While mainland Europe is seen as the place to be over the Christmas period, I’d say that Edinburgh is up there with the best. There’s nothing more magical than the charm of the Old Town taken up a notch, or the amazing Christmas lights on George Street, not to mention the fantastic Christmas markets. And that’s before we even get beyond Christmas, to the largest celebration in Scotland: Hogmanay.
I’ve been planning to write a guide to Edinburgh’s best festive activities and attractions for years, but since 2020 lots of it has been cancelled or changed. Even this year there have been more changes and a few cancelled events while I’ve been writing the post (I swear I’m a curse), so I’m making sure this is as up-to-date as possible.
And there are some activities that, in my opinion, are overpriced and not worth it. Don’t worry, I won’t be holding back in this guide!
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Here are the best things to see and do in Edinburgh around Christmas and into the New Year.
Browse the Edinburgh Christmas Markets
So first of all, the big one: the Christmas markets, which are now spread across the whole of the Princes Street gardens. The main section is in the smaller gardens between Waverley station and the Mound, while the main gardens are now home to most of the funfair rides.
The Christmas markets have changed ownership and management in recent years, and I do think it’s run better now – the organisation of them has been controversial with locals, to say the least!
Here’s the thing: I really enjoy browsing the stalls, and there are plenty of lovely small Scottish businesses with handmade products and some unique food and drink. There are also small businesses from the rest of the UK, for example a brilliant cheese stall, and a place selling historical maps (I LOVE this one!).
Obviously you get the typical German market-style food, and the extortionate mulled wine, and some tacky stalls that are just money-makers. The rides are also outrageous. I went on the Star Flyer years ago and now it’s £12 per person!! The huge wheel, sponsored by a large company, is a whopping £14 per person – even with the Edinburgh residents 20% discount, that’s still a lot of money. I don’t altogether blame locals who hate the markets and see it as nothing more than a corporate cash grab.
But if you look beyond those and find the unique small businesses, I actually think it’s great. At least once every year, I get mac & cheese from the Mac Love stall. Last year I bought a brilliant locally-drawn art print for a friend, and I’ve seen a lot of lovely handmade decorations and homeware over the years.
(And yes, the best photos always seem to involve Scott Monument in some way! These photos are almost all taken in different years, too. I swear I have some of the exact same photos that I’ve taken 3 years on the trot…!)
Over in the west gardens, there are also a few children’s activities, like storytime with Santa, as well as a whole bunch of rides. A lot of this used to be shoved all together in the east gardens, so I find it’s much better now.
My biggest tip, and the main reason people moan about the markets: DO NOT visit at a weekend if you can help it! It is an absolute nightmare and the last time we tried, we decided not to go in at all, lest we be herded like cattle without being able to stop and look at anything. I always go during the week, after work, and I have rarely had issues with crowds.
If you want an alternative for local products, check out Tron Kirk on the Royal Mile. It’s set up as a market daily, with 20+ local businesses, including some of the same ones I’ve seen at the Christmas markets. We also love Stockbridge Market on Sundays, though that’s generally better for foodie gifts.
Read more: How To Spend The Perfect Sunday In Edinburgh
Be dazzled by The Dome
The Dome is, hands down, the most impressive building in Edinburgh at Christmas. I mean just look at those pillars! It’s a beautiful building even without all the pizzazz. I love the giant nutcrackers which have become an intrinsic part of the display.
However you MUST go inside as well! We’ve only been in for drinks, just to see the spectacular tree. You can also book dinner or an afternoon tea (they also do a brunch version – a “festive morning tea”).
The Dome is situated on George Street and the surrounding buildings like the Intercontinental Hotel always have lovely displays too – rather overshadowed by its neighbour, but lovely nonetheless!
George Street is also home to a pop-up polar ice bar during the festive season, which is a fun place to stop for a unique and quirky drink! The tables, chairs and drinks glasses are all made of ice, and this year it’s Viking themed.
Quick note: the popular George Street ice rink is unfortunately cancelled this year. I suspect it’s because a lot of buses are currently being diverted down George Street due to other road closures. Personally I think it was much better when it was in St Andrew Square anyway. I’ve never been though, as I’ve been ice skating exactly one time in my life when I was a kid, and my sister broke her wrist, scarring me for life when it comes to any further ice skating ventures…
Christmas at the Botanics
If you do one “light show” type of attraction in Edinburgh, this would be my pick! Illuminated trails have become popular everywhere, but this was the first one we’ve been to and honestly, still the best I’ve seen.
The Botanical Gardens has some amazing displays every year throughout the park. I’ve been a couple of times and I think 2024 was even better than the first time we went in 2019. They’ve really ramped it up, and it covers a huge area so I think it’s good value for money compared to some of these events.
The trees are dressed up beautifully, the ponds are full of reflections of colours and shapes, and there were corridors of candles, laser beams, and all sorts of really cool effects last time I went. A couple of buildings have entire projection displays set to music which are fun to watch. The event is more than just the lights, too – one highlight was meeting Santa (we were all adults, but he was hilarious!) and also toasting giant marshmallows on a fire pit.
This year, the event is on from the 19th November – 30th December.
Giant Lanterns at the Zoo
Another fantastic attraction is the lanterns at Edinburgh Zoo. You get after-hours access to the zoo and although you’re unlikely to see many animals, it really is worth it for the amazing lanterns. They also change the theme each year, so even if you’ve been before, it’ll be worth going back! When we went in 2019 it was dinosaur-themed, and last year it was sea-themed. A friend went to that one and absolutely loved it. This year, it’s themed around space.
