Popular UK Christmas market that's 'one of the best' with rides, stalls and live events

Detailed summary

This weekend signals the start of Edinburgh's Christmas festivities, which take over the beautiful city. The Scottish capital hosted its first Christmas market in 1999, and it has…

Christmas is now just six weeks away, and the festive atmosphere is already appearing in towns and cities throughout the UK. Markets have been appearing, transforming streets into winter wonderlands.

This weekend signals the start of Edinburgh's Christmas festivities, which take over the beautiful city. The Scottish capital hosted its first Christmas market in 1999, and it has since developed into a massive event. It is regarded as one of the UK's best and most scenic winter festivals, with visitors travelling from around the globe.

The city centre is brimming with traditional markets, funfair rides, attractions, music concerts, community events and family-friendly performances. The festivities are set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the magnificent Georgian streets.

Visitors can enjoy a drink in the Polar Ice Bar or the Coorie Inn or participate in pub quizzes, wreath-making and candle-making workshops. For adrenaline seekers, there is a big wheel, Helter Skelter, vintage carousel ride, waltzers and dodgems.

The Christmas festivities are spread out across Edinburgh's city centre. West Princes Street Gardens, East Princes Street Gardens, George Street and Bistro Square have all been transformed for the festive season.

Edinburgh Christmas starts on Saturday, November 14 and continues right through until January 3. The festivities in East Princes Street Gardens operate daily from 10am until 10pm, with some changes to opening hours during Christmas week.

It will be closed on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, the market will be open from 10am to 8pm, and on Boxing Day from 12pm to 8pm.

New Year's Eve will be open from 10am to 5pm, and from 12pm to 8pm on New Year's Day. The closing day, January 3, will be open from 10am to 8pm.

West Princes Street Gardens has different timings. From November 14 until December 6, it will be open from 12pm to 8pm Monday to Wednesday, from 12pm to 9pm Thursday to Friday, and from 10am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Daily Express. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.