Christmas Markets to get you in the festive spirit this winter.
As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets pop up across the country to bring a distinctly Alpine touch to our high streets. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift to give to a special someone or can’t wait for the warming tastes of mulled wine and sweet treats that can be found at every Christmas market, these are the best seasonal markets taking place across Scotland. We might not get a white Christmas, but we can certainly usher in festive celebrations with the local community here.
Photograph by @exploringedinburgh
Edinburgh Christmas Market
25th November to 3rd January 2023
Returning bigger and better than ever before, the Edinburgh Christmas Market will take over the capital with a 70-vendor strong artisan market, ice skating and Santa Land.
DEPARTMENT – Aberdeen
12th November to 23rd December
Supporting local artisans and creators, Department’s curated pop-up will sell beautiful gifts. The artists keep 100% of the profits, so you’ll be supporting local artists and the community!
Exclusively Highlands – Blair Christmas Fair
4th, 5th & 6th November, 10.00am – 3.00pm
Returning to Blair Castle next month, 70 vendors will set up shop in the heart of Perthshire. Expect unique gifts, incredible food and much more across the courtyard and ballroom.
Exclusively Highlands – Crathes Castle Christmas Fair
11th, 12th & 13th of November, 10.00am – 3.00pm
The annual craft and food fair returns to Crathes Castle with seventy vendors welcoming you across three days, as well hot food on-site and everything sold made locally.
Exclusively Highlands – Eden Court, Inverness
18th, 19th, 20th of November & 2nd, 3rd & 4th December, 10.00am – 5.00pm
Returning after two years for two festive markets, Eden Court will host two floors of seasonal sellers. Everything’s handmade with love – and plenty offer free samples before you buy.
Exclusively Highlands – Discovery Point Dundee
26th & 27th November, 10.00am – 3.00pm
Held at the newly renovated Discovery Point, the backdrop of the RSS Discovery awaits as the first floor is transformed to celebrate a variety of local sellers, all making incredible, handmade gifts.
Exclusively Highlands – Kinkell Byre
10th & 11th December, 10.00am – 3.00pm
The final fair at beautiful Kinkell Byre, this picturesque location is perfect for festive celebrations. This one is a foodie paradise, as well as home to this year’s most unique gifts.
Slow Living Events at Barra Castle
Sunday 4th December, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Specialising in sustainable, consciously-made gifts and treats, head for Barra Castle’s festive fair to explore the best in slow living gifts this Christmas.
Glen Tanar Christmas Fair
Sunday 4th December, Glen Tanar Ballroom, 10.00am – 4.00pm
The festive family fun returns to Glen Tanar with an extensive market of local Scottish treats, as well as an on-site Scavenger Hunt, wreath-making workshops and Christmas trees to purchase.
Bowhouse Xmas Market
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December, 10.00am – 4.00pm
If you’re a festive foodie, Bowhouse has you covered with dozens of Scottish vendors selling food and drink made exclusively in Scotland. There’s also a variety of crafts available from Tea Green Events.
Teagreen events at Aberdeen Art Gallery
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th November
Celebrating the best of local arts and crafts, this gallery will open its doors to local painters, artists and creators for unique Christmas gifts for your artistically-inclined friends.
Teagreen events at V&A Dundee
25th, 26th & 27th November
Hosted at the famous V&A, this festive fair celebrates all things design, from handcrafted ceramics to beautiful prints and gorgeous clothes and accessories.
Teagreen events at Kibble Palace, Glasgow
19th & 20th November, 10th & 11th December
For the most unique of Christmas gifts, Kibble Palace is the place to go for fashion, accessories, home décor and art – all made in Scotland.
Aberdeen Christmas Village
17th November until 31st December 2022
Aberdeen’s favourite festival returns even better than ever, with a market and Christmas village setting up shop – and all raising money for local children’s charity, Charlie’s House.
Oban Winter Festival
18th – 27th November
Come to the seaside resort of Oban for their award-winning winter festival. Experience the Victorian market, ice skating rink, Reindeer parade, workshops, cocktails and much more throughout November.
Drumlanrig Castle Christmas Fair
2nd December, 3pm – 8pm & 3rd December, 11am – 4.30pm
Set in the grounds of Drumlanrig Castle, there’ll be food and drink stalls, festive carriage rides, a reindeer petting zoo and guided castle tours, amongst many other Christmas delights.
Photography by Simon Hird
