Winter in Edinburgh

A Frozen Ross Fountain With Edinburgh Castle From Princes Street Gardens

As winter arrives in Edinburgh, the city sparkles with frost and festive lights. There’s so much to enjoy, from wandering the historic streets, warm drinks in a cosy café, festive markets and events, and gorgeous walks on a crisp day. Discover some of our favourite things to do in winter in Edinburgh.

Top tips for visiting Edinburgh in Winter

  • Dress for the weather: Winter in Edinburgh is cold, windy and can be wet and icy. Average temperatures range from 1 to 7 degrees Celsius. Wear layers, a waterproof jacket and warm boots with a good grip.
  • Shorter days: Daylight is limited, with an average of 7 hours per day. Plan any outdoor activities during the day to avoid the darkness.
  • Plan ahead: Winter can be a busy time with the city holding festive markets and Hogmanay celebrations. Make sure to book hotels, popular restaurants or concert tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

A snowy view of Edinburgh's skyline from the Salisbury's Crags.

Tour The Royal Yacht Britannia
As an all-weather attraction, The Royal Yacht Britannia is the perfect choice for a winter day out. Wrap up warm and explore five fascinating decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace. With a complimentary audio guide, available in over 30 languages, including a children’s English version, BSL/ASL tablets, and Braille script, you will discover what life was like at sea for the Royal Family and crew of Royal Yachtsmen. Keep your eyes peeled for the cuddly corgis hiding along the tour route too. During your visit, warm up in the Royal Deck Tearoom with a hot chocolate or cup of tea, perfectly paired with a freshly baked scone. As the sun sets early in winter, don’t miss the stunning golden hour views over the Firth of Forth while on board.

Two people are on the deck of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh taking a selfie. 
Take a winter walk
What better way to spend a crisp winter’s day than to head into the great outdoors, admiring Edinburgh’s stunning scenery. Make sure to wear sturdy boots and take care on the paths, as they can become icy and slippery in cold weather. Take a walk up Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park, for some of the best views of the city’s skyline. Along the way, visit the medieval ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel and watch the birdlife at St Margaret’s and Dunsapie Lochs. For a quick walk close to the city centre, head to Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering amazing views across the city and beyond and is home to some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, such as Nelson’s Monument, Robert Burns Monument and the City Observatory. For a longer stroll, Corstorphine Hill is a great option. Here you’ll find lush woodland and sweeping skyline views. Perched on the hill is a memorial to Sir Walter Scott, Corstorphine Hill Tower. It is located near Edinburgh Zoo, so you might even hear a lion’s roar in the distance!

A view of Edinburgh's skyline from Calton Hill, covered in snow

Find a cosy café or bar
Find the perfect cosy hideaway where you can relax and warm up after a day of exploring. Tucked away on Blackfriars Street, just off the busy Royal Mile, Edinburgh Larder is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its locally sourced food, it’s the ideal stop for a delicious brunch or warming bowl of soup during your day out and about. Keep warm at Black Medicine and settle into a quiet corner with a comforting drink. Conveniently located next to Blackwell’s bookshop and close to the National Museum of Scotland, it’s a popular spot for a relaxing break.

For those chilly winter evenings, settle in by a fireplace in a cosy bar. Enjoy a drink and a hearty meal at The King’s Wark, a gorgeous historic building dating back to the 1400s in the vibrant Shore area of Leith. Or head to The Cumberland Bar, nestled in the Georgian streets of Edinburgh’s New Town, for a quiet night by the fire with good company.  

Enjoy seasonal events and festivals
Edinburgh’s winter season is packed with events, festivals, and markets that bring a lively buzz to the city. It is the place to be for winter festivities. Wander through the traditional Christmas markets where you will find arts and craft stalls, mouthwatering food and drinks, and funfair rides. On 29 December, witness the annual Torchlight Procession, where 15,000 torchbearers create a river of light through the streets. Ring in the new year at the famous Hogmanay Street Party. With Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop, DJ’s, live bands, Pipers and Drummers will help you party the night away with a spectacular fireworks finale.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations start with a torchlight procession through the streets.
 
Celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns at one of the many events taking place across the city on and around 25 January. Visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre to learn some Burns’ songs and watch as Auld Lang Syne, Scotland’s most famous song, is brought to life. Grab your dancing shoes and book a ticket for the National Museum of Scotland’s Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh. One of Scotland’s biggest ceilidhs, the Jacobite’s Ceilidh Band will have you up and dancing all night the with traditional steps in the magnificent Grand Gallery.  

At the National Museum of Scotland there is a big Burn's night ceilidh

See a theatre show
See a show this winter season. From spectacular musicals to hilarious pantomimes, Edinburgh’s theatres have an exciting programme of performances to enjoy. The Edinburgh Playhouse will be staging the popular feel-good hit Mamma Mia! packed with everyone’s favourite ABBA songs. Scottish Ballet brings a stunning production of The Snow Queen to the Festival Theatre. For family-friendly fun, book tickets for one of the traditional pantomimes across the city, such as Jack and the Beanstalk at the Festival Theatre or Beauty and the Beast at Church Hill Theatre.

If you are planning to visit Edinburgh at a different time of year, you may find our blogs Top family things to do in Edinburgh this summer, Edinburgh at Christmas: Your ultimate festive guide and Things to do in Leith to be helpful. 



Image copyright: 
VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Helen Pugh

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