Edinburgh is made for winter. From late November the city wraps itself in lights, the Christmas Market fills Princes Street Gardens, and the calendar builds towards the biggest New Year’s party on earth. We’ve sorted 34 festive things to do into eight easy categories — markets and lights, food and drink, shows, outdoor skating and walks, seasonal festivals, shopping, Hogmanay, and a practical planning guide — so you can build the perfect festive trip.
Updated September 2026 — dates and prices confirmed for the 2026/27 festive season.
| Category | Best For | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Markets & Lights | Festive Favourite | Free entry | 📍 Princes St |
| Festive Food & Drink | Cosy & Warm | £–£££ | 📍 Citywide |
| Christmas Shows & Entertainment | For All Ages | ££ | 📍 Citywide |
| Ice Skating & Winter Walks | Get Outdoors | £–Free | 📍 George St |
| Winter Festivals & Events | Seasonal Events | Varies | 📍 Citywide |
| Christmas Shopping & Photo Spots | Shop & Snap | £–£££ | 📍 Stockbridge |
| Hogmanay & New Year | New Year | ££–£££ | 📍 City Centre |
| Winter Planning Guide | Know Before You Go | Free | 📍 Practical |
Festive Things to Do in Edinburgh by Category
Christmas Markets & Lights
Festive FavouriteThe Edinburgh Christmas Market, the Dome, George Street lights and the city’s best illuminations and light trails.
Explore →Festive Food & Drink
Cosy & WarmMonster hot chocolates, hot toddies, whisky bars, Johnnie Walker and the best festive turkey dinners in town.
Christmas Shows & Entertainment
For All AgesPantomime, Christmas shows, festive films, silent discos and film screenings in cosy Edinburgh pubs.
Ice Skating & Winter Walks
Get OutdoorsThe George Street ice rink, the Botanics light trail, and crisp winter climbs up Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat.
Winter Festivals & Events
Seasonal EventsDiwali, the Christmas lights switch-on, meeting Santa, the Santa Run, Hanukkah and the city’s seasonal festivals.
Christmas Shopping & Photo Spots
Shop & SnapFestive shopping streets, the Britannia, and the prettiest photo spots like Circus Lane and Calton Hill in winter.
Hogmanay & New Year
New YearThe Torchlight Procession, the world-famous Street Party, the Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ and the Loony Dook.
Winter Planning Guide
Know Before You GoWeather, what to pack, Christmas Day opening hours, and how to get to and around Edinburgh over the festive season.
Top Winter Highlights Not to Miss
Beyond the eight categories above, here are the specific experiences that define an Edinburgh winter — with confirmed 2026/27 dates and prices.
Edinburgh Christmas Market runs from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 in East Princes Street Gardens. Entry is free. Browse 70+ stalls, ride the LNER Big Wheel or the Around the World Star Flyer, and grab a mulled wine. Open daily except Christmas Day, roughly 10am to 10pm.
George Street Ice Rink is open from late November through early January. Adult skate £15 for 60 minutes, child £12. Book online in advance for evening sessions — they sell out fast.
Christmas at the Botanics is an illuminated light trail through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Adult tickets £18–22, child £12–15, family from £60. The trail runs mid-November through the New Year. Book the 5–7pm slots for the best light.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street at 145 Princes Street (EH2 4BL) offers immersive whisky experiences from £25 per person, plus a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle. Open daily 10am–8pm, rooftop until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Burns Night suppers take place across Edinburgh on and around 25 January. Venues include The Dome (£95), The Scottish Café (£70–90), Whiski Bar, Cannonball Restaurant (£50–85) and Tolbooth Tavern (£42.50). Traditional menus feature haggis, neeps and tatties, cranachan and whisky toasts. Book in advance.
Hogmanay 2026/27 runs 29 December to 1 January. The Torchlight Procession is on 29 December (tickets from £25). The Street Party on 31 December is from £33, headlined by Underworld. Hogmanay in the Gardens tickets from £79. The Loony Dook at South Queensferry on 1 January is free to watch. Free fireworks viewing from Calton Hill.
Compare Festive Categories at a Glance
How to Choose What to Do
If it’s your first festive visit, start with Christmas Markets & Lights — the market, the Dome and the George Street lights are the heart of Edinburgh at Christmas. Travelling with children? The Winter Festivals & Events category covers meeting Santa and the lights switch-on. And if you’re here for New Year, everything you need is in the Hogmanay & New Year guide. Before you pack, read the Winter Planning Guide for weather, opening hours and transport.
Edinburgh Winter Month by Month
November: The Edinburgh Christmas Market opens mid-November. Christmas at the Botanics light trail begins. The city lights switch-on ceremony and Diwali celebrations take place. Santa grottos start appearing in shops and the market.
December: The market is in full swing with 70+ stalls. Pantomimes run at the Festival Theatre and King’s Theatre. Santa’s Stories at the market from 20 November. Festive food and drink specials at restaurants across the city — think turkey dinners, hot toddies and monster hot chocolates.
January: Hogmanay celebrations run 29 December to 1 January with the Torchlight Procession, Street Party and First Footin’. Burns Night suppers land on 25 January. The Loony Dook at South Queensferry on 1 January is free to watch. January sales on Princes Street and Multrees Walk.
February: Fewer crowds and shorter days, but plenty of indoor attractions. The Johnnie Walker Experience, Scotch Whisky Experience, National Museum of Scotland and Scottish National Gallery are all warm options. Winter walks along the Water of Leith or through Dean Village are atmospheric.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh for Christmas?
The Christmas Market and lights run from mid-November to early January. Early December is quieter and cheaper; the week before Christmas is busiest. For New Year, arrive around 29–31 December for the Torchlight Procession and Street Party.
Is Edinburgh’s Christmas Market free?
Yes, entry to the Edinburgh Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens is free — you only pay for food, drink and the funfair rides. See our Markets & Lights guide for details.
What is open on Christmas Day in Edinburgh?
Very little — trains stop, buses run a skeleton service, and major attractions close. Our Winter Planning Guide lists exactly what stays open.
What should I wear in Edinburgh in winter?
Layer up with a waterproof outer layer, warm shoes with good grip, and a hat and gloves. Edinburgh winter temperatures average 2–7°C but wind chill from the North Sea makes it feel colder. Carry an umbrella or a waterproof jacket.
Is Burns Night a public holiday in Scotland?
No, Burns Night on 25 January is not a public holiday. However, restaurants and pubs across Edinburgh host Burns suppers with traditional menus of haggis, neeps and tatties, whisky toasts and live piping. Book in advance as popular venues sell out.