What's on in Edinburgh in November 2026

Visit Edinburgh in November 2026 to enjoy city before the holiday rush and walk around the Christmas Market.

Special advice from The Edinburgh Address: pack your down jacket to stay snug whilst enjoying the best of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2026

This is what makes Edinburgh magical at the end of the year: lights, decorations, attractions, shows, food and mulled wine.

There’s no need to go anywhere else to find the perfect Christmas spirit.

Put your ice skates on, giggle on the funfair rides, order a hot dog and walk around the great gift shops to find the perfect Christmas gift.

The festival is a fantastic celebration and great fun for the whole family.

What? Food, drink, shopping and entertainment

When? Mid November 2026 - Early January 2027 - Dates to be confirmed

Where? Princes Street

Scots Fiddle Festival 2026

With Ceilidh's, concerts, recitals and clubs, there is something for everyone in the fiddle festival. Events take place throughout the day, with prices ranging for each show.

The Scots Fiddle Festival launched in 1996 to promote and sustain traditional Scots fiddle music. With an international collaboration of performers this will inspire you, entertain you, and thrill you.

What? Food, drink, shopping and entertainment

When? 20th - 22nd November 2026

Where? The Pleasance

Barbara Rae: Charting South

"Her interest piqued by the history of exploration, in late 2022 Rae took her work from one pole to the other, travelling to Antarctica to trace the ill-fated journey of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17). This exhibition presents a significant body of new work by Rae, relating to locations along Shackleton’s route, including South Georgia and Elephant Island."

What? Art, Culture

When? 21st November 2026 - 24 January 2027

Where?  The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, The Mound, Lower Galleries, Edinburgh

An Evening with Michael Portillo

"Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life."

What? Presentation 

When? 5th November 2026

Where?  Usher Hall Lothian Road, Edinburgh

Paul Simon's Graceland: 40th Anniversary Celebration by the London African Gospel Choir

"This glittering production is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale – which was also the basis for Frozen.

The London African Gospel Choir returns with their critically acclaimed re-imagining and making 40 years of Paul Simon’s iconic album “Graceland”. Performed with passion, soul, and electrifying rhythm, this concert brings together soaring voices, vibrant harmonies, and an irresistible celebration of African musical heritage."

What? Concert

When? 18th November 2026

Where?  The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh

Perfect for? Everyone, Music lovers

Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean

"Bill Bailey returns with a show that celebrates 'Vaudeville', as the versatile multi instrumental, multi-lingual, purveyor of humour and musical prowess, who could lay claim to being perhaps the foremost practitioner of this great tradition…"

What? Comedy

When? 25th November 2026

Where? Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh New Town

Perfect for? Comedy lovers

The Bonfire Night at Hopetoun House 2026

Bonfire Night is a UK event held annually around the 5th November and is traditionally celebrated by setting off fireworks and burning a straw man named after Guy Fawkes. Bonfire Night is usually referred to as 'Guy' Fawkes Night. 

Watch the colour and delight in the atmosphere at Hopetoun House, a gorgeous home in the iconic town of South Queensferry just outside the city.

What? Presentation

When? To be confirmed

Where? Hopetoun House, Queensferry, South Queensferry