Winter festivities come early to Scotland and you will find many of the Christmas things to do in Edinburgh are already open towards the end of November. With St. Andrews Day on the 30th November, and fewer crowds than closer to Christmas, the end of November and early December are a good time to enjoy Christmas things to do in Edinburgh. There will also be lower accommodation costs in the City at this time.
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.
During the festive season, Edinburgh Castle hosts the “Castle of Light,” an immersive light and projection show that transforms the historic fortress into a dazzling spectacle. Now in its fifth year, visitors can explore the castle grounds after dark with a trail illuminated by light displays, immersive installations, and storytelling projections that bring Scotland’s rich history to life. This year is a special year as the City of Edinburgh marks its 900th year anniversary!
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.
Additionally, an access night with reduced capacity and additional measures for visitors with specific needs is scheduled for 8 December 2024.
Event Details
The Castle of Light runs on select dates over the Christmas period:
29-30 November
6-8, 13-15, 20-23 & 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): £22.00
Concession (65+ years): £16.00
Child (7-15 years): £12.00
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,” an enchanting after-dark event that transforms the gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. Visitors follow a mile-long illuminated trail featuring a variety of captivating light installations and festive displays.
The trail, designed by award-winning light installation designers, showcases a series of artistic light installations, including flickering candles floating high into the night sky, batons of colour-changing light dancing in time, a sparkling flock of jolly robins, and a sea of light filled with all the colours of the rainbow.
Promotional Film for Christmas at the Botanics 2024
Along the route, visitors can enjoy seasonal snacks from street food vendors or warm up with hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows.
Christmas at the Botanics runs on the following dates:
Wednesday 27 Nov – Sunday 1 Dec
Wednesday 4 Dec – Tuesday 24 Dec
Thursday 26 Dec – Monday 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.
Breakfast with the Clauses
On selected dates from 9 December to 24 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, and entry to the zoo is included in the price of the event.
This experience begins at 9am, with access through the members’ gate at the top of the zoo car park. Your ticket for Breakfast with the Clauses also includes admission to Edinburgh Zoo for the entire day.
Santa’s Grotto
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Grotto at Edinburgh Zoo on selected dates in December. Book early as several December dates are already fully booked.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshops
One for the adults – a Christmas Wreath Making workshop at the Zoo. You’ll 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.
The Real Mary King’s Close Victorian Christmas
This historic underground attraction is worth a visit at any time of year but every 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 exclusive 30-minute interactive Victorian Christmas experience. You’ll 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!
Christmas at the Palace
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is adorned with traditional festive decorations, including two towering 12 ft Christmas trees, festival garlands and seasonal foliage. The Royal Dining Room will display the Grand table decorated with sugared fruits and seasonal foliage.
The event runs every Thursday to Monday (inclusive) until Monday, 6 Jan 2025 (excluding Wednesday, 25 Dec – Friday 27 Dec 2024)
Special Christmas Events
There are also a number of special Christmas-themed activities this year:
Exclusive Christmas Evening Tour: On select December dates, enjoy an after-hours guided tour of the Palace, including access to the West Drawing Room which is not usually open to the public.
Christmas Afternoon Tea: Indulge in a Christmas-themed afternoon tea at the Café at the Palace, set in the historic Mews courtyard adorned with wreaths and garlands.
Family-Friendly Events
Exclusive Family Tour: on this tour you will hear stories of Scotland’s Royal past, search for majestic unicorns, and find a secret door.
Christmas Activity Day: Participate in activities like making traditional Christmas cards and gifts and learning about their origins
Royal Rhyme Time: interactive storytelling, songs, and rhymes that featured as part of historic royal Christmas celebrations.
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 throughout December, with tickets available through the cathedral’s official channels.
Highlights include:
Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight
Trussell Carol Concert
Christmas Favourites and Carols
Handel’s Messiah at Christmas
Christmas Baroque by Candlelight
Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight
Christmas Services
The Christmas Eve Service with carols takes place at 17:15 and there are two services on Christmas Morning.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, along with open air ice skating are a central feature of the city’s festive celebrations. Edinburgh’s Christmas markets have a convivial atmosphere and a wide variety of stalls and traders. These markets offer festive cheer, unique gifts, local products and a good selection of food and drink options in the heart of the city. Below is an overview of what’s on offer at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets.
East Princes Street Gardens Market
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is the city’s main festive hub.
Stalls and Offerings: The market features around 80 stalls offering a variety of handcrafted items, bespoke products, festive decorations, and artisanal food and drink. Visitors can find unique gifts, enjoy traditional Scottish delicacies, and warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Dates and Times: The market operates from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. On Christmas Eve, it closes at 8 pm and remains closed on Christmas Day.
Location: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2DG. The market is easily accessible, situated near Edinburgh Waverley Station, just a five-minute walk away.
George Street Christmas Village
The Christmas Village on George Street offers a more intimate festive experience.
Stalls and Offerings: This market showcases high-quality crafts, gourmet treats, and pop-up bars. The elegant surroundings of George Street add to the charm, and the market often features live music, adding to the festive spirit.
Dates and Times: The George Street Christmas Village runs concurrently with the East Princes Street Gardens Market, from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Location: George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3BU. It’s a short walk from Princes Street and easily accessible by public transport.
West George Street Ice Rink
For a bit of festive ice skating, you’ll find Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink in George Street. This year the rink will be undercover so you can soak up the wonderful views whilst staying dry! Skaters can glide under fairy lights while the sound of Christmas music fills the air. The ice rink operates from 16 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. On Christmas Eve, it closes at 8 pm and remains closed on Christmas Day.
Fun Fair & Other Attractions
Edinburgh’s festive markets includes several other attractions:
Big Wheel: Located in East Princes Street Gardens, offering panoramic views of the city. Tickets are priced at £11.00.
Star Flyer: Also in East Princes Street Gardens, this ride provides a thrilling experience with stunning city views. Tickets are priced at £12.50.
Santa Stories: Held in St Andrew Square, children can enjoy storytelling sessions with Santa. Tickets are priced at £6.00.
Christmas Tree Maze: Again in St Andrew Square, one of the UK’s largest illuminated mazes features 450 Christmas trees. Tickets are priced at £5.00.
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, adorned 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 and Christmas cocktails make this a stylish spot for a drink or meal in Edinburgh. They also are part of the Christmas Cocktail Club: From 11th November to 31st December 2024, guests can purchase a £5 wristband granting access to a selection of £5 cocktails across participating venues, including Tigerlily, Coco, Rabble, Indigo Yard, and Montpeliers.
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 are a wide variety of accommodation options if you want to stay in Edinburgh in December. But Edinburgh is becoming an increasingly popular Winter and Christmas destination so 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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