Top things to do in Edinburgh this festive season

With a crisp nip in the air, warm twinkly lights and an echo of festive seasons past, Edinburgh at Christmas is a true bucket list destination.

From its festive markets brimming with unusual gifts and delicious local treats, to a yuletide calendar packed with events and activities to suit all ages, the city has it all. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking an Edinburgh city break at Christmas, 2024 is the year to do it.

Of course, with so much to see and do, a trip to Edinburgh at Christmas can get very pricy, very quickly. So, to help you get the most from your time and money, we’ve put together a guide to the top things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

Enjoy an enchanted evening at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle of Light: Returning for its fifth year, this annual event illuminates the castle’s ancient walls with captivating projections.
With an all-new show for 2024, you’ll be able to witness Mons Meg, the six-tonne siege gun ‘fire’, for the first time since the 17th century.

The after-dark spectacular takes place on specific dates across the festive period.

Ticket prices start from £22 for adults and £12 for children.

The Royal Botanic Garden

Christmas at the Botanics: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and experience after-dark festive fun at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden. Stroll through illuminated pathways, enjoy festive music, and enjoy a symphony of colour.

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers, Christmas at the Botanics is sure to delight the whole family.

Ticket prices start from £22.50 for adults and £17 for children.
Additional charges apply for hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.

Explore Edinburgh for free

Edinburgh Christmas markets: No Christmas trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Ed Winterfest.
See the legendary city transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland. Featuring festive fun for all the family, Ed Winterfest includes traditional market stalls, funfair rides and spectacular outdoor live events.
Taking place from the 15th November until the 4th January 2025, wandering the event is free but you will need some spending money for tasty treats and activities, such as riding the LNER Big Wheel.

Experience local hospitality

Holyrood Distillery Festive Event Series: Perfect for couples seeking a traditional tipple, this award-winning Edinburgh distillery offers a range of events which are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Happening on specific dates in November and December, the festive series includes;
A £35 per person 1.5-hour cocktail making masterclass, along with a £50 per person 2.5-hour whisky and artisan cheese tasting session.

The Lost Cinema at Lost Shore: Take a seat in an indoor winter woodland cinema. Showing classic Christmas movies, The Lost Cinema will be serving hot chocolate and mulled wine with lashings of nostalgia on the side.
With Elf (we know him!), Home Alone and even the controversial choice Die Hard on the bill, a Christmas movie night in Edinburgh will be one to remember.
Ticket prices start from £14.50 for adults and £10 for kids (booking fee applies).

See Santa in Edinburgh

A World of Winter Wonder at Dynamic Earth: From Sunday 30th November to Monday 23rd December, Dynamic Earth will be hosting a number of festive experiences. Santa, together with his head elf, will be taking the kiddos to his polar grotto, while you can gaze up at the Aurora Borealis in the planetarium.
Taking place on select dates in November and December, to visit The Winter Experience you’ll need to purchase a Dynamic Earth general admission ticket along with an additional supplement. Adult admission starts from £19.50 per person while child tickets are £27 each and include a visit to Santa’s Grotto.

Discover Edinburgh’s hidden depths

‘A Victorian Christmas Experience’ at The Real Mary Kings Close.

Whatever the weather outside, every Sunday in December you can step back in time and discover how Christmas traditions evolved in the heart of Edinburgh. Starting with our very own award-winning tour, you’ll descend below the modern city and wander through Edinburgh’s hidden history. As your tour draws to an end, you’ll find yourself in an underground vaulted room. Here you’ll meet one of the last residents of Mary King’s Close, who’ll transport you to Edinburgh’s Victorian era with tales of Christmases past. During this 30-minute interactive experience, you’ll enjoy hot tea and scones, and take part in a Victorian era crafting activity. This tasty festive tour and experience provides a unique holiday journey through history and is sure to create Christmas memories to last a lifetime.

‘A Victorian Christmas’ tickets are £32.50 per adult and £25.00 per child.

We’re sure you’ll agree there are some amazing activities taking place in Edinburgh during the festive period, and we look forward to seeing you soon.