From ice skating to festive shows, there’s no shortage of family activities to enjoy in Edinburgh this Christmas.
As the festive season approaches, what better way to celebrate with family and friends than by checking out some of the top things to see, do and experience in the capital this Christmas – all sure to make your season merry and bright!
Shop at a traditional Christmas market
stocking up on gifts for all the family.
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. Thrill seekers will also be able to enjoy an exciting selection of rides including a Helter Skelter and Starflyer.
The Christmas Market is open from 15 November 2024 to 04 January 2025.
Add some sparkle with a light trail
enjoying the beauty of nature at night
Edinburgh really does sparkle during the festive season, and this year is no exception.
For an evening of wonder, enchantment, spectacular colours and dazzling animations, Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle takes you a mesmerising journey of one of Edinburgh’s most historic attractions. Wander through Christmas at the Botanics and experience sparkling tunnels of light, gasp at trees drenched in jewel-like colour and marvel at dancing waterside reflection.
Explore more in Winter light trails in Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders.
Be captivated at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
capturing the perfect Instagram photo.
Celebrate this festive season with a day out filled with wonder and surprise at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. With 5 floors and over 100 interactive exhibits, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at
Festive frolics wait around every corner, with themed decorations and seasonal projections. Make sure to stop by the upside-down Christmas tree, the OptiMusic exhibit with its cheerful tunes, and the jolly holiday patterns at the Colour Shadow Wall. No visit would be complete without a visit to the panoramic Rooftop Terrace, from where you can see Edinburgh’s Christmas lights, markets and Big Wheel laid out in all their glory.
Festive Frolics at Camera Obscura runs from 18 November 2024 to 05 January 2025.
Take a trip to the theatre
a night of entertainment
From laugh-out-loud panto to festive music and fantasy tales, there’s a dazzling line-up of shows for all the family in Edinburgh this holiday season.
Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming at Panto 2024: Cinderella; see Donny Osmond as the Pharaoh in the multi award-winning Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; or enjoy a feast of both modern and traditional Christmas music at Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook.
Find out more in shows coming to Edinburgh this Christmas.
Have fun in a Christmas tree maze
getting lost in the magic of Christmas
Located on the east side of St Andrew Square, the Christmas Tree Maze offers a fun-filled family adventure.
Take a walk of wonder through a maze of illuminated Christmas trees – watch out for a few surprises along the way!
The Christmas Tree Maze runs from 27 November to 24 December 2024.
Get your skates on
perfecting your skills on ice.
The popular UNIQLO Ice Rink returns with an undercover rink, so you can enjoy the fun no matter the weather. Toddler skating sessions and relaxed sessions (with softer lighting and sound) are available on designated dates. Skate hire is included in your ticket price
The rink is open from 27 November 2024 to 04 January 2025.
Have a royal time at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
exploring royal history.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Edinburgh, will be decking the halls with stunning Christmas wreaths, garlands, sparkling lights and Christmas trees.
As part of their seasonal programme there are a selection of events on offer. For adults, enjoy an Exclusive Christmas Evening Tour, complete with a glass of champagne and mince pie. For children there’s the chance to get creative with both a Christmas Activity Day and Royal Rhyme Time.
Christmas Relaxed Access Evening allows visitors to explore the Palace and see the Christmas decorations during a relaxed, accessible evening. The event is open to all, including those with autism and other neurodiverse needs, together with their families and carers, who will be able to visit after hours when the Palace is quieter.
Events run on selected dates from 28 November 2024 to 06 January 2025.
Find fun for all the family at Dalkeith Country Park
a festive family day out
Around 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre, WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park is bursting with festive activities for all the family.
At the centerpiece of festivities is the eco-friendly Ice Rink. Using cutting-edge technology, this unique skating experience requires no water, energy, or carbon emissions – making it a sustainable way to enjoy festive fun.
Kids’ Christmas Workshops offer creative activities like card-making and cookie decorating, while adults can get festive with Wreath Making Workshops. Don’t miss the popular Elf & Santa Dash, now given a fresh twist, becoming the Festive Doddie Dash, supporting My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park is on from 29 November 2024 to 05 January 2025.
Take a magical ride on The Polar Express™
a train ride with a festive twist
Based on the popular festive film, the theatrical experience, The Polar Express™ Train Ride Edinburgh pulls into Edinburgh’s Waverley Station.
Sing along with the conductor and chefs; enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and keep an eye open for an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
The Polar Express runs on designated dates between 29 November and 23 December 2024.
Experience a World of Winter Wonder at Dynamic Earth
curious minds
This Christmas, Dynamic Earth invites families to step into a World of Winter Wonder.
Explore polar regions, meet the incredible and diverse animals that call this habitat home, experience the northern lights in all of their dazzling glory, enjoy festive films, meet Santa and even touch a real iceberg in an immersive exhibition.
Join in with a line-up of Christmas-themed activities from 30 November 2024 to 06 January 2025.
Step aboard a former floating palace
both sea and land lovers.
Feel full of the festive spirit with a complimentary glass of mulled wine, or juice and piece of buttery shortbread as Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace welcomes visitors to Christmas Weekend at The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Explore the State Apartments, where the Royal Family spent holidays and honeymoons, and entertained prime ministers and presidents. Head below decks to explore the Crew’s Quarters where the 220 Royal Yachtsmen would work, sleep and relax during their travels all over the world. Discover stories of life aboard with an audio guide, also available in a children’s version. Remember to keep an eye open for all the corgis in the Christmas Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt!
Christmas Weekend at The Royal Yacht Britannia takes place on 07 and 08 December 2024.
Be spellbound by MagicFest
those who love mind-boggling fun!
Edinburgh International Magic Festival, also known as MagicFest, is back for 2024 with a bumper programme of shows and events.
A thrilling mix of magical shows, events and workshops, audiences can expect captivating performances from both new and established magicians. From cutting-edge illusions and mind-reading to mesmerising sleight-of-hand and edge-of-your-seat tricks, this is one Christmas cracker not to be missed.
MagicFest runs from 17 December to 30 December 2024.
Santa’s grottos in Edinburgh
Looking to pay a visit to a jolly man dressed in red this Christmas? Santa will be popping up at several locations across the city.
