Ready to gallop into the Year of the Horse at Camera Obscura?
Chinese New Year is one of the oldest and best-preserved celebrations in the world – and this year, we’re marking the Year of the Horse with colour, culture and a brand-new twist inside our Giant Kaleidoscope.
At Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, we love bringing wonder to life. From 17 February - 1 March 2026, visitors can step into a joyful celebration filled with vibrant decorations, immersive illusions and a limited-time exhibit designed especially for Chinese New Year.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a creative catch-up with friends, or a cultural city break, there’s never been a more magical moment to visit.
What’s on for Chinese New Year 2026?
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Brand-new Chinese New Year exhibit in our Giant Kaleidoscope (17 February–1 March 2026 only)
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Extended opening hours so you can explore even more
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£4 off per ticket when you book online in advance for entry before 9.00am
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Over 100 interactive exhibits included with your All-Day Ticket
Our Giant Kaleidoscope will shimmer with special Chinese New Year visuals, reflecting lucky reds and golds in mesmerising patterns that twist and multiply before your eyes. It’s immersive, interactive and utterly unforgettable and it’s only here for a limited time.
A celebration close to our hearts
For our Retail Supervisor & Evening Supervisor, Runkun Sun, Chinese New Year is deeply personal. Originally from Beijing and now settled in Edinburgh, Runkun feels a powerful connection to tradition each year.
As she shares: Chinese New Year is one of the oldest and best-preserved New Year’s traditions in history, and she has “always felt culturally closer to my ancestors every year during the New Year celebrations”.
Runkun completed her first master’s degree in landscape architecture at the University of Edinburgh in 2020 and later continued her research in art history. Her passion for colour, landscape and artistic expression inspires her work at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions - especially when creating playful retail displays that reflect the immersive spirit of the attraction.
Having grown up in Beijing and now calling Edinburgh home, Runkun loves sharing her heritage with visitors from around the world. This Chinese New Year, she’s proud to see the celebration brought to life across the attraction.
Early birds catch the discount
Planning ahead pays off. During our Chinese New Year celebrations:
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Book online in advance
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Choose entry before 9.00am to save £4 per ticket
It’s the perfect excuse to start your day with a swirl through our Vortex Tunnel, a wander through the Mirror Maze, and a breathtaking moment in our historic rooftop chamber. All before the city fully wakes up.
Five floors of fun – plus Edinburgh’s best views
Your visit includes:
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A live Camera Obscura show in our 173-year-old rooftop chamber
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Our panoramic Rooftop Terrace with unbeatable 360-degree views
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Over 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge your senses
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Time to explore at your own pace with your All-Day Ticket
A typical visit lasts around two hours – but with same-day re-entry, you can make the most of every magical moment .
Book your tickets now and get ready to see Chinese New Year from a whole new perspective.