Castle of Light
© 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.
A couple browse the stalls at Edinburgh's Christmas markets
© 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. It's also home to the LNER Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest ferris-wheel standing at 46m tall, offering a unique perspective of the city, as well as the ever popular Around the World Star Flyer.
West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair
West Princes Street Gardens will be a free to enter family-friendly zone this year, open from Friday 15 November. 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, shows and performances.
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 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 Festive Workshops including wreath-making, Christmas decorations or ice carving, or get those last minute christmas gift from Edinburgh’s shopping scene. This year will also introduce The Polar Ice Bar - the coolest place in the capital to enjoy a festive beverage. Make sure you wrap up warm!
St Andrew Square Winter Garden
Returning for 2024 is the UK's largest illuminated Christmas Tree Maze! Experience the magic as you wander through 450 illuminated trees with surprises along the way.
Donations and money raised across Edinburgh Winter Festival events will be distributed between a number of local charities, including Social Bite, When you Wish Upon a Star, One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland.
Hogmanay fireworks
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party
On 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, headlined this year by Texas.
