With a full programme of festive fairs and markets, Edinburgh is an excellent choice for a Christmas break closer to home. The whole city has a festive atmosphere as the iconic Edinburgh Castle becomes brightly illuminated, with the Christmas markets and Royal Mile providing opportunities to find unique Christmas gifts. For those looking to bring in the New yYear in authentic Scottish style, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival offers 3 days of events ranging from a torchlit procession to street parties.

Located in Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh’s Christmas market features an eclectic mix of over 70 stalls. Independent sellers offer the finest local produce: from Scottish tweed and woollens, to small-scale whisky and gin distilleries, the market’s vast choice of local goods is ideal for those looking to shop sustainably. A delicious range of food vendors offer a variety of world cuisine and sweet treats, accompanied by bars serving mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm up cold bodies from the inside out. The Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel, offers panoramic views of the historic city as it is illuminated with festive lights.

The Castle of Light

Transforming Edinburgh’s most famous landmark into a whimsical dreamland of colour, The Castle of Light returns to Edinburgh Castle from late November to early January. Dynamic light projections illuminate the walls and ramparts of the castle, transforming it into a beacon of light seen across the city. The Castle of Light offers an immersive walking tour, using visual storytelling to unveil the castle’s historic past- ideal for those visiting for the festive season who also want to learn about Scottish history.

Christmas at the Botanics

Brightening up the dark winter evenings is the award-winning light show in Edinburgh’s beloved botanical gardens. Featuring new lights and trails for 2024, thousands of individual lights brightly illuminate the grounds. With gentle Christmas music playing in the background and food and drink vendors on site, Christmas at the Botanics provides a chance to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a twinkling, festive wonderland.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Edinburgh’s renowned Hogmanay (i.e new year’s eve) celebration takes place over 3 days, jam-packed with events to provide a vibrant welcome to the new year. Beginning on 29 December, the city warms up to the new year with the Torchlight Procession, an annual charity to raise awareness for homelessness, followed by an evening of traditional music and street theatre. On 31 December there is an impressive street party and fireworks display against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Street performers and giant screens line the streets, as people welcome the new year together by singing Auld Lang Syne.