What's on in and around Edinburgh this November?
November starts to get cooler with frosty, winter mornings, dark but cosy evenings, and spectacular sunsets. Go hiking from the door on a clear, crisp day for views to the Forth bridges and beyond to the Highlands. Cosy cottages provide the prefect place to relax with a warm fire, good food, and great company after a day out in the hills or exploring Edinburgh. This month, celebrate storytelling, short films and experience magical light shows as the days grow shorter.
Winter at the Botanics
Festivals & Events
Enjoy the darker evenings with fantastic light displays with music & entertainment. At the end of November, Edinburgh starts to get festive as the Christmas markets, mulled cider and ice skating arrive!
- Scottish International Storytelling Festival | tbc
- Edinburgh Short Film Festival | tbc
- Scots Fiddle Festival | 20th - 22nd November 2026
- Edinburgh Zoo : Giant Lanterns | tbc
- Edinburgh's Christmas | from mid November 2026
- Castle of Light | tbc
- Christmas at the Botanics | tbc
- Santa's Grotto at Dalkeith Country Park | tbc
Markets, fairs & Christmas shopping
The best of the Christmas markets are at the end of November and beginning of December. If you are looking for something special, original and unique, head over to the Hopetoun Christmas Market - the staterooms of Hopetoun turn into a treasure trove of Christmas gifts and beautiful home decoration - guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.
- Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair | tbc
- Edinburgh Christmas Markets | from mid November 2026
- Christmas Wreath making at Dalkeith Country Park | tbc
Hopetoun Christmas market
Theatre & EntertainmentÂ
- Matthew Bourne's The Car Man | 3rd - 7th November 2026
- The Proclaimers | 27th - 28th November 2026
- Panto: The Adventures of Pinocchio | 28th November 2026 - 17th January 2027
Art & Exhibitions
- 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
- Catherine Opie : To Be Seen | until 1st November 2026
Spa Days
For the best country & city spas in and around Edinburgh look no further than our 'Local spa guide'.
Best Spa DaysFood & Drink
Read our 'Best lunch spots' article for delicious lunch & brunch inspiration. We also have our 'Best Edinburgh eating out' & 'Local larders' article highlighting some real foodie gems that we love to visit.
More Food & Drink Ideas
Scran & Scallie & The Free Company winter series