Christmas in Edinburgh
Edinburgh becomes a magical place during the festive period. Sparkling lights and the hustling atmosphere of the Christmas market takes over the city. Christmas holiday shows and pantomimes are in full swing and the scent of hot toddies and mulled wine fills the air. It's no wonder why Edinburgh is dubbed the festive city of the world! Here you can find some inspiration on what to do during the festive period.
Edinburgh becomes a magical place during the festive period. Sparkling lights and the hustling atmosphere of the Christmas market takes over the city. Christmas holiday shows and pantomimes are in full swing and the scent of hot toddies and mulled wine fills the air. It's no wonder why Edinburgh is dubbed the festive city of the world! Here you can find some inspiration on what to do during the festive period.
Christmas Market
Christmas is undoubtedly a time for joy, entertainment, and traditions, and Edinburgh's Christmas Market features all of these things. At Princes Street Gardens, there is the famous Christmas market. This enormous market on Princes Street Gardens extends to areas on George Street, the West End, and more.
On 4th December, take part in the Santa Fun Run and Walk, this is a great day out with family, friends, or co-workers, and an excuse to dress up as Santa! Not only this, it is also a great way to fundraise for a very worthy cause, starting at 9.30am, The Santa Fun Run will take on 2.5km of West Prince’s Street Gardens and all money raised will go towards When you Wish Upon A Star, which helps children in Scotland aged 4-16 with a life-threatening illness. Register to take part here.
Castle of Light: Kingdom of Colours
Back for its third year, see Edinburgh Castle transform into a cornucopia of colour. Breath-taking projections dance from the castle walls and immersive illuminations lead you throughout the castle in a sea of dazzling lights and vibrant displays. An entirely new and extended spectacle will create unforgettable moments, as you take in the rainbow of colours and learn the captivating tales of Scotland and the castle along the way while spending time with friends and family. Tickets can be purchased here.
Christmas at the Botanics
Something to definitely add to the itinerary is the after-dark illuminated pathway in the Royal Botanic Gardens. With new light installations arriving for 2022, you can immerse yourself in millions of gleaming lights and seasonal sounds that create a stupendous experience. Walk beneath magnificent baubles and dazzling trees that are covered in jewel-like patterns. Relax to take in the captivating dancing flames in the fire garden, admire the larger-than-life light displays, and, for a truly memorable experience, keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the route. Book your tickets here.
Portobello Beach
Feeling like a daredevil? An annual tradition takes place on Christmas morning at Portobello beach, where participants dip in the cold waters (we would recommend a wetsuit!). Hardy swimmers and pets gather in the early morning at the beach while donning festive gear and brave the cold water.
Hogmanay
Celebrate Hogmanay (that’s New Year in Scotland) with a bang. Noted as one of the “Top 100 things to do before you die” and promoted by the Discovery Channel as one of the “Top 25 World Travel Experiences”. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is arguably the place to be when celebrating the transition into the new year. Celebrate with family and friends and join in the biggest renditions of Auld Lang Syne when the clock hits midnight. Find tickets here. Or if you want to re-live the 80s, get tickets for the Concert in the Gardens and see The Pet Shop Boys and supporting acts.
Hogmanay in Edinburgh doesn’t just begin and end on December 31st and January 1st. It’s a three-day event. Kicking off the celebrations is Sophie Ellis-Bextor, featuring Altered Image at the Night Afore Disco Party. Afterwards, on January 1st cure the New Year blues at the Final Fling with Tide Lines, with support from Elephant Sessions and Hamish Hawk. More information and tickets can be found here.
Christmas at The Bruntsfield
You’ve been waiting all year to celebrate the festive holidays. So have we. Christmas at The Bruntsfield is a special time, whether it’s an intimate dinner or celebrating with your friends and family. Enjoy the holidays with a sparkle with good food and drinks and let us take care of the boring stuff (like the washing up!)
Get into the Christmas spirit with your friends and colleagues with a private dinner in the Cardoon Suite, followed by a dazzling disco. These are perfect for an office party or a group of friends and require a minimum of 40 people. Our three-course festive menu with a disco is £39.95 per person.
Our Christmas party nights are available on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th and 23rd of December. Arrive from 7pm for a three-course dinner at 8pm, then party the night away until 12.30am. Be sure to book by 30th November to secure your event!
Contact events@thebruntsfield.co.uk for more information or visit our Christmas page to view our full Festive Brochure.
Festive Dining at The Neighbourhood
A cosy atmosphere with fairy-lit outdoor garden and heated booths and blankets, The Neighbourhood is the place to eat in Edinburgh this Christmas. Enjoy a three-course meal from £35 per person or dance the night away with our private dinner and dance from £39.95 per person. We will make sure that you’re prescribed the right treatment.
Treat the family to something they will all enjoy and take the stress out of catering at home this Christmas. We guarantee homely food, friendly service, and a great family lunch. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas might even make a guest appearance for the little ones. Our carvery lunch is served from 12pm to 3pm.
Find out more about celebrating with us by contacting reservations@thebruntsfield.co.uk or view our festive menu here.
