Edinburgh at Christmas: Your Ultimate Festive Guide 2025

The word Edinburgh made up of lights. There are historic buildings in the background.

Visit Scotland’s capital for a Christmas experience like no other. From historic buildings glowing with twinkling lights to bustling markets brimming with decadent hot chocolates and handmade treasures, here’s your ultimate guide to the most enchanting things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas.

Christmas Markets
From 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets, located in East Princes Street Gardens, right in the heart of the city. Soak up the Christmas cheer as you stroll through the many stalls selling unique handmade gifts, hot chocolate, mulled wine and festive sweet treats. Enjoy a view of the city from above as you ride the LNER Big Wheel and the soaring Starflyer.

A view of Princes Street Gardens with Christmas Markets. It is night and there are colourful lights. There is a ferris wheel and Starflyer.

A Royal Christmas
Step aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia and admire the beautiful ship. The State Apartments will be adorned with stunning Christmas decorations and from 6-7 December enjoy a special Christmas weekend filled with seasonal cheer. Explore all five decks with a complimentary audio guide handset and discover what life was like for the Royal Family at sea. Keep an eye out for the cuddly corgis dressed in their festive outfits, hidden throughout the tour for a fun holiday twist. Head to the Royal Deck Tearoom to indulge in delicious cakes, scones, and warming hot chocolate. Finish your visit with a stop at Britannia’s Shop, where the friendly retail team can help you find the perfect Christmas gift. From elegant souvenirs to festive treats, it’s a one-stop shop for your seasonal shopping.

A plush toy corgi wearing a Santa hat. It is sitting amongst Christmas foliage and decorations aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Visit Santa and His Elves
Make your way to St Andrew Square to meet Santa and listen to Santa’s Stories—a series of magical storytelling sessions read by Santa himself. It’s an experience little ones will treasure and there are relaxed, Audio Described, and BSL-interpreted sessions are available. From 6 to 24 December, visit Edinburgh Zoo to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice with a stop to the cosy grotto of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. For an extra-special treat, why not join them for a festive breakfast complete with crafts and storytelling before spending the day exploring the zoo? Meanwhile, over at Dalkeith Country Park, Santa and his elves will be waiting to welcome you into their magical grotto for a truly festive experience.

Light up the Dark Nights
Edinburgh sparkles with light during the festive season, promising unforgettable evenings for people of all ages. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, for their gorgeous after-dark trail through light tunnels, colourful laser gardens, and light installations. Warm up with a delicious hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows as you navigate the trail. The Castle of Light returns for with the theme of fire and ice. Edinburgh Castle transforms into a glowing spectacle, featuring immersive and interactive projections. Don’t miss the chance to meet the Ice Queen in the Great Hall too. Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns are back with an underwater theme. With more than 600 illuminated sculptures, including sea turtles, jellyfish, and a walk-through whale creating a glowing coastal wonderland that supports wildlife conservation.

Edinburgh Castle at night. It is lit up with images projected onto it.

A Very Fingal Christmas
Celebrate the season aboard Fingal, the luxurious floating hotel docked in Leith. Once a Northern Lighthouse Board tender, this elegant ship is now the perfect setting for creating unforgettable Christmas memories. Indulge in a five-course festive afternoon tea in the Art Deco-inspired Lighthouse Restaurant, where the flavours of the season are served with style. For a hands-on holiday activity, join the luxury wreath-making workshop, complete with an eco-friendly twist. For the ultimate festive escape, the ‘A Very Fingal Christmas’ package includes a two-night stay, a festive afternoon tea, and a £50 voucher for the St James Quarter in Edinburgh. Looking for the perfect present? Fingal gift vouchers make a thoughtful and luxurious Christmas gift for someone special.

Ice Skating and Christmas Tree Maze
Grab your skates and glide beneath the twinkling lights of George Street’s ice rink—one of Edinburgh’s favourite festive traditions. This popular activity fills up quickly, so be sure to book your time slot in advance to avoid disappointment! For those feeling adventurous, head to West Princes Street Gardens and lose yourself in the enchanting Christmas Tree Maze. With hundreds of illuminated trees and plenty of surprises along the way, it’s a delightful experience for the whole family. 

A aerial view of an ice skating rink in Edinburgh.

Candlelight Concerts and Festive Shows
Music lovers will delight in the festive concerts and shows taking place around the city. At St Giles’ Cathedral, Christmas by Candlelight invites guests to bask in the glow of their many flickering candles while enjoying performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Moonlight Sonata and music by Chopin, amongst others. St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral will host the Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks concert, where the Belford String Quartet will perform festive film favourites, featuring tunes from The Polar Express, The Grinch, and A Charlie Brown Christmas, all beneath the cathedral’s soaring arches. Usher Hall will see the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s Christmas Concert, featuring sing-along carols and a showing of the film The Snowman with narration by comedian Josie Long. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra will be performing Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Enjoy a Christmas film on the big screen accompanied by an enchanting live orchestra. Movies include The Holiday and Love, Actually.


Image Copyright: 
Visit Scotland - Kenny Lam
Helen Pugh

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