Last updated: 11 November 2024
Plan your holiday fun in Edinburgh with our ultimate guide. From those who call Edinburgh home to those who wish they did, this guide ensures a memorable yuletide experience.
Popular events abound in Edinburgh during the festive season, such as the Edinburgh Christmas Market, where traditional stalls beckon with artisanal gifts and seasonal treats. Features like the enchanting light displays add to the charm of the Castle of Light, transforming the historic castle into a winter wonderland. And the Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing vibrant fireworks and lively performances as the city welcomes the New Year. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Edinburgh Holiday Light Displays
Winter Light Trail at the Botanics
- What to Expect
- Award-winning light trail with festive light installations and seasonal snacks.
- Description
- The Winter Light Trail at the Botanics features an illuminated botanical garden with flickering candles, colour-changing lights, and festive light projections. Visitors can enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks while exploring the trail, which includes a glimpse of Father Christmas and a variety of light installations.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Winter Light Trail at the Botanics
Edinburgh Holiday Markets and Shopping
Edinburgh Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas Market with unique city views.
- Description
- Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens offers a wide range of local and international stalls selling handmade gifts, bespoke products, and delicious food and drinks. The market also features funfair rides, including the Big Wheel and Star Flyer, providing a unique perspective of the city.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Edinburgh Christmas Market
Santa’s Grotto at St Andrew Square
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa sessions with gift-giving and festive activities.
- Description
- Santa's Grotto at St Andrew Square offers 20-minute sessions where children can meet Santa and receive a gift suitable for their age range. Smaller, quieter sessions are available for children with additional needs. The area also features a letter writing station, a 10m tall Christmas Tree, and Social Bite's Gift Donation point.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Santa’s Grotto at St Andrew Square
Christmas Craft Fair at Assembly Rooms
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts from 120 British artists and makers.
- Description
- The Assembly Rooms Christmas Fair features 120 of Britain's finest artists, designers, and makers selling their own handcrafted work in a beautifully refurbished venue with stunning chandeliers and period features.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Christmas Craft Fair at Assembly Rooms
Christmas Fair at Jupiter Artland
- What to Expect
- Artisan gift market with Santa visits and festive activities.
- Description
- Jupiter Artland's Christmas Fair offers unique Christmas gifts from artisan stalls, visits with Santa, homemade mulled wine, and live seasonal music. Meet Jupiter's festive donkeys and participate in an Elf Workshop.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Christmas Fair at Jupiter Artland
Christmas Shopping Fair at Hopetoun House
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts from local artisans.
- Description
- The Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair features over 50 exhibitors offering a wide range of artisan and unique gifts for Christmas. This event provides a wonderful festive shopping experience with ample free parking and Christmas entertainment.
- Where
- South Queensferry | More Info : Christmas Shopping Fair at Hopetoun House
Edinburgh Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Castle of Light
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and sound show on historic castle walls.
- Description
- Castle of Light is an immersive after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle, featuring state-of-the-art light installations, interactive displays, and historical storytelling. Meet Rex the loveable lion and explore Edinburgh's stories on the castle walls.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Castle of Light
Light Night
- What to Expect
- State-of-the-art light installations and historical storytelling projections.
- Description
- Edinburgh Castle transforms into a spectacular after-dark trail with immersive light and sound displays, interactive installations, and historical storytelling projections.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Light Night
The Snow Queen at Royal Lyceum Theatre
- What to Expect
- Epic stage adaptation of Snow Queen with Scottish elements.
- Description
- The Snow Queen at Royal Lyceum Theatre is a captivating stage adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, set in Scotland with beautiful music and fun staging. It follows Gerda's epic quest to rescue her best friend, filled with love, humor, and adventure.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : The Snow Queen at Royal Lyceum Theatre
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
- What to Expect
- World-class magic performances with diverse talent.
- Description
- Edinburgh International Magic Festival is a premier event showcasing world-class magic performances, including illusions, mind-reading, and comedy. It features a diverse lineup of both established and emerging magical talent, with special collaborations and family-friendly shows.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Nativity Carol Concert
- What to Expect
- Classic orchestra performance with The Snowman film.
- Description
- The RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman is a special event where the Royal Scottish National Orchestra performs festive melodies and singalong carols, accompanied by the enduringly popular film The Snowman. Narrated by Sanjeev Kohli, this concert is a delightful celebration of Christmas cheer.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Nativity Carol Concert
Edinburgh Other Holiday Activities
Forth 1 Big Wheel
- What to Expect
- Panoramic views of Edinburgh from 42 meters high.
- Description
- The Forth 1 Big Wheel is a large mechanical, red and white Ferris Wheel in East Princes Street Garden, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh's New Town and the Firth of Forth. It features 36 enclosed, weather-proof pods that can carry six people each.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Forth 1 Big Wheel
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party
- What to Expect
- World-famous street party with live music and fireworks.
- Description
- Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party is a vibrant celebration featuring live bands, DJs, street theatre, and unforgettable fireworks in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party
Torchlight Procession
- What to Expect
- Massive torch-carrying procession with live performances.
- Description
- The Torchlight Procession is a spectacular event where 20,000 participants carry flaming tapers through Edinburgh's historic Old Town, accompanied by live street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands, and drummers, creating a stunning river of fire.
- Where
- Edinburgh | More Info : Torchlight Procession