Embrace the spirit of the season in Edinburgh with our holiday guide. Whether you're a Edinburgh insider or an outsider looking in, this guide reveals the city's festive heart.
One of the season’s highlights is Edinburgh's Christmas, a spectacular event featuring enchanting markets, thrilling rides, and dazzling lights. Experience the turn of the year with style and fireworks at Edinburgh's Hogmanay, known as one of the world's most renowned New Year's celebrations. And don't forget The Festive Forest, where you can wander through a winter wonderland filled with seasonal charm. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh's Christmas
- Edinburgh's Hogmanay
- Winter Windows
- Santa's Grotto
- The Street of Light
- Botanic Lights
- Christmas Tree Maze
- Ice Skating
- Santa Fun Run
- Fairy Trail
Edinburgh Holiday Light Displays
The Street of Light
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show on the Royal Mile
Description:
The Street of Light transforms Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile into a dazzling canopy of light. Towering arches adorned with thousands of synchronized lights span the length of the street, creating a tunnel of illumination. The light show is choreographed to a soundtrack of classic and contemporary Scottish music, celebrating the nation's rich musical heritage. Visitors can stroll beneath this spectacular display, which stretches from St Giles' Cathedral to the Tron Kirk. The event pays homage to Edinburgh's status as the world's first UNESCO City of Literature.
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Botanic Lights
What to Expect:
After-dark illuminated trail through the Royal Botanic Garden
Description:
Botanic Lights invites visitors to explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh after dark, following an illuminated trail that showcases the beauty of nature in winter. The event highlights the garden's diverse plant collection through innovative light installations and projections. Guests can warm up with spiced cider as they wander past glowing trees and shimmering water features. The trail incorporates educational elements about conservation and biodiversity, reflecting the garden's scientific mission. Founded in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden is one of the world's oldest scientific gardens.
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Edinburgh Holiday Markets and Shopping
Edinburgh's Christmas
What to Expect:
Six-week celebration transforming the city center
Description:
Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the city center for six weeks of winter revelry. Princes Street Gardens become a hub of activity, featuring a sprawling European market where artisans showcase their crafts. Visitors can soar above the city on the Big Wheel, taking in panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and beyond. This tradition dates back to 1999, growing from a small German market to a major international attraction. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air as you explore the various attractions scattered throughout the city.
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Edinburgh Holiday Giving Opportunities
Santa Fun Run
What to Expect:
Charity run with participants dressed as Santa Claus
Description:
The Santa Fun Run turns Edinburgh into a sea of red and white as hundreds of participants dressed as Santa Claus dash through the city streets. This lighthearted event combines physical activity with charitable giving, raising funds for various local causes. Runners of all ages and abilities can participate in the 2.5km or 5km routes, which pass by some of Edinburgh's most iconic landmarks. The tradition of charity Santa runs in the UK dates back to 2004, originating in Wales. You can join the festive atmosphere by cheering on the Santas from the sidelines.
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Edinburgh Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Classic Movies
What to Expect:
Screenings of beloved holiday films in historic venues
Description:
Christmas Classic Movies brings beloved holiday films to life in some of Edinburgh's most historic and atmospheric venues. From grand theaters to cozy underground vaults, each screening offers a unique ambiance that enhances the viewing experience. The program features a mix of timeless favorites and lesser-known gems, often including Scottish Christmas classics. Some screenings are accompanied by live music or special effects, creating an immersive cinematic experience. This event celebrates Edinburgh's long-standing connection to the film industry, which dates back to the early days of cinema.
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Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performances with a festive twist
Description:
The Christmas Ballet in Edinburgh showcases world-class performances that blend classical technique with festive themes. Renowned dance companies grace the stage of the historic Festival Theatre, presenting both traditional ballets like "The Nutcracker" and innovative new works inspired by the holiday season. The event often features collaborations with local musicians and artists, creating a uniquely Scottish interpretation of beloved stories. Audiences can marvel at the graceful movements of the dancers, set against elaborate stage designs that capture the essence of winter. The Festival Theatre itself, built in 1892, adds a touch of Victorian grandeur to the experience.
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Edinburgh Other Holiday Activities
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
What to Expect:
Three-day New Year celebration with ancient Scottish traditions
Description:
Edinburgh's Hogmanay ignites the city with a three-day New Year celebration rooted in ancient Scottish traditions. The festivities kick off with a torch-lit procession, illuminating the streets with a river of fire. Revelers can join the world-famous Street Party, dancing beneath the castle to live music and spectacular fireworks. The event culminates in a mass rendition of "Auld Lang Syne," a poem penned by Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns. Brave souls can participate in the "Loony Dook," a chilly plunge into the Firth of Forth on New Year's Day.
