The final push is on. Edinburgh’s official Christmas celebrations, marshalled by Unique Assembly, are set to launch this Saturday, November 15, 2025, kicking off seven weeks of festive wonder that runs through Sunday, January 4, 2026.
With the heavy lifting complete—the George Street Ice Rink and the LNER Big Wheel are now prominently in place—the real news for the city’s residents is the full confirmation of the single most valuable piece of information: the EH Postcode Discount is back, guaranteeing locals 20% off over 100,000 tickets to enjoy the festivities without the usual tourist premium.
Those looking for theQR.co.uk’s now legendary foodie guide to Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, rest assured this year’s edition will be published ASAP once the Market opens on November 15th. Watch this space!
Act I: The Great Festive Installation
It is a familiar, annual spectacle: the city centre transformed from civic space into a sprawling winter playground. With the opening just days away, the frantic rush of construction is now giving way to the quieter days of near-readiness.
The scale of the operation is always impressive – though controversial with certain niches of the city’s population. The popular outdoor ice rink on George Street is set and ready for its debut skate this weekend. Likewise, the towering attractions—the LNER Big Wheel and the 80M Around the World Star Flyer in East Princes Street Gardens—are undergoing final checks before offering those with a head for heights the requisite stunning views.
The Traditional Christmas Market chalets are ready for occupation, set to be quickly filled with everything from chocolate-dipped fruit and mulled wine to local crafts. For families, the return of Santa’s Stories and a host of funfair rides is set for West Princes Street Gardens, solidifying that area as the go-to spot for younger audiences.
For those of us tracking the market’s promised support for Scottish business—and there are many—the final trader figures will be of interest. Unique Assembly has previously stated its commitment to improving upon last year’s 74% Scottish trader figure, with organisers indicating they want over three-quarters of market vendors to be local.
Act II: The Crucial Commitment to Edinburgh
While visitors flood in for the spectacle, the market is increasingly been judged on what it gives back to the people who actually live here. This year, the organisers have delivered – again – on the most tangible measure of local support: the return of the EH Residents Discount.
This scheme offers locals with an EH postcode a 20% discount on tickets for key attractions—including the Ice Rink, Santa’s Stories, and fairground rides. Following the success of the 101,500 discounted tickets sold last year, the availability of over 100,000 discounted tickets once again acts as an essential antidote to the high-cost festive season.
The commitment runs deeper than percentage points. Unique Assembly is also continuing its work with local charities, ensuring that over 8,500 free tickets are distributed to community groups, helping to deliver a little festive cheer isn’t just for those with deep pockets.
It is, suggests Councillor Margaret Graham, about ensuring that “The Capital truly is a magical place to be at this time of year”, so that “there’s so much on offer throughout the city.”
Act III: The Question of Local Enterprise
There’s no doubting the massive economic benefit (which reached £150 million last year) of the market, which translates directly into support for the city’s creative and retail sector. Is this at the expense of custom to the city centre’s resident hospitality offerings? That’s less clear, though the difficulty of booking a meal in any of the more popular spots through December suggests there’s trade enough for all to benefit.
Tickets and Essential Information for a Smooth Opening
The Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open from this Saturday, November 15, and run until January 4.
Book Now: Given the imminent opening, booking for high-demand attractions like the LNER Big Wheel and Ice Rink is essential.
The 20% Rule: To claim the EH Postcode Discount, residents must ensure they are registered or logged in with a valid EH billing address on the official booking website.
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