Written by Daisy Curtis
It's Christmas Time for 2025! Visit Edinburgh in December to enjoy the fairytale city, go to the Christmas Market, the Christmas Tree Festival and so much more!
Special advice from The Edinburgh Address: pack your winter wardrobe, it's chilly outside.
This really is your ticket to the ultimate, memorable Hogmanay experience.
Join in or spectate as thousands of santas run or walk the 2.5km through Princes Street Gardens.
The aim is to have fun, collaborate and raise monies for children's charity 'When You Wish Upon A Star'.
What? Fun run
When? 7th December 2025
Where? West Princes Street Gardens
"The Santa Dash 2025 is around the trails of Cammo Nature Reserve in Edinburgh which has beautiful running routes along riverside paths, through fields and around historic buildings.
There are 2 distance options to choose from: you can either dash around the 5K or the 10K."
There is also a FREE 1km elf dash!
What? Fun run
When? 22nd December 2025
Where? Cammo Estate, Edinburgh
The Christmas market will be in full swing, with fairground rides, mulled wine and festive stalls creating a sizzling atmosphere.
What? Food, drink, shopping and entertainment
When? 18th November 2025 - 5th January 2026
Where? Princes Street Gardens
A firm favourite for locals and visitors alike, as the gorgeous botanical gardens are lit with colourful installations and displays to wow and delight.
This magical experience is a memorable experience.
What? Night walk
When? Selected evenings between 20th November and 30th December
Where? The Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
"This glittering production is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale – which was also the basis for Frozen.
From the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairytale forest, take a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, where you’ll find her surrounded by the icy fragments of an enchanted mirror. Along the way, you’ll meet a sparkling cast of characters, from young lovers parted by a spell to a circus ringmaster with a few tricks up his sleeve."
What? Theatre
When? 27th November - 7th December 2025
Where? Festival Theatre
Perfect for ? Everyone, Music Lovers, Dance Lovers
Raise funds and join thousands of walkers, creating a river of fire to raise money and awareness of homelessness. Joined by live Street Theatre, Fire Performers, Pipe Bands and Drummers, led by Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad.
What? Torchlight Walk
When? 29th December 2025
Where? The Meadows to the City Centre
It’s almost time to embrace the New Year! And of course, nothing is better than celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Princes Street Gardens with some good music and a wonderful fireworks show.
At midnight, say goodbye to 2025 and welcome in 2026 with the best views in the house of the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.
This really is your ticket to the ultimate, memorable Hogmanay experience.
What? Music and laughter
When? 31 December 2025
Where? Edinburgh City Centre
It's not Christmas without a panto.
What? Theatre for all the family
When? 13th December 2025 - 11 January 2026
Where? Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
For a full immersive experience, don't miss The Polar Express.
Visiting Edinburgh for the first time, you'll be blown away with the sounds, sights, and characters boarding the train.
With hot chocolate, song, theatre and a special surprise from Santa, you're bound to be making memories.
What? Theatre for all the family
When? TBC
Where? Departing from Edinburgh Waverly Station, Edinburgh
Where? Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
'We’re pleased to confirm with the North Pole that Santa will be at the zoo on select evenings of Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns event in December.'
What? Families, children
When? Select dates between 6th and 24th December 2025
Where? Edinburgh Zoo
Take a guided tour of Scottish Gas Murrayfield, the home of Scottish Rugby, and you’ll be taken inside areas of the stadium that you would never ordinarily get to see and will be regaled with stories from Scottish Rugby’s rich history - seeing what the stadium looks like day to day and learning about the preparations for international matches.
What? Sport
When? Most days in December until 30 December 2025
Where? BT Murrayfield
Wherever you’re staying in the city, there’s bound to be an outdoor farmers market to visit.
Treat yourself to delicious Scottish meats and cheeses from one of the artisanal stalls, or browse some Edinburgh-made arts to take home as a memento of your trip.
We hope that you enjoy December in Edinburgh!
Contact us if you have any questions about the city, or for suggestions on which of our range of luxury holiday homes would best suit you for a dreamy Christmas experience in Edinburgh.
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