Winter festivities come early to Scotland and you will find many of the Christmas things to do in Edinburgh are already open from the end of November. With St. Andrews Day on the 30th November, and fewer crowds than closer to Christmas, late November and early December are a good time to enjoy Christmas things to do in Edinburgh. You’ll find holiday accommodation in Edinburgh is far cheaper too.
Best Things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas
Festive lights, cosy historic pubs with open fires, Christmas markets, ice skating, seasonal exhibitions and a Christmas twist at many of the City’s best loved attractions make Edinburgh an excellent choice as a winter destination. Our guide to Christmas things to do in Edinburgh highlights what’s on offer in 2025.
During the festive season, Edinburgh Castle becomes the “Castle of Light“, an immersive light and projection show that transforms the historic fortress into a dazzling spectacle. Now in its sixth year, the theme this year is Fire and Ice. Visitors can explore the castle grounds after dark with a trail illuminated by light displays, immersive installations and storytelling projections that bring Scotland’s history to life.
This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately for the weather. The castle’s interior areas are not accessible during the event except for designated catering spaces. Festive food and drink will be available in the cafe or from street vendors in the Castle’s grounds.
December 7th has been set aside as a Quiet Night with reduced visitor numbers, dimmed lighting, reduced sound and smoke.
Event Details
The Castle of Light runs on select dates over the Christmas period:
21, 22, 28, 29 November
5, 6, 7 (Quiet Night), 12-14, 219-23 & 27-30 December
2-4 January
Entry is via timed entry slots, available every 15 minutes from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with the last entry between 7:30 pm and 7:45 pm. The event concludes at 9:00 pm.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance and early booking is recommended. Ticket prices are as follows:
Adult (16-64 years): £24.00
Concession (65+ years): £19.00
Child (7-15 years): £15.00
Family tickets are also available.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Edinburgh Castle website.
During the festive season, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh hosts “Christmas at the Botanics.” It’s an enchanting after-dark event that transforms the gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. Visitors follow a mile-long illuminated trail of light installations and festive displays. Along the route, you may encounter Santa. There are seasonal snacks from street food vendors or warm up with hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows available.
Promotional Film for Christmas at the Botanics 2025
Christmas at the Botanics runs on the following dates:
Thursday 20 Nov – Sunday 23 Nov
Wednesday 26 Nov – Sun 30 Nov
Wednesday 3 Dec – Wed 24 Dec
Friday 26 Dec – Tuesday 30 Dec
Entry is by timed slots, starting from 4:15 pm, with the last entry at 8:00 pm. The trail typically takes around 90 minutes to complete. Advance booking is essential due to limited capacity. Tickets can be purchased through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s official website. Pricing varies, with discounts available for members and off-peak times.
Giant Lanterns
Back at Edinburgh Zoo for the first time since 2019, the Giant Lanterns outdoor lantern trail is open for 60 nights between 14th November and 22nd February 2026.
Breakfast with the Clauses
Every morning between 20th and 24th December join Santa and Mrs Claus for a festive themed breakfast. Start your morning at the restaurant, where you’ll enjoy festive snowman pancakes, Christmas craft activities and listen to a story told by Mrs Claus. Children will take home a gift. Entry to the zoo is included in the price of the event.
Santa’s Grotto
Visit Santa at the Grotto at Edinburgh Zoo on selected dates between 6th & 24th December. Book early as slots book up quickly. Zoo entry must be purchased separately.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshops
A Christmas Wreath Making workshop at the Zoo on 6th and 7th December. Create a beautiful 14-inch festive wreath decoration with sustainable materials sourced from Edinburgh Zoo. Moss frames, foliage, seed heads and other festive decorations for your own Christmas creation are included.
This historic underground attraction is worth a visit at any time of year but every Saturday and Sunday in December you can step back in time to experience a Victorian Christmas in Edinburgh. You’ll begin your journey with a 1-hour guided tour that uncovers Edinburgh’s hidden history. Then, after the tour, step into one of our underground vaulted rooms for an interactive Victorian Christmas experience. Meet a member of the Chesney family, among the last residents of the Close, who will bring Edinburgh’s Victorian era to life with stories of how the festive season was celebrated in Victorian times. You’ll learn how Christmas traditions took shape in Edinburgh, hear tales of folklore and try out a traditional festive craft activity that the Victorians used to pursue. Tea and scones with cream and jam are included.
Special Christmas Events
There are a number of special Christmas-themed activities this year:
Exclusive Christmas Tour: A special Christmas guided tour of the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll enjoy an exclusive, after-hours tour of the State Apartments, offering a rare chance to explore the Palace without the usual crowds.
Step beyond the usual visitor areas, including access to select rooms such as the West Drawing Room—a private retreat used by the Royal Family and typically closed to the public. You’ll also see the Palace adorned for Christmas including a grand Nordmann fir Christmas tree in the grand wood-panelled Throne Room
The event runs on selected dates between 21st Nov and 29th December. Booking essential.
