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 | tbc
• Edinburgh's Christmas | from mid November 2026
• Christmas at the Botanics | tbc
• Santa's Grotto at Dalkeith Country Park | tbc
• Magicfest | 21st - 24th & 28th - 30th December 2026
• Edinburgh's Hogmanay | 29th December 2026 - 1st January 2027

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 | from mid November 2026
• Christmas Fair at Jupiter Artland | tbc
• To explore our favourite local boutiques and some of the quieter attractions see our best independent Edinburgh shops and attractions or local larders articles.

• The Choir of Man | 1st - 5th December
• Back To The Future The Musical | 2nd December 2026 - 2nd January 2027
• Panto: The Adventures of Pinocchio | 28th November 2026 - 17th January 2027

• Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop | until 9th January 2027
• Scotland's First Warriors | until 17th May 2027
• Gwen John | Strange Beauties | until 4th January 2027

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 | tbc
• Santa's Grotto at Dalkeith Country Park | tbc
• Christmas Fair at Jupiter Artland | tbc

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.