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 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.
Find more shopping options in our guide to Edinburgh’s Christmas markets.
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 and Lothians.
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.
Featuring your favourite panto pals, one very large beanstalk, jokes, songs and much more, join Panto: Jack And The Beanstalk for some festive fun; enjoy a snowy adventure for your little ones this Christmas at Snowy; see the enchanting Christmas favourite story, The Snowman on the big screen, accompanied by The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, or experience a feast of both modern and traditional Christmas music with Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook.
Explore more highlights in shows coming to Edinburgh this Christmas.
Get your skates on
perfecting your skills on ice.
The popular George Street Ice Rink with Emirates returns with an undercover rink, so you can enjoy the fun in most weather conditions.
Adult-only Late Skates sessions with live DJs and entertainment run on selected dates, and for younger members of the family there’s toddler sessions. Relaxed sessions (with lower capacity, softer lighting and sound) are available on designated dates. Skate hire is included in your ticket price (with skate aid penguins for younger children at an additional cost).
The Ice Rink is open from 20 November 2025 to 04 January 2026.
Have a royal time at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
exploring royal history.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland, 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, Carols at the Palace offers visitors the chance to see the beautifully decorated State Apartments before a festive concert in the Great Gallery, a glass of wine and mince pies. While Christmas Activity Day will have arts and crafts activities and a festive music performance for all the family to enjoy.
Exploring Christmas traditions over the centuries, Descriptive Tour: A Royal Christmas is designed for visually impaired visitors. BSL Interpreted Tour: Royal Christmas Traditions is a guided tour accompanied by an accredited BSL interpreter.
Events run on selected dates from 20 November 2025 to 05 January 2026.
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.
The centrepiece of the festivities is the eco-friendly Skating Rink. Surrounded by twinkling lights, glide across the ice or skate the night away at one of the musical Skate & Shake sessions. At Kids’ Christmas Workshops get busy with gingerbread house decorating and Christmas crafts. Grown-ups can join the fun too with Wreath Making Workshops. At the ever-popular Festive Doddie Dash in aid of The Park’s charity partner, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, runners can take part in the 1K or 3K Elf Dash or 5K Santa Dash.
WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park is on from 28 November 2025 to 04 January 2026.
Enjoy storytime at Gladstone’s Land
getting lost in the magic of Christmas tales
Settle down, switch off and immerse yourself in the spirt of the season with Gladstone’s Land’s Christmas Readings.
Offering something for all the family, there’s the classic Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol, while youngsters will be captivated by the likes of The Snowman and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Events run on selected dates from 01 to 23 December 2025.
Step aboard a former floating palace
both sea and land lovers.
Feel full of the festive spirit with a complimentary glass mulled wine and piece of buttery shortbread as Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace welcomes visitors to Christmas Weekend on 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 in their festive outfits!
Christmas Weekend on Britannia takes place on 06 and 07 December 2025.
Join in the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk
having fun while raising vital funds for children’s charity, When You Wish Upon a Star.
Don your Santa outfit (included in entry fee) and get ready to run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit of West Princes Street Gardens at the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk.
Individual, Santa paws pets tickets and family packages are available. There’s even a prize up for grabs for the best dressed Santa Paws!
The Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk takes place on 07 December 2025.
Be spellbound by MagicFest
those who love mind-boggling fun!
Edinburgh International Magic Festival, also known as MagicFest, is back for 2025 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 to 30 December 2025.
Treat the family to festive afternoon tea
an afternoon of tea and cake.
Tiny sandwiches, dainty savouries and delectable cakes, accompanied by tea or a glass of something bubbly – who doesn’t love the traditional pastime of afternoon tea.
With the festive season upon us, many local restaurants and cafes are offering a seasonal twist of festive afternoon tea, complete with Christmas favourites such as mince pies and gingerbread taking centre stage.
Learn new skills with Edinburgh New Town Cookery School
getting into the festive spirit, while picking up some new tips.
If you’re looking to learn or improve your skills in the kitchen, why not sign-up for one of the festive dining and baking courses at Edinburgh New Town Cookery School.
Courses include the Christmas Baking Day, where you’ll learn how to make your own mincemeat and pastry; tips on how to produce delicious savoury and sweet canapes with Christmas Canapés Demonstration, and Gluten Free Christmas Baking, where participants will bake a variety of gluten free bakes, including mince pies and a Christmas cake. For young bakers, Children’s Christmas Baking Morning / Afternoon is a great opportunity to get into festive baking.
Courses run on select dates throughout December 2025.
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.
