Edinburgh Christmas Lights 2025

Discover 9 verified christmas lights in Edinburgh and nearby areas.

Welcome to your guide for Edinburgh Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city transforms into a festive wonderland each winter. Whether you're a local or visiting, these illuminated scenes bring warmth and cheer to chilly evenings.

Among the highlights near Edinburgh, the Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle offers a stunning projection show, while Christmas at the Botanics features a beautifully lit walking trail through the Royal Botanic Garden. These beloved neighborhood favorites capture the spirit of the season.

This guide covers everything from free neighborhood displays to ticketed events, including drive-through lights and walking trails. Explore these light displays and make the most of your holiday visit.

All Christmas Lights Around Edinburgh

Castle of Light: Fire and Ice

Spectacular after-dark illuminated trail with fire and ice theme.

Prepare to be mesmerized as Edinburgh Castle transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of light and wonder for its sixth annual 'Castle of Light' event. This year's theme, 'Fire and Ice,' brings an enchanting after-dark trail to life with immersive displays,...

LightsFamily FriendlyEntertainment

Christmas at the Botanics

$$

After-dark illuminated trail with international artist installations

Experience the enchantment of Christmas at the Botanics, an after-dark illuminated trail transforming the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh into a winter wonderland. Wander through breathtaking light installations and sparkling displays, featuring new works by international artists. Enjoy festive treats like...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsFestive Atmosphere

WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park

Dalkeith 6 mi from Edinburgh
$$

Magical WinterFest with ice skating and Santa.

Experience the enchantment of WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park, a magical holiday celebration. Glide across a sustainable ice skating rink under twinkling lights, meet Santa Claus for a special chat or workshop, and get creative with festive craft sessions. Don't...

Christmas MarketHoliday Light DisplaysIce Skating

Starry Nights Christmas Experience

Linlithgow 16 mi from Edinburgh
$$

Scotland's longest fairy tunnels and immersive lighting trail.

Prepare for an unforgettable Christmas adventure at Starry Nights, transforming Beecraigs Country Park and Dean Castle into magical winter wonderlands. This immersive event features a spectacular illuminated trail with dazzling lights, lasers, and sound installations, alongside festive food and drink...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Making Spirits Bright

Monmouth 18 mi from Edinburgh
$

Annual holiday parade and WOU tree lighting

Monmouth, Oregon, invites you to 'Making Spirits Bright,' a festive celebration kicking off the holiday season. Join the annual light parade and WOU tree lighting, explore the charming Merry Market for unique gifts, and be dazzled by the holiday light...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationSanta Visits

A Blair Drummond Christmas

Stirling 36 mi from Edinburgh
$$

Magical Christmas event at a safari park with unique attractions.

Experience the magic of A Blair Drummond Christmas, featuring Santa's Secret Railway for a journey through the North Pole. Delight in 'The Little Reindeer's Search for a Song' show and witness dazzling dinosaur illuminations. Enjoy festive food and drink, and...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Blair Drummond Safari Park Christmas Spectacular

Stirling 36 mi from Edinburgh
$$

Christmas Spectacular at a Safari Park with Santa's Railway and Dinosaur Illuminations

Step into a winter wonderland at Blair Drummond Safari Park's Christmas Spectacular. New for this year, Santa's Secret Railway offers a magical journey, while dazzling dinosaur illuminations add a unique festive twist. Keep an eye out for Santa's Sleigh Fly-Bys...

Christmas MarketFamily FriendlySanta Visits

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland

Glasgow 41 mi from Edinburgh
$$

Dual winter wonderlands with ice rink and observation wheels.

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland transforms Glasgow Green and St Enoch Square into magical festive destinations. Experience thrilling rides, explore unique artisan gifts, and savor seasonal treats from independent food vendors. Enjoy live entertainment, visit Santa's Grotto, and take in city views...

Christmas MarketHoliday MarketIce Skating

Glasgow Loves Christmas Lighting Trail

Glasgow, SCT 42 mi from Edinburgh
Free

Artistic Christmas Lighting Trail celebrating city's 850 years

Glasgow's city centre is set to sparkle with the 'Glasgow Loves Christmas' Lighting Trail. This enchanting event transforms key streets like Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street, and Trongate into a magical, illuminated journey. Featuring brand-new installations by local artists, the trail...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationFestive Atmosphere

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in and around Edinburgh?

Top displays include the Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle, which features immersive projections and interactive installations, and Christmas at the Botanics, a light trail through the Royal Botanic Garden. Other notable spots are The Mound and The Dome in the city center, known for their festive decorations.

Are there drive-through Christmas light options as well as walkable displays near Edinburgh?

Edinburgh primarily offers walkable light displays such as the Castle of Light and Christmas at the Botanics. While drive-through lights are less common in the city, nearby areas may have seasonal drive-through events, but most visitors enjoy the city’s walking trails and neighborhood displays.

When do Edinburgh Christmas lights typically start each year?

The festive lights in Edinburgh usually begin in mid to late November, with the official switch-on event often held around the third week of November, such as the lighting of the Christmas tree on The Mound. Displays generally run through early January.

Are there free Christmas light displays available in Edinburgh?

Yes, many of Edinburgh’s Christmas lights and decorations in public spaces like The Mound, Victoria Street, and The Royal Mile are free to enjoy. Additionally, the lighting of the Christmas tree and some neighborhood displays can be viewed without charge.

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