Top 5 Things to Do in Edinburgh This Christmas
Edinburgh in December is an absolute festive powerhouse - twinkly lights, winter markets, cosy pubs, and enough mulled wine to keep your hands warm until Hogmanay. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas, family-friendly activities, or simply what’s on in Edinburgh in December, this list has you covered.
And yes… one of these events may happen to be my own. Pure coincidence, I’m sure.
Let’s count down from 5…
5. Explore Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets
A classic - and for good reason. The Edinburgh Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens are everything you want in a festive day out: wooden stalls, glowing fairy lights, churros, bratwurst, oversized ornaments, and more hot drinks than your body strictly requires.
Perfect for:
Families looking for festive fun
Couples seeking a twinkly date night
Anyone who likes eating outdoors in temperatures usually reserved for polar explorers
Pro tip: Go mid-week if you want space to actually move your elbows.
4. Glide Around the George Street Ice Rink
Nothing says “Christmas in Edinburgh” like wobbling around an ice rink while pretending you definitely can skate and absolutely won’t fall.
George Street’s seasonal ice rink is perfect for kids, teens, adults, and anyone who wants a wintery photo that accurately reflects seasonal joy and moderate fear.
After skating:
Grab a hot chocolate
Wander the festive lights
Brag about how you only fell once (or not at all, if you’re lucky)
3. Get Lost in the Magic of the Botanics or Castle of Light
Two words: light trails.
Two more words: absolutely stunning.
Whether you choose:
Christmas at the Botanics, with glowing trees and illuminated pathways, or
Castle of Light, where Edinburgh Castle turns into a shimmering projection spectacle
…you’re guaranteed one of the most magical nights in the city. Ideal for families, romantic evenings, or anyone who likes to pretend they’ve wandered into Narnia.
2. See Insane Christmas Magic - A Festive Show for All Ages
Right, here’s where I’m being a little cheeky.
At number 2 is Insane Christmas Magic, our family-friendly festive magic show on 27th and 28th December at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
It’s packed with hilarious festive antics, impossible illusions, and of course lots of Insane Magic. This makes it the perfect thing to do in Edinburgh between Christmas and New Year. Whether you're a local looking for holiday entertainment or visiting Edinburgh with the family, it’s the ideal way to round off December.
(And hey, if you had your own Christmas magic show… you’d probably put it on the list too.)
1. Soak Up Edinburgh’s Festive Spirit - Everywhere You Walk
Edinburgh is one of the best Christmas cities in the world, and the number-one “event” isn’t one event at all — it's simply being here.
Wander the Royal Mile under sparkling lights.
Duck into a cosy café for a mince pie.
Listen to a choir echoing through a historic close.
Take in Arthur’s Seat on a crisp December morning.
The whole city becomes a winter postcard.