Things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Edinburgh's world-famous Christmas Markets fills East Princes Street Gardens with stalls from Scottish and European crafters, artists and independent retailers. Enjoy the Big Wheel, festive food and drink, and Santa's Stories in St Andrew Square.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
December is a special month at The Scotch Whisky Experience. Their Festive Tasting Tales run every Thursday to Sunday from 29th November to 28th December. Enjoy a tasting set of whiskies paired with Scottish fare, as your guide shares stories of Viking warriors, medieval kings and modern whisky greats. Afterwards, visit the whisky bar, where expert staff can recommend seasonal drams with notes of Christmas pudding, raisins and cinnamon. Yum!
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Surround yourself with sparkle at Christmas at the Botanics, a magical after-dark trail of lights through the gardens. Discover new installations from international artists, spot Santa along the way and warm up with toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate or a spiced winter warmer from street food vendors as you wander beneath the twinkling lights.
Castle of Light: Fire and Ice
Edinburgh Castle shines brighter than ever as the UK's largest annual projection show, Castle of Light, returns for its sixth year with an immersive Fire and Ice theme.
This dramatic after-dark trail transforms the fortress with projections, soundscapes and fantastical installations. Meet mythical creatures, from a dragon soaring over the castle to the Ice Queen in the Great Hall. Round off your visit with drinks and small plates, toast marshmallows by the fire pit and sample street food on the esplanade.
Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns
From glowing jellyfish to towering sea turtles, explore a luminous coastal wonderland at Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns. From 14th November to 22nd February, walk through an enormous whale, meet a giant crab and wander a shimmering underwater world. Santa will also be at the zoo on select evenings of the lanterns trail in December.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Not forgetting us! Join us for a Cracking Christmas at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions every day until 4th January. Festive fun waits around every corner, with themed decorations and seasonal projections.
Our panoramic Rooftop Terrace is open all winter - see Edinburgh's Christmas lights from a whole new perspective. Don't miss our upside-down Christmas tree (how does it do that?).
For the first time, you can also follow our Christmas Trail to find Dizzy the mascot in seasonal outfits. Complete the trail and enjoy a sweet treat reward from our Gift Shop!
Need more inspiration? See plenty more places to visit during the Christmas here here.