Part of our Taxi transfers from Edinburgh Airport to popular destinations guide
Quick answer
Edinburgh's Christmas markets open in East Princes Street Gardens on Saturday 14 November 2026 and run until Sunday 3 January 2027, closed on Christmas Day. The Hogmanay Street Party on Princes Street starts at 8pm on 31 December 2026 and ends with fireworks from Edinburgh Castle at midnight. Pre-book your airport transfer early: these are the busiest weeks of the year.
Edinburgh's Christmas 2026 at a glance
| What | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas markets | East Princes Street Gardens | 14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 (closed 25 Dec) |
| Festive funfair | West Princes Street Gardens | 14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027 |
| Polar Ice Bar | George Street | 19 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027 |
| Hogmanay Street Party | Princes Street | 31 Dec 2026, from 8pm |
| First Footin' music trail | City centre venues | New Year's Day, free |
Dates as announced in October 2026. Opening hours change on some days, so check the official website before you go.
The Christmas markets
The markets fill East Princes Street Gardens below the castle, with food stalls, gifts, the big wheel and fairground rides. Entry is free and they are usually open from 10am to 10pm, with shorter hours on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and New Year's Day.
Weekend evenings in December are the busiest time. If you can, visit on a weekday morning.
Hogmanay 2026
The Street Party on Princes Street starts at 8pm on Thursday 31 December 2026 and ends with the Midnight Moment fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. It's ticketed, so buy tickets early from the official Edinburgh's Hogmanay website. On New Year's Day, the free First Footin' trail brings live music to venues around the city.
Getting here from Edinburgh Airport
Thousands of visitors fly in for the festive season, and taxi queues at the airport get long, especially on Friday evenings and in the days before Hogmanay. A few tips:
- Book your transfer as soon as your flight is booked. We need at least 24 hours' notice, and the best times go first in December.
- Give us your flight number. Winter weather can delay flights; we track yours and move your pickup with it. Waiting is free for 60 minutes after landing.
- Expect road closures on 31 December. Princes Street and nearby roads close for the Street Party. Tell us where you're staying and we'll pick the closest drop-off point we can reach.
- Book both ways together. A return booked at the same time saves 10%.
Edinburgh Airport to the city centre is a fixed £48 in a saloon, or £86.40 for a return. Our people carriers and minibuses are ideal for families and groups coming for the markets or Hogmanay.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Edinburgh Christmas market open in 2026?
Saturday 14 November 2026. It runs until Sunday 3 January 2027 in East Princes Street Gardens and is closed on Christmas Day.
When is the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party 2026?
Thursday 31 December 2026 on Princes Street, from 8pm, ending with fireworks over Edinburgh Castle at midnight. It's a ticketed event.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the Christmas market?
The market is in Princes Street Gardens in the city centre, about 25 to 40 minutes from the airport by road. A pre-booked RTransfer car costs £48 one way to the city centre.
Sources
Facts, fares and timetables checked 25 October 2026. They change, so check with the operator before you travel.