As October draws to a close, Christmas is already on the horizon, bringing with it Edinburgh's famous Christmas markets after a two year hiatus. 

The pandemic may have put a halt to the annual markets last year, but this year they are due back in all their festive glory. 

Edinburgh's markets are famous and see thousands of people flock to Princes Street Gardens to get in on the action. 

This year will be no different, so here's everything you need to know about the Edinburgh Christmas markets 2021...

Edinburgh Christmas market dates and opening times 2021

There are various markets across the city, which have slightly different dates and opening times.

The West Princes Street Gardens (WPSG) market will open on Friday November 19 and run until Saturday January 1, operating between the hours of 10am to 10pm. 

The George Street event will also open on Friday November 19 until Saturday January 2 from the hours of 10am to 10pm. 

Meanwhile the East Princes Street Gardens (EPSG) market will open at lunchtime on Saturday November 20.

Where are the different Edinburgh Christmas markets?

There are markets in three locations in Edinburgh. 

The West Princes Street Gardens market is accessible from The Mound, Princes Street and Kings Stables Road. 

The George Street market will take place just up the road on George Street, while the East Princes Street Gardens market can be accessed from Princes Street and Market Street. 

Where can I park for the Edinburgh Christmas markets? 

If you are attending the West Princes Street Gardens or East Princes Street Gardens markets, there is pay and display available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Waterloo Place.

For the George Street market, pay and display parking is available on Charlotte Square, Frederick Street, George Street and Hanover Street.

How else can I travel to the Edinburgh Christmas markets? 

There are plenty of transport options to Edinburgh Christmas markets that don't require a car. 

Waverley train station is located within a 10-minute walk of all three markets, as is the Edinburgh bus station. 

What will feature at the Edinburgh Christmas markets? 

At West Princes Street Gardens there will be 15 market stalls, 10 fairground rides, a bar and the information point and box office.

The East Princes Street Gardens will feature 62 market stalls, the Big Wheel, the Double Carousel, a bar, a box office and information point and toilets.

George Street will host an ice rink, three market stalls and a bar.