Categories > Guides and Tips

city-lights

Edinburgh’s 13 Winter Activities That’ll Make You Love the Cold Season

| Last Updated: July 2024

Let’s get one thing straight: I didn’t sign up for the cold. I’m the kind of person who thinks ice belongs in a cocktail, not all around my feet. But then, winter in Edinburgh happened, and it made me, a certified sun worshipper, reconsider my life choices.

You see, winter in Edinburgh is the time when, in one minute, you’re walking through a winter wonderland and the next you’re sipping on some hot Scotch whisky, wondering if you’ve accidentally become a character in a feel-good holiday movie.

Now, grab your favourite cosy beverage (I’m on team double-shot flat white), and let me guide you through winter activities in Edinburgh that’ll make you fall in love with the chill. If I, a self-confessed summer soul, can switch teams, then trust me, you might too!

Stroll through the Edinburgh Christmas Market

Website: https://edinburgh-christmas.com/ 

Address: Princes St.

Contact details: [email protected] 

Operating hours: 

  • N/A

Cost: £-££

Edinburgh Christmas Market is a total holiday goal and a festive wonderland right in the heart of the city. Here, you’ve got little wooden stalls lined up selling everything from hand-made crafts to the ultimate festive treat, the ever-so-gooey mulled wine.

There’s food galore, too, like sizzling sausages, hot chocolate, and enough sweets to fuel Santa’s elves. While you’re there, make sure to take a whirl on the carousel or just soak up the cheer with some live music.

And let’s not forget the lights since the market is lit up like a Christmas tree—literally.

Pro tip: Just a heads-up, though: it can get pretty packed, especially during weekends, so try to swing by on a weekday if you fancy a bit more elbow room. 

Also, make sure you look out for unique Scottish Christmas decorations, as they make the best souvenirs!

Enjoy ice skating on the George Street Ice Rink

Website: https://edinburgh-christmas.com/edinburgh-christmas/george-street 

Address: 115-141 George St.

Contact details: [email protected] 

Operating hours: 

  • N/A

Cost: £-££

George Street Ice Rink is where it’s at during the winter! Dust off those skates and glide under the twinkling festive lights—it’s a vibe that’s hard to beat.

The rink is right in the middle of all the festivities, so you can easily take a skating break and grab a bite or a warm drink. Plus, they pump out the tunes to skate to—think less ‘Silent Night’, more ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ on repeat.

Remember to dress warm, though; it’s not exactly the tropics out there. And even if you’re more Bambi on ice than Torvill and Dean, no worries! It’s all part of the fun.

Pro tip: If you’re not confident on the ice, hitting the rink earlier in the day, when it’s less crowded, might be the best move. Less pressure and more space to practise those pirouettes… or just staying upright.

Hike the Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking city and winter views

Media credit: diegoalejandrovera

Website: N/A

Address: Queen’s Drive, Holyrood Park

Contact details: N/A

Operating hours: 

  • Open 24 hours

Cost: £-££

Arthur’s Seat isn’t just a little hill; this is Edinburgh’s defining skyline feature. Don’t worry; it’s a hike that most people can handle.

Just make sure to wear proper shoes because it can get a bit slippery. Once you’ve huffed and puffed your way to the top, the payoff is 100% worth it.

You’ll catch panoramic views of the city sprinkled with snow, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. It’s the perfect spot for that epic winter selfie that’ll rake in the likes.

Pro tip: Sunrise and sunset hikes are magical, but make sure you’ve got a head torch with you if you’re heading up early or coming down late. Safety first!

Witness Hogmanay’s torchlight procession in Edinburgh

Website: https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/event/street-party/ 

Address: Edinburgh City Centre 

Contact details: N/A

Operating hours: 

  • (December 31, 2024) – 9 PM to 12:50 AM

Cost: £-££

Hogmanay’s Torchlight Procession isn’t just any old parade. We’re talking a sea of flickering torches, a river of light winding through the streets, with a bunch of kilt-wearing, drum-thumping, bagpipe-blasting locals leading the charge.

Expect crowds, expect buzz, and wear something warm—kilts are optional. You may also keep your eyes peeled for the massive Up Helly Aa Vikings; they’re hard to miss, honestly.

And definitely participate if you can. It’s one thing to watch, but holding a torch and being part of the river of light is an entirely different level of awesome.

Pro tip: Remember to buy your torch in advance and show up early to find your spot; you’ll really want to be a part of this. By the way, the procession usually ends with some stellar fireworks, so make sure to stay until the end.

