mortified that his partner thought his fingers were that large. It\u2019s these moments that, for Chandra, make the market magical.<\/p>\n

As a veteran trader, she has a unique insight into the market\u2019s appeal. \u201cWe get a lot of people from Leeds, Newcastle, come up for a weekend\u2026 more than ever before, there\u2019s more UK tourists coming.\u201d But it\u2019s the combination of visitors and locals that makes it work.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

How to Visit<\/p>\n