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Winter Windows
What to Expect:
City-wide art exhibition featuring local school children's designs
Description:
Winter Windows transforms Edinburgh's streets into an open-air gallery, showcasing the creativity of local school children. Vibrant stained-glass style window designs adorn buildings across the city, each telling a unique winter story. This community-driven initiative encourages young artists to express their interpretations of the season. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour to spot these colorful creations, which often reflect Edinburgh's rich history and diverse culture. The project, launched in 2014, has become a beloved annual tradition that brightens the city's darkest months.
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Santa's Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experience with Santa in a historic setting
Description:
Santa's Grotto in Edinburgh offers an intimate, interactive storytelling experience set within a historic venue. Children embark on a journey through beautifully decorated rooms, each revealing a part of Santa's tale. The experience culminates in a personal meeting with Father Christmas himself, where each child receives a specially chosen gift. This grotto pays homage to Edinburgh's literary heritage, incorporating elements from famous Scottish children's stories. The sound of traditional carols echoes through the halls as families create lasting memories.
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Christmas Tree Maze
What to Expect:
Labyrinth made entirely of real Christmas trees
Description:
The Christmas Tree Maze challenges visitors to navigate a labyrinth constructed entirely from fragrant, real Christmas trees. This unique attraction combines the thrill of puzzle-solving with the sensory experience of being surrounded by pine-scented evergreens. As you wind your way through the maze, you'll encounter hidden surprises and festive decorations. The maze design changes annually, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors. This eco-friendly event repurposes trees that would otherwise go to waste, aligning with Edinburgh's commitment to sustainability.
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Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Open-air ice rink with views of Edinburgh Castle
Description:
Ice Skating in Edinburgh offers a unique winter experience with breathtaking views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The open-air rink, set against the backdrop of the city's historic skyline, provides a picturesque setting for gliding across the ice. Skaters of all levels can enjoy the rink, with penguin skate aids available for beginners. The location in St Andrew Square was once the site of the Royal Bank of Scotland's head office, built in 1774. As night falls, the rink is illuminated, creating a stunning spectacle in the heart of the city.
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Fairy Trail
What to Expect:
Interactive woodland trail inspired by Scottish folklore
Description:
The Fairy Trail brings Scottish folklore to life in a whimsical woodland setting. This interactive adventure invites visitors to explore a forest path dotted with intricate fairy houses and magical creatures inspired by Celtic mythology. Along the way, participants solve riddles and complete challenges to help the fairies prepare for winter. The trail incorporates elements of Scotland's rich storytelling tradition, introducing visitors to lesser-known mythical beings. Children can craft their own fairy offerings using natural materials found in the woods, fostering a connection with nature.
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Nearby Events
The Festive Forest (Dalkeith)
What to Expect:
Immersive woodland light trail in historic Dalkeith Country Park
Description:
The Festive Forest illuminates the ancient woodlands of Dalkeith Country Park with a captivating light trail. Visitors meander through a mile-long path, encountering dazzling light installations that bring the forest to life. The event showcases the natural beauty of the 1,000-acre estate, which has been home to the Buccleuch family for over 300 years. As you explore, you'll discover interactive elements that respond to movement and sound. The trail culminates in a stunning light show projected onto the historic Dalkeith Palace.
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Christmas at the Palace (Linlithgow)
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments in a 15th-century royal palace
Description:
Christmas at the Palace transports visitors back in time at the 15th-century Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The event features historical reenactments that bring to life the Christmas celebrations of the Stuart monarchs. Visitors can witness courtly entertainments, traditional crafts, and period music performances throughout the palace. The Great Hall comes alive with a Renaissance feast, showcasing the opulent dining customs of the era. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into Scotland's royal past, set against the backdrop of one of the country's most significant historical sites.
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Santa Steam Train (Bo'ness)
What to Expect:
Vintage steam train ride with Santa through scenic countryside
Description:
The Santa Steam Train in Bo'ness offers a nostalgic journey through the Scottish countryside aboard a vintage locomotive. As the train chugs along the shores of the Firth of Forth, Santa makes his way through the carriages, greeting families and distributing gifts. The experience includes a visit to Scotland's largest railway museum, where visitors can explore the nation's rich railway heritage. The line, part of the former Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, opened in 1842 and played a crucial role in Scotland's industrial development. Children can participate in festive activities and enjoy seasonal treats during the ride.