Edinburgh’s Christmas

During the festive season Edinburgh becomes a sparkling winter wonderland. Whether you want to embrace all things traditional, or seek new ways of celebrating the holidays, there’s no shortage of things to do to keep all the family merry and bright.

Edinburgh’s Christmas runs from 15 November 2024 until 04 January 2025, with a wide variety of family-friendly festive activities and events taking place in the city centre. There are four main sites to explore – East and West Princes Street Gardens, George Street and St Andrew Square.

Keep up to date on this year’s festivities with Edinburgh’s Christmas.

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Edinburgh Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens

With the soaring Scott Monument and the city’s majestic skyline as its backdrop, East Princes Street Gardens hosts the traditional Christmas Market. Free to enter, shoppers can browse around 70 stalls featuring everything from clothing and jewellery to handmade gifts for the home. And when hunger calls, the tempting aromas from the various local and international food and drink stalls are sure to tempt you.

The market is also where Scotland’s largest Ferris-wheel, the LNER Big Wheel is found. Standing at 46m tall, it offers a unique view of the city, so be sure to have your camera at the ready. Or take to the skies with the Starflyer – at 80m tall, it provides one of the finest (and most thrilling!) views of the city centre skyline.  

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Festive Family Funfair, West Princes Street Gardens

Home to the Festive Family Funfair, West Princes Street Gardens has rides and attractions, as well as a variety of festive food and drink stalls.

There’s plenty of opportunities for festive photos, with illuminations, including the Winter Windows Schools Art Project. Don’t miss a trip to the garden’s Ross Bandstand for a variety of community-focused and family-friendly events.

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Ice Rink, George Street and Castle Street

The popular Ice Rink is found on George Street with an undercover rink, so you can enjoy the fun no matter the weather. Toddler skating sessions and relaxed sessions (with smaller capacity, softer lighting and sound) are available on designated dates. A new addition to the 2024 rink is an adults only skate session – enjoy an evening on the ice complete with festive and party tunes.

George Street will also be home to the Polar Ice Bar. Open to those aged 18+, step inside to find tables, chairs and glasses sculpted entirely from ice – surely the coolest bar in the city!

The Festival of Kindness Tree and donations point, in support of Social Bite, will be shining brightly on Castle Street.

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Visit Santa, St Andrew Square

Santa and his elves can be found at Santa’s Stories on St Andrew Square – ready to treat all those on the nice list with a magical storytelling experience. Don’t forget to post your letter to the North Pole at the Santa Letter Writing Station and Post Box!

The Square is also where the Christmas Tree Maze can be found. Weave your way through one of the UK’s largest the family-friendly illuminated Christmas Tree trails.

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EH postcode resident discount

Residents with an EH postcode can really get into the Christmas spirit with 20% discount on tickets to Edinburgh’s Christmas events (restrictions apply and some events are excluded).

Whether it’s taking-in panoramic views from the LNER Big Wheel, having fun on the ice at the George Street Ice Rink or popping in for a visit to Santa and his elves, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy more family days out.

Tickets can be booked in advance online or in-person at one of the on-site box offices at West Princes Street Gardens, East Princes Street Gardens, and George Street. Proof of address will be required.

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