Edinburgh Opening Hours: Here's when The Gyle, Fort Kinnaird, St James Quarter and more will be open over Christmas

Shoppers outside of St James Quarter in Edinburgh. | Lisa Ferguson / The Scotsman

Christmas is just weeks away and many around Scotland will be turning their mind to their personal to-do lists, ahead of Santa’s arrival.

Whether you’re mostly organised or have a few last minute presents to get, if you’re planning on heading to the shops anytime soon there are a few things to consider.

For those in Edinburgh who are hoping to avoid heading into the city centre and would rather target shopping centres and retail parks, knowing festive opening hours – and the parking situation – is a must.

From late night shopping to Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and beyond, here are the opening hours for Edinburgh’s shopping centres, retail parks and department stores to know.

Fort Kinnaird

Christmas at Fort Kinnaird.

If you’re looking for somewhere to get the majority of your Christmas shopping done without heading into Edinburgh city centre, then Fort Kinnaird is the perfect one stop shop as the UK’s second largest retail park.

Fort Kinnaird Christmas opening hours

What shops are there?

With more than 70 retailers including Argos, Beaverbrooks, Boots, Currys, Flannels, JD Sports, M&S, Office and many, many more, there is sure to be plenty you can purchase without having the check anywhere else.

In addition, the Fort has its very own Winter Village with festive food, drink and even independent stalls if you are hoping to find a more unique gift to give this Christmas.

What’s parking like at Fort Kinnaird?

If you’re heading to Fort Kinnaird, then you shouldn’t need to worry about parking at all, as the retail park has free parking and more than 2,600 spaces.

The Gyle

The Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh. | Lisa Ferguson

Also outside of the city centre is The Gyle. Located in the West side of the city, the shopping centre first opened in 1993 and can be easily reached by car, bus, tram, and train.

The Gyle Christmas opening hours

In addition, some shops - such as Boots and M&S - abide by their own opening hours.

For example from Monday, December 15 to Thursday, December 18, Marks and Spencer at the Gyle will be open from 8am to 10pm, from 7am until 10pm on Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20, and then from 6am to 10pm from Sunday, December 21 to Tuesday, December 23. On Christmas Eve the shop will be open from 6am until 6pm, but remain closed on Boxing day before largely returning to regular hours.

For more detailed information about opening hours at The Gyle, visit the centre’s website.

What shops are there?

There is a wide range of shops at The Gyle, which could make it a promising place to visit for those looking to secure presents for a large group of people.

For children, there’s Flying Tiger, The Entertainer, The Works and more, with plenty of jewellers and high street favourites from JD Sports to Schuh, The Perfume Shop, Waterstones, Next and many more.

Until January 4, there will be festive events running to suit the whole family, from ice skating and face painting to Santa’s Grotto, workshops, and Christmas stalls.

What’s parking like at The Gyle?

If you’re planning a visit to The Gyle, parking shouldn’t be a problem as there are more than 2,300 free parking spaces.

There is not a park and ride service here, however, there are links to Ingliston via public transport, as well as Hermiston Park and Ride.

St James Quarter

If you don’t mind heading into Edinburgh city centre, then St James Quarter is an excellent place to visit. | Iconic Media

If you don’t mind heading into Edinburgh city centre and want to visit somewhere with plenty of shops as well as a decent amount of parking, then St James Quarter is likely your best bet.

St James Quarter Christmas opening hours

What shops are there?

Having only opened in 2021, Edinburgh’s St James Quarter is home to more than 80 brands from food and drink places to shops, markets and more.

Depending on what you’re looking for, this is another location which could be well worth visiting if you would like to tackle as many shops as possible. Stores include John Lewis, Beaverbrooks, Boots, Coach, Goldsmiths, H Beauty, Hotel Chocolat, Lego and many more, such as Pandora, SpaceNK, and The Perfume Shop.

In addition, there are festive pop-ups on across December as well as themed events and more.

What’s parking like at St James Quarter?

While it is in the city centre, St James Quarter does have 1,600 parking spaces across three levels. With Princes Street just a short walk away, there are more reasons to consider visiting when doing the Christmas shopping.

Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh

Outside of Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. | Google Maps

If you’re willing to visit St James Quarter, just outside of the centre is Multrees Walk and Harvey Nichols.

Home to many of Edinburgh’s luxury retailers, from Strathberry and Johnstons of Elgin to Gucci and Louis Vuitton, each store on Multrees Walk has its own unique opening hours. However, for even more designer brands you could always visit Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols which is one of just seven UK and Ireland department stores.

READ MORE Interview: Leeanne Hundleby, co-founder of Edinburgh-based luxury handbag and accessory firm Strathberry

Harvey Nichols Edinburgh Christmas opening hours

For stores on Multrees Walk, you will need to consult each brand’s individual opening hours.

What’s inside the Edinburgh store?

Sprawled across five-floors, shoppers will be spoilt for choice between luxury fashion and beauty brands, as well as food and wine selections.

Harvey Nichols also offers private shopping, an instore aesthetic clinic, and nail spa, in addition to its own in house bar, restaurant and brassiere.

What’s parking like for Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh?

If your preferred mode of transport for shopping trips is by car, then heading to Edinburgh solely for Harvey Nichols may not be the best option. There is no exclusive parking for the luxury department store, with the closest car park is the Q-Park on Greenside Row, close to the Omni Centre.

However, there are excellent public transport links to the shop via train, tram and bus.