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.
early evenings and spectacular sunsets.
This month, celebrate storytelling, short films and experience magical light shows as the days grow shorter.
Winter at the Botanics
Festivals & Events
Spend Bonfire Night at Fawkes Festival for a fantastic light display 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 | 22nd October - 1st November 2025
- Fawkes Festival | 2nd November 2025
- Edinburgh Short Film Festival | 7th - 16th November 2025
- Scots Fiddle Festival | 14th - 16th November 2025
- 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
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 | 28th November 2025
- Edinburgh Christmas Markets | 15th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
- Christmas Wreath making at Dalkeith Country Park | tbc
Hopetoun Christmas market
Theatre & EntertainmentÂ
- Miss Saigon | 28th October - 1st November 2025
- A Night at the Opera by candlelight | 15th November 2025
- Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Christmas at St Giles Cathedral | 21st & 28th November, 6th & 20th December 2025
- Scottish Ballet's : The Snow Queen | 27th November - 7th December 2025
Art & Exhibitions
- Andy Goldsworthy | Fifty Years | until the 2nd November 2025
- Resistance | until the 4th January 2026
- Monkeys : Our primate family | until the 30th November 2025
- 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
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