What's on in Edinburgh this Winter 2025

What’s on this Winter?

As winter drapes Edinburgh in a cosy embrace, the city transforms into a sparkling wonderland of festive charm and unforgettable experiences. From family-friendly adventures to cultural celebrations, there’s something magical for everyone to enjoy amid the crisp winter air. Join us as we explore the best of Edinburgh’s winter attractions and events across a variety of categories.

Family-Friendly Fun

Winter in Edinburgh offers a wealth of family-friendly activities perfect for creating lasting memories. Glide gracefully across the Edinburgh Christmas Ice Rink at St Andrew Square, where twinkling lights and joyful laughter fill the air. Hop aboard the Christmas Wheel for panoramic views of the city, glittering with festive decorations. For a touch of nostalgia, explore the Christmas markets at Princes Street Gardens, where children can marvel at whimsical displays and indulge in sweet treats. Learn more about all-year family-friendly things to do in Edinburgh here

Events and Festivals

Edinburgh truly comes alive with festive spirit during winter, hosting an array of events and festivals that celebrate the season. The renowned Edinburgh Christmas Market, one of the year’s most anticipated events, turns the city into a magical wonderland with charming stalls, thrilling rides, and live entertainment. Don’t miss the city’s signature celebrations, including enchanting light displays, theatre performances, and Santa’s Grotto—where children can share their Christmas wishes with the jolly man himself. Learn more about the capital’s key annual events and festivals here

Iconic Sights and Landmarks

Winter casts a spell over Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks, transforming them into mesmerising scenes. Marvel at the majestic Edinburgh Castle as it glows against the winter night sky, and stroll along the festive Royal Mile, bustling with holiday shoppers and twinkling lights. For sweeping views of the city draped in snow, climb Arthur’s Seat or venture up to Calton Hill, where you’ll capture breathtaking photos of Edinburgh’s winter charm. Learn more about Edinburgh’s most sought-after sights and landmarks here

In conclusion, Edinburgh’s winter wonderland offers a magical escape filled with festive joy, enchanting experiences, and seasonal beauty. Whether you’re browsing the Christmas markets, enjoying family-friendly fun, or admiring the city’s iconic landmarks in a winter glow, Edinburgh promises an unforgettable winter getaway for all.

Music, Theatre and Comedy

December 2025

Panto 2024: Cinderella, Festival Theatre, 23 Nov – 31 Dec

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Edinburgh Playhouse, 3 – 29 Dec

The Holiday: Film with Live Orchestra, Usher Hall, 3 Dec

The Muppet Christmas Carol: Film with Live Orchestra, Usher Hall, 4 Dec

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, 7 Dec

Handel’s Messiah Highlights at Christmas, St Giles’ Cathedral, 9 Dec

Love Actually: Film with Live Orchestra, Usher Hall, 10 Dec

Fat Freddy’s Drop, Usher Hall, 11 Dec

Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 14 Dec

Viennese Christmas Spectacular by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 14 Dec

Live At Christmas: Sara Pascoe, Phil Wang & More, Queen’s Hall, 15 Dec

Toyah & Robert: Christmas Party 2024, Queen’s Hall, 16 Dec

The Bootleg Beetles, Usher Hall, 16 Dec

Del Amitri, Usher Hall, 20 Dec

Skerryvore Winter Tour 2024, O2 Academy, 27 Dec

January 2025

Bat Out Of Hell, Edinburgh Playhouse, 6 – 11 Jan

Varna International Ballet: Romeo and Juliet, Edinburgh Playhouse, 16 Jan

Varna International Ballet: Swan Lake, Edinburgh Playhouse, 17 Jan

Varna International Ballet: The Nutcracker, Edinburgh Playhouse, 18 Jan

The Rocky Horror Show, Edinburgh Playhouse, 20 – 25 Jan

The Classic Rock Show 2025, Usher Hall, 22 Jan

Mozart Piano Sonatas By Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 31 Jan

