This month is a wonderful time to visit Edinburgh. Brilliant Christmas shopping, markets, ice-rinks, light-shows, fireworks and magic await you! Terrific festive entertainment for all the family...

The city centre comes alive with fantastic light shows, markets, ice skating and theatre - but there is so much more throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Archerfield produces a magical outdoor immersive theatre, see the Botanics as never before or explore Edinburgh Zoo's beautiful lanterns after dark.

• Edinburgh Zoo : Giant Lanterns | 14th November 2025 - 22nd January 2026
• Edinburgh's Christmas | 15th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
• Castle of Light | Various dates Nov, Dec & January 2025/26
• Christmas at the Botanics | 20th November - 30th December 2025
• Santa's Grotto at Dalkeith Country Park | 28th November - 4th January 2025
• Magicfest | 22nd - 30th December 2025
• Edinburgh's Hogmanay | 29th December 2025 - 1st January 2026

For beautiful festive shopping within fabulous settings head to the Christmas markets. Jupiter Artland and Hopetoun come highly recommended, explore the market mulled cider in hand while the children visit Father Christmas and Rudolph!

• Edinburgh Winter Markets | 15th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
• Christmas Fair at Jupiter Artland | 6th-7th & 13th-14th December 2025
• To explore our favourite local boutiques and some of the quieter attractions see our best independent Edinburgh shops and attractions or local larders articles.

• Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Christmas at St Giles Cathedral | 21st & 28th November, 6th & 20th December 2025
• A Fairytale for Christmas | 6th December 2025
• Scottish Ballet's : The Snow Queen | 27th November - 7th December 2025
• Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight | 12th December 2025
• Jack and The Beanstalk | 13th December 2025 - 11th January 2026
• Love Actually: the Film with Live Orchestra | 14th December 2025
• The Holiday - Film With Live Orchestra | 20th December 2025

• Resistance | until the 4th January 2026
• Alfred Buckham | Daredevil Photographer | until the 19th April 2026
• Panorama New Views of a City | until 21st December 2025
• Drawing the Italian Renaissance | until 1st March 2026

There are some really magical events on in and around Edinburgh throughout December. Expect light shows, art tours and workshops, Christmas concerts especially for wee ones and numerous opportunities to meet Santa and Rudolph.

• Christmas at the Botanics | 20th November - 30th December 2025
• Santa's Grotto at Dalkeith Country Park | tbc
• Christmas Fair at Jupiter Artland | 6th-7th & 13th-14th December 2025

Read our Best lunch spots in and around Edinburgh article for delicious lunch & brunch inspiration. We also have our Best Edinburgh eating out guide highlighting some real foodie gems we love to visit.

For the best country & city spas in and around Edinburgh look no further than our local spa guide. Fletchers Country Spa, Stobo and One Spa come highly recommended as well as our own little woodland sauna in the Pentlands - even more magical in the snow.