Christmas Things To Do in Edinburgh

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 cheaper than over the Christmas holidays 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 2026.

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 2026

Christmas at the Botanics runs on the following dates:

Thursday 19 Nov – Sunday 22 Nov

Wednesday 25 Nov – Sun 29 Nov

Wednesday 2 Dec – Thurs 24 Dec

Saturday 26 Dec – Wed 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

Edinburgh Zoo has brought back its popular Giant Lanterns display for winter 2026, this year with a space theme. Wrap up warm and follow the outdoor trail through glowing galaxies and giant cosmic creatures. The trail is open on selected evenings from 13th November to 21st February 2027, with entry from 4.45 pm and last entry at 8 pm. Quieter evenings and an adults-only night are also available.

Breakfast with Santa

Take the children for breakfast with Santa, with snowman pancakes, Christmas crafts and a story from Santa himself. Children get a gift to take home, and zoo entry is included, so you can make a day of it and visit the animals afterwards. Breakfast runs from 9 am to 11 am on selected dates in December.

Santa’s Grotto

Children can visit Santa in his grotto in the Budongo Trail building on selected dates between 5th and 24th December. Or book an evening visit when you go to see the Giant Lanterns. Grotto tickets are extra to zoo admission, or the lantern trail, and the zoo recommends booking your Santa slot first.

Christmas Wreath Making Workshops

For something to take home, join a wreath-making workshop on selected dates in December. Make your own Christmas wreath with foliage sourced from the zoo, seed heads, dried fruit and decorations. Frames and materials are provided. Find all the details and book on the Edinburgh Zoo website.

This historic underground attraction is worth a visit at any time of year, but every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December (not Christmas Day) 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 a 30 minute interactive Victorian Christmas experience. Meet a member of the Chesney family, among the Close’s last residents, who will bring Edinburgh’s Victorian era to life with stories of how they celebrated the festive season. You’ll learn how Christmas traditions took shape in Edinburgh, hear tales of folklore and try out a traditional festive craft activity enjoyed by the Victorians at Christmas. Admission includes tea and scones with cream and jam.

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse this Christmas to see a new display of illuminated stags, does and fawns in the Quadrangle. It tells the story of Holyrood Abbey’s founding, when King David I is said to have seen a stag with a glowing cross between its antlers. Inside, Christmas trees, garlands, and festive foliage decorate the State Apartments. The displays are included with Palace admission from 19th November to 4th January, with the Palace closed from 24th to 26th December.

Special Christmas Events

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 tour of the State Apartments when the Palace is closed to other visitors, offering a rare chance to explore the Palace without the usual crowds.

Step beyond the usual visitor areas and access select rooms, including 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 two 12ft Nordmann fir Christmas trees in the grand wood-panelled Throne Room

The event runs on selected dates between 20th Nov and 2nd January. 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 Christmas music concert. Members of the Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral perform a programme of festive music. The evening ends with a glass of champagne and a mince pie.

The performance begins at 19:00, but visitors can view the Christmas decorations in the Palace beforehand. December 8th & 9th.

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 10th £75

Family-Friendly Events

Christmas Activity Day: Family-friendly activities on 19th December. There will be a Christmas activity trail, mini wreathmaking and pomander making.

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 – 27th Nov, 18th & 19th Dec

Chopin by Candlelight – 28th Nov

The Nutcracker Suite at Christmas – 28th Nov & 11th Dec

A Christmas Celebration with St. Martin’s Voices – carols on 4th Dec at 7 pm

Christmas with St. Giles’ Cathedral Choir – 12th Dec at 6 pm & 8 pm

Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight – 11th, 18th & 19th December

Christmas Services

Join the Christmas Carol Service on 20th December at 6 pm, or one of the Christmas Eve services: Christingle at 4 pm, the evening service at 7 pm or Watchnight at 11.30 pm. Christmas morning services are at 9.30 am and 11 am.

Edinburgh Christmas Markets

Enjoy Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, fun fair, ice skating as part of this year’s festive celebrations. There’s a lively atmosphere with a good mix of stalls and vendors. Pick up some locally made crafts or unique gifts and enjoy a selection of seasonal food and drink.

Where are Christmas markets in Edinburgh?

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 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm most days. On Christmas Eve, it closes at 8 pm and remains closed on Christmas Day.

Christmas things to do Edinburgh market
Christmas things to do in Edinburgh visit the Polar ice bar

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 Vikings, 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 £15.50.

Santa Stories: Held in West Princes Street Gardens, children can enjoy storytelling sessions with Santa. 

Ice skating: Winter Wonderland at the Gyle Shopping Centre, from 27th November to 3rd January. There are also fairground rides, Christmas market stalls and festive food and drink. Skating sessions last an hour, including skate hire.

Torchlight Procession

On 29th December join 15,000 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. 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 in Edinburgh with a visit to the Highlands in one of our fully insulated and heated campervans.  

Choose your Campervan for Hire

Scotland

Campervans for Hire

Scotland

Big Sky Campers is an independent campervan hire company in Scotland. We have a fleet of top of the range VW campervans for hire in Scotland. All our vans are fully equipped with everything you will need for your campervan trip, and with unlimited mileage and bike racks at no extra charge. All our vans are fully insulated and heated to keep you cosy in the wintertime. We hire over the Christmas & Hogmanay period.

If you’re thinking about hiring a campervan in Scotland, we very much hope you choose us. If you have any questions please get in touch.

Check availability and book

Got a question? Give us a call.

+44 (0)7768 973804

Call Big Sky Campers Campervan Hire Edinburgh

Or send us a mail