Carols at the Palace: Make your way through the State Apartments of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, decorated for Christmas, to the Great Gallery for a concert of Christmas music. Members of the Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral perform a programme of festive music. The evening ends with a glass of wine and mince pies.
The performance begins at 19:00, but visitors can view the Christmas decorations in the Palace beforehand. December 9th & 10th.
Festive Wreath Making: Take part in a festive wreath-making workshop led by Lottie Longman, a florist who holds a Royal Warrant. You’ll craft your own unique wreath under Lottie’s expert guidance, using fresh foliage inspired by the seasonal decorations. Dec 1st £75
Family-Friendly Events
Christmas Activity Day: Family friendly activities like traditional Christmas card and gift making with storytelling and music. 13th December.
St Giles’ Cathedral Christmas Concerts
St Giles’ Cathedral, located on the Royal Mile, hosts a series of Christmas concerts featuring choirs, orchestras, and soloists performing traditional carols and classical pieces. Concerts are scheduled from late November and throughout December, with tickets available through the cathedral’s official channels.
Highlights include:
Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight
Chopin by Candlelight
Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight
Christmas Services
Services with carols on Christmas Eve and two services on Christmas Morning.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets and the open-air ice skating are at the heart of the city’s festive celebrations. There’s a lively atmosphere with an good mix of stalls and vendors. Pick up some locally made crafts or unique gifts and enjoy a selection of seasonal food and drink. Below is a guide to what you can expect at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets.
East Princes Street Gardens Market
The East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market in the heart of historic Edinburgh is the city’s main festive hub.
Around 80 stalls, housed in decorated chalets, offer handcrafted gifts, bespoke products, festive decorations and seasonal food and drink. Pick up some unique gifts, enjoy traditional Scottish delicacies and warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
The market operates from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm most days. On Christmas Eve, it closes at 8 pm and remains closed on Christmas Day.
West George Street Ice Rink
Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink on George Street is open between November 20th and January 4th. Skaters can glide under fairy lights to the sound of Christmas music. Closed on Christmas Day.
Polar Ice Bar
The Polar Ice Bar is literally the city’s coolest bar. Tables, chairs and even the glasses have been sculpted from ice. The temperature is kept at –8 °C, so you’ll be glad of the warm jackets and gloves provided on arrival. The ice bar is decorated with ice sculptures and carvings along the theme of The Mythical Kingdom, and your first drink is included in the ticket price.
Fun Fairs & Other Attractions
Big Wheel, East Princes Street Gardens, offering panoramic views of the city. Tickets from £12.00.
Star Flyer: Also in East Princes Street Gardens, at 80 metres high this ride provides a thrilling experience with stunning city views. Tickets from £13.50.
Santa Stories: Held in St Andrew Square, children can enjoy storytelling sessions with Santa.
Torchlight Procession
On 29th December join 20,000 others on a torchlight procession through Edinburgh city centre in aid of charity. Fire performers, pipers and drummers see the procession off at its start at The Meadows. The event usually sells out so book early if you want to attend.
Best Pubs and Bars to Visit in Edinburgh at Christmas
Edinburgh’s festive season offers a wealth of traditional Scottish experiences in its historic pubs and bars. You’ll be guaranteed a convivial atmosphere in any of our recommended pubs in Edinburgh Old Town but here are some suggestions to visit during the Christmas period:
The Dome
14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF
Renowned for its extravagant Christmas decorations, The Dome transforms into a winter wonderland each year. The switching on of the Christmas lights at the Dome has become an Edinburgh Christmas tradition in itself. The grand interior, decked out with twinkling lights and a towering Christmas tree, provides a magical setting for festive dining and drinks.
The Sheep Heid Inn
43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA
As one of Scotland’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1360, The Sheep Heid Inn offers a cosy atmosphere with roaring fireplaces and traditional Scottish fare. Sample a special festive menu whilst enjoying its historic charm.
Tiger Lily
Extravagant Christmas decorations, festive menus, special events and Christmas cocktails from Tiger Lily during the festive period.
Does it Snow in Edinburgh in December?
Snowfall in Edinburgh during December is possible but not guaranteed. Snow in Edinburgh during December is relatively rare and often light. When it does snow, it usually doesn’t last long due to the city’s coastal location and relatively mild winter climate. You may experience light flurries but heavy or sustained snowfall is not likely. The chances of snow increase in late December, especially during colder spells. If you want to experience snow it is much better to head out of the city to the Highlands.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh in December
There’s a variety of accommodation options for a winter stay in Edinburgh. As Edinburgh is becoming an increasingly popular Winter and Christmas destination do book as early as possible, especially if you want to stay during the Christmas period itself. Or combine your stay with Edinburgh with a visit to the Highlands in one of our fully insulated and heated campervans.
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