You can also get and additional discounted entry to the zoo during the day of your visit, which makes this even more worth it. This year it seems to be a day ticket + evening ticket + two course dinner, so it’s a bit more expensive (£64.50), but you can book it here. Entry just to the lanterns event is £24.50.
The lanterns aren’t exclusively for Christmas either – this year it’s running from the 13th November to the 27th February 2027!
Read more: Edinburgh’s 10 Best Walks & Where To Find Them
Castle of Light
CANCELLED FOR 2026 – maybe beyond?
Every winter, Edinburgh Castle runs a light show event. I’m going to be very frank with you: the Castle of Light is not worth the money.
We finally went last winter because they were running a £10 offer for the final day. This was brilliant and if that had been the full price, I would have said absolutely go! But for £24, it’s insane. With little more than six displays, I don’t think it’s good value for money. We spent less than an hour there and saw everything, and when you consider that we spent a good couple of hours at the other light events for the same price, I just feel that your money is better spent at one of those instead.
However, you can also go up to the esplanade and see the entrance for free. Set to music with epic and colourful displays, it’s worth going to see that alone. Honestly, this was so cool that we said they ought to have it as the permanent entrance!
The event has sadly been cancelled for 2026 due to the costs of the display, which explains why tickets were so much. I think it’s a shame as it has so much potential to be more, especially when you compare it to things like the Botanics. I’ll update this if it either makes a comeback in 2027, or if they announce a different event.
(The rock beneath the castle has also been lit up with cool patterns and colours which have been prominently visible from Princes Street – I’m holding out a small amount of hope that they’ll keep that this year, though I assume it’s part of the event…)
Where to check out nice Christmas lights & displays
Lots of businesses dress themselves up nicely for Christmas and Edinburgh really lights up for it. It’s not quite on the level of London (London is better for Christmas displays; Edinburgh is better for Christmas markets, in my opinion), but here are some good ones to check out:
- Ghillie Dhu
- The Huxley (pic #1 above)
- The Witchery
- Cold Town House (pic #2 above)
- Victoria Street
- Rose Street (pic #3 above)
- The Dome
- Melville Crescent – one house in particular always puts on lovely displays for Christmas, Halloween and even Easter!
And another of my favourite indoor displays – the Christmas tree in the National Portrait Gallery. Isn’t it magical with the detailed hallway?!
Read more: What To Do In Edinburgh On A Rainy Day
Hogmanay in Edinburgh
And now on to New Year, which is a huge celebration in Scotland. In fact, did you know that until 1958, Christmas wasn’t even a public holiday in Scotland? It was effectively “banned” from 1640, which is why Hogmanay, our version of New Year’s Eve, is such a big event here instead.
Traditionally throughout Scotland, people would go house to house, enjoying a dram and wishing their neighbours well for the year ahead – called “first footing”.
The main event in Edinburgh is the Hogmanay street party. Princes Street opens up to revellers to drink, enjoy the music, and watch the fireworks over the castle at midnight. There is always a big line up of bands playing in Princes Street gardens, with previous headliners including Scotland’s own Biffy Clyro and Franz Ferdinand, as well as Pulp and Wet Leg.
It’s a pricey event though – tickets for the 2026 street party cost £39, or £33 for Edinburgh residents. Garden entrance for the concert is considerably more at £79.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh over New Year, I’d say the street party is a must – even though it’s moved away from its roots somewhat, it’s a huge part of Scottish history and culture so it’s a fantastic event for visitors to experience.
Other great places to watch the fireworks if you don’t want to pay the fee are Calton Hill (get there VERY early!), Blackford Hill, or Inverleith Gardens. Maybe Arthur’s Seat but I’m not sure if it would be the best angle, and it’s a much longer walk down in the dark…
The Loony Dook in South Queensferry
The Hogmanay celebrations don’t stop on New Year’s Eve. On the 1st January, people who are mad enough will flock to South Queensferry to jump in the sea. A perfectly acceptable activity for a Scottish winter.
This became part of the official Hogmanay events for a few years, but it’s gone back to being organised by the community. There’s no longer a fee for taking part, though you’ll find plenty of buckets to stick some cash in, and all funds raised go to the RNLI charity. Dressing up is very much encouraged!
Unfortunately due to organisational issues, it’s actually just been cancelled for 2027 while I was writing this post (though there’s nothing to stop people jumping in, of course – and I suspect many people will!) but it’s planned to return in 2028. There’s also an alternative dook in Portobello.
The Torchlight Procession
Kicking off the Hogmanay events on the 29th December, a torchlight procession moves from the Meadows into the Old Town and down the Royal Mile, and it’s quite a spectacle. Anyone can pay for a torch to carry, and for something like this, the more the merrier!
As well as 15,000 torches, you can expect pipe bands and fire performers, making this a great Scottish event for any visitors to witness or take part in. It’s free for spectators, and to take part you must buy at least one torch per two people.
As you can see, Edinburgh is a GREAT winter destination, especially coming up to Christmas and over New Year. Even as locals, we try to do something different every year because there’s so much to choose from!
If you want to escape the festivities, there are plenty of cosy cafés to pop into, and I’ve got an entire post of ideas for what to do when it’s raining in Edinburgh too.
Either way, get your woollies on and head into town – there’s lots to keep you occupied even in these dreich winter months.
Inspired for an Edinburgh winter visit? Read more about the Scottish capital here:
⭐ My Highlights Of Edinburgh
⭐ How To Spend The Perfect Sunday In Edinburgh
⭐ 15 Things To Do In Edinburgh On A Budget
⭐ What To Do In Edinburgh On A Rainy Day
⭐ A Local’s Guide To Leith, Edinburgh’s Coolest Neighbourhood
⭐ Edinburgh’s 10 Best Walks & Where To Find Them
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