Le spectacle « Castle of Light » au château d’Édimbourg
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
The Castle of Light
Taking place from late November to early January, The Castle of Light returns to Scotland's most popular attraction to light up your winter nights and dazzle the whole family with extraordinary light displays across Edinburgh Castle’s walls.
Torchlight Procession
The much-loved Torchlight Procession returns for 2024, kickstarting the city’s renowned Hogmanay celebrations on 29 December. Beginning at the Meadows, the procession will weave its way through the historic Old Town where the streets will come to life with street theatre and fire performers, pipe bands, drummers and the Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad.
Le marché de Noël d’Édimbourg
© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin
East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the city’s iconic skyline, East Princes Street Gardens hosts the free to enter traditional Christmas Market. Featuring around 70 stalls with some of the best local and international producers selling everything from handmade gifts, bespoke products, to tasty treats and delicious drinks. East Princes Street Gardens will also be home to the Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest ferris-wheel standing at 46m tall, offering a unique perspective of the city. The top of East Princes Street Gardens will also see the Forth 1 Big Wheel, Star Flyer, Helter Skelter and Techno Power.
Explore East Princes Street Gardens
West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair
West Princes Street Gardens will be a free to enter family-friendly zone this year, complete with funfair rides and attractions, as well as festive food and drink stalls and numerous warming zones where you can cosy up with a delicious hot chocolate or seasonal mulled wine. You can also enjoy the Ross Bandstand which boasts a festive programme of family-friendly live events, including live choirs, ceilidhs, silent discos, Edinburgh Diwali: Festival of Light, Santa Paws and the Santa Fun Run.
Visit West Princes Street Gardens
St Andrew Square Winter Garden
Santa Claus is back in town this Christmas! Santa and some very helpful elves will be tucked away in St Andrew Square ready to welcome the wee ones for a magical Christmas experience. Santa’s Stories is a magical storytelling experience where each child gets the opportunity to meet Santa, learn the importance of giving, as well as receiving a gift of their own. The spirit of giving continues with Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, with the 10m tall Tree and Gift Donation point, dedicated to spreading goodwill to those who need it most.
George Street West & Castle Street
George Street will be home to the spectacular Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink, a vital part of any Christmas visit. This year’s rink will be be undercover, allowing visitors to enjoy the majestic Georgian skyline of Edinburgh’s New Town from the ice. Once you've skated your way around the rink, warm up with a hot drink or treat from food stalls in the George Street warming zone. Why not hop on one of the traditional fairground rides, including a double carousel, or wander through the Artisan Christmas Market, or get those last minute christmas gift from Edinburgh’s shopping scene.
Un viking du festival Up Helly Aa Viking au réveillon du Nouvel An à Édimbourg
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party
On the 31 December, the party begins at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party. Get ready to dance the night away into the wee small hours at the Concert in the Gardens where you’ll see some of the biggest artists take centre-stage. Other artists and musicians will be announced soon, but previous stars have included PULP, Paolo Nutini, Pet Shop Boys, Biffy Clyro and Primal Scream.
