Posted by Maris on 28th Nov 2023
Edinburgh's Christmas Markets & Winter Festivals
Christmas in Edinburgh is simply amazing! Every year, Edinburgh's Christmas and Hogmanay put on an exciting assortment of events to get everyone in the festive spirit. Scotland's capital is a fantastic destination to visit at any time of year, but we believe it has something extra special to offer during the holiday season.
What are the plans for this Christmas?
Edinburgh's Christmas will run for seven enchanting weeks from 17 November 2023 to 6 January 2024, with a plethora of events, festivals, markets, shows, and other activities bringing the city to life for the most wonderful time of year.
The Castle of Light
The Castle of Light returns to Scotland's most popular destination from late November to early January to light up your winter nights and astound the whole family with stunning light displays throughout Edinburgh Castle's walls.
The Procession of the Torchlights
This Hogmanay, the celebrations will be in full flow. The procession is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, with the much-loved Torchlight Procession returning on December 29th. Beginning at the Meadows, the procession will wind its way through the ancient Old Town, where street theater and fire artists, pipe bands, drummers, and Vikings from Shetland's South Mainland Up Helly Aa' Jarl Squad will fill the streets.
Before the Disco Party
How does a gigantic party beneath Edinburgh Castle sound before you say your final goodbyes for the year? The Night Afore Disco Party returns for a fun-filled evening of entertainment on December 30th.
Train Ride on the Polar ExpressTM
THE POLAR EXPRESSTM Train Ride Edinburgh comes at Waverley Station this holiday season. Based on the renowned 2004 film of the same name, this immersive theatrical event recreates the amazing experience of traveling onboard this legendary train ride.
Other activities to participate in
Get into the holiday spirit with fine dining experiences and cozy winter accommodations at The Witchery. There are other ways to get into the Christmas mood, like Festive Afternoon Tea and Bewitching Gifts.
Prestonfield House is the place to go for luxury parties with a touch of me-time, all surrounded by a stunning winter wonderland. You may look forward to festive private dinner and Christmas Day experiences!
Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens
East Princes Street Gardens, located in the heart of Edinburgh's historic city center, offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the city's renowned skyline. It is free to enter. Around 70 stalls with some of the top local and international suppliers providing anything from handcrafted gifts and bespoke products to scrumptious foods and delectable drinks. East Princes Street Gardens will also house the Big Wheel, Scotland's largest ferris wheel rising 46m tall and affording a unique view of the city. The Forth 1 Big Wheel, Star Flyer, Helter Skelter, and Techno Power will also be located at the top of East Princes Street Gardens.
Family Funfair at West Princes Street Gardens
This year, West Princes Street Gardens will be a free family-friendly zone, filled with funfair rides and attractions, Christmas food and drink stalls, and various warming zones where you can snuggle up with a wonderful hot chocolate or seasonal mulled wine. The Ross Bandstand also has a seasonal schedule of family-friendly live events, including as live choirs, ceilidhs, silent discos, Edinburgh Diwali: Festival of Light, Santa Paws, and the Santa Fun Run.
Winter Garden in St Andrew Square
This Christmas, Santa Claus is returning to town! Santa and his helpers will be stashed away in St Andrew Square, ready to greet the little ones for a memorable Christmas experience. Santa's Stories is a beautiful narrative experience in which each child meets Santa, learns the value of giving, and receives a present of their own. With the 10m tall Tree and Gift Donation station dedicated to spreading kindness to those in need, Social Bite's Festival of Kindness maintains the spirit of giving.
Castle Street and George Street West
The stunning Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink, a must-see for any Christmas visit, will be located on George Street. This year's rink will be considerably larger than last year's and will be covered once again, allowing more guests than ever to appreciate the spectacular Georgian skyline of Edinburgh's New Town from the ice. After skating around the rink, warm up with a hot drink or a snack from the food kiosks in the George Street warming zone. Why not try one of the typical fairground attractions, which include a double carousel, or stroll through the Artisan Christmas Market, or grab some last-minute Christmas gifts from Edinburgh's shopping scene? Local Motive will also bring their Christmas Market to Castle Street from November 25 to December 22.
Hogmanay Street Party in Edinburgh
The festivities kick out on December 31st with Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party. Prepare to dance the night away into the early hours at the Concert in the Gardens, where some of the biggest singers will take the stage. PULP, who have previously headlined Edinburgh's Hogmanay, will be the show's headlining act. Other bands and artists will be revealed soon, but recent performers have included Paolo Nutini, Pet Shop Boys, Biffy Clyro, and Primal Scream.
Tartan Zone on Waverley Bridge also provides foot-stomping music from around Scotland on Hogmanay, headlined by award-winning Elephant Sessions and supported by Kinnaris Quintet. The Disco Zone should not be missed. Enjoy a massive outdoor Silent Disco hosted by Silent Adventures, showcasing sounds from the last 30 years of Edinburgh's Hogmanay.
On New Year's Day, experience a jam-packed schedule of free events, including First Footin', a toe-tapping live music culture trail that welcomes artists from around Scotland to perform in iconic pubs, cafés, and venues throughout the city center. Sprogmanay is also returning to delight the children, with a variety of fun activities, including a family ceilidh.