Shen Yun, Edinburgh Playhouse, 31 Jan – 1 Feb

February 2025

Shen Yun, Edinburgh Playhouse, 31 Jan – 1 Feb
Mozart Concertos by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 1 Feb
Chicago, Edinburgh Playhouse, 4 – 8 Feb
Bowling for Soup: 20th Anniversary Tour, O2 Academy, 6 Feb
Queen Extravaganza, Edinburgh Playhouse, 10 Feb
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, Edinburgh Playhouse, 11 Feb
Paul Smith: Pablo, Edinburgh Playhouse, 12 – 13 Feb
Avatar The Last Airbender: Film With Live Orchestra, Usher Hall, 12 Feb
A Country Night in Nashville, Edinburgh Playhouse, 14 Feb
Valentine’s Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 14 Feb
Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit, Edinburgh Playhouse, 15 Feb
Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight, St Giles’ Cathedral, 15 Feb
Los Pacaminos Feat. Paul Young, The Voodoo Rooms, 16 Feb
Kinky Boots, Edinburgh Playhouse, 18 – 22 Feb
Jenny Eclair: Jokes, Jokes, Jokes, Queens Hall, 22 Feb
Showaddywaddy, Edinburgh Playhouse, 23 Feb
NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse, 25 Feb – 1 Mar

Festivals and Special Events

December 2025

Christmas at The Botanics, Royal Botanic Garden

Edinburgh, 21 Nov – 30 Dec

Castle of Light, Edinburgh Castle, selected dates 22 Nov – 4 Jan

Magic Fest, various venues, 20 – 31 Dec

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, various venues, 29 Dec – 1 Jan

Edinburgh’s Christmas, TBC

Activities, Tours and Experiences

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, various venues, 3, 10 & 17 Dec

Backstage Tours, Edinburgh Playhouse, 9 Dec

January 2025

Castle of Light, Edinburgh Castle, selected dates 22 Nov – 4 Jan

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, various venues, 29 Dec – 1 Jan

Burns and Beyond, TBC

Edinburgh’s Christmas, TBC

Activities, Tours and Experiences

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, TBC

February 2025

Burns and Beyond, TBC
Manipulate Festival, TBC
Edinburgh International Improv Festival, TBC
Activities, Tours and Experiences
Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, TBC

Markets and Fairs

December 2025

Edinburgh Farmers Market, Castle Terrace, every Sat Grassmarket Weekly Market, Grassmarket, every Sat

Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat

Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun

Christmas Craft Fair, Assembly Rooms, 7 – 8 Dec

Christmas Fair, TBC

Christmas Market, TBC

Castle St Fair, TBC

Edinburgh Flea Market, TBC

January 2025

Edinburgh Farmers Market, Castle Terrace, every Sat Grassmarket Weekly Market, Grassmarket, every Sat

Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat

Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun

Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition, TBC

Christmas Market, TBC

Edinburgh Flea Market, TBC

February 2025

Edinburgh Farmers Market, Castle Terrace, every Sat Grassmarket Weekly Market, Grassmarket, every Sat

Leith Market, Dock Place, every Sat

Stockbridge Market, Saunders Street, every Sun

Edinburgh Flea Market, TBC

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

December 2025

Women in Revolt! Art & Activism in UK…, Scottish

National Gallery of Modern Art, 25 May – 26 Jan

Cold War Scotland, National Museum of Scotland, 13 Jul – 26 Jan

Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland, City Art Centre, 14 Sep – 1 Jun

Tape Letters: Migration on Tape, Museum of Edinburgh, 3 Oct – 23 Feb

Everlyn Nicodemus, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 19 Oct – 25 May

Stitched: Scotland’s Embroidered Art, Dovecot Studios, 25 Oct – 18 Jan

Guadalupe Maravilla: Piedras de Fuego (Fire Stones), Talbot Rice Gallery, 26 Oct – 15 Feb

Gabrielle Goliath: Personal Accounts, Talbot Rice Gallery, 26 Oct – 15 Feb

Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography… Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 26 Oct – 16 Mar

Pop Life, City Art Centre, 2 Nov – 9 Mar

Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House, Royal Scottish Academy, 9 Nov – 23 Feb

Through Line, City Art Centre, 9 Nov – 2 Mar