Explore the festive Royal Botanic Garden light show

Website: https://www.rbge.org.uk/ 

Address: 20a Inverleith Row

Contact details: +44 131 248 2909

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM

Cost: £-££

If you’re up for a mix of nature and some serious sparkle, the Royal Botanic Garden light show is just fabulous. As the sun sets, these gardens transform into an enchanted forest lit up with thousands of twinkling lights.

You can wander paths flanked by vibrant illuminations and eye-catching neon installations that bring the night to life. There’s even interactive spots where your moves or sounds can change the light displays around you—super cool, eh?

Dress warmly because you’ll want to take your time exploring without cutting your visit short. It’s fun for all ages and totally Instagram-worthy for those of you looking to light up your feed.

Pro tip: It’s outdoors, and this is Edinburgh we’re talking about, so bundle up! Bring gloves and a hat, and maybe even a small flask of something warm to sip while you stroll.

Discover festive lights at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse 

Address: Canongate

Contact details: +44 303 123 7306

Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM

Cost: £-££

If you fancy a dash of royal Christmas, the Palace of Holyroodhouse pulls out all the stops with its festive lights. The palace’s dramatic architecture under the night sky, all lit up, is a sight for sore eyes.

They often have special Christmas decorations, which make for quite the royal holiday experience. Plus, the storied history of the place adds a bit more gravitas to your visit—imagine walking through halls and rooms where monarchs of yesteryear roamed!

Just check in advance if there are any special exhibits or rooms open to the public that aren’t usually accessible. It varies, but sometimes they open up extra bits for the holiday season.

Pro tip: Photography’s restricted inside, but the exterior is a snap away. Great for those festive front-of-the-room selfies! Also, the shop at the Palace has some unique holiday gifts, so maybe save some space in your bag for a few royal souvenirs.

Warm up with a visit to The Scotch Whisky Experience

Website: https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/ 

Address: 354 Castlehill

Contact details: +44 131 220 0441

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM

Cost: £-££

The Scotch Whisky Experience is a journey through its craftsmanship and heritage. Here, you get to tour this replica distillery, learn about the whisky-making process from barley to bottle, and, of course, the best part, taste that liquid gold. 

They’ve got a collection of whiskies that’d make any connoisseur do a double-take, and you definitely won’t leave without finding your fave. Plus, they’ve got the largest Scotch whisky collection.

Moreover, they sometimes pair whiskies with winter treats, which is a brilliant way to find out what goes with your dram.

Pro tip: If you end up loving their whiskies, then make sure you check out their shop. They sometimes have more worth checking out bottles you can’t find anywhere else!

Ride the Big Wheel for stunning Edinburgh views

Media credit: nicola.walsh1

Website: https://edinburghguide.com/venues/visitor-attractions/festival-wheel 

Address: Princes St.

Contact details: [email protected]

Operating hours: 

  • November 25 to January 3 – 10 AM to 10 PM

Cost: £-££

Riding the Big Wheel in Edinburgh during the winter is pretty much a must. It’s like having the city spread out beneath you, with all the winter lights, historical buildings, and maybe even some snow-capped spots if you’re lucky.

Each pod gives you a cushy, elevated spot to take it all in—and it’s heated, so no worries about the cold. It’s great for a family treat or a romantic spin.

Moreover, the full rotations give you ample time to snap pictures, so keep that camera ready.

Pro tip: The evening rides are magical with all the city lights, so if you time it right, catching a sunset from up top is unforgettable. Plus, the lines are usually shorter just before the sunset.

Join in the fun at Santa Land’s family-friendly rides

Media credit: matilda_motherhoodjourney

Website: https://edinburghguide.com/venues/big-tops-and-pop-up-venues/santa-land 

Address: Princes St.

Contact details: [email protected]

Operating hours: 

  • November 25 to December 24 – 10 AM to 8 PM

Cost: £-££

You can’t call it winter in Edinburgh without popping over to Santa Land. This place is like where Christmas came and decided to stay.

We’re talking about rides that spin you around to the sound of holiday tunes and games that challenge your elf-like skills. Plus, for those who want a touch of magic, there’s an ice-skating rink that makes you feel like you’re gliding through a festive fairytale.

Oh, and keep an eye out for the big man himself—Santa’s been known to make appearances, making for perfect photo ops.

Pro tip: Santa’s Grotto is adorable but can get busy, so book in advance or hit it up early to skip the long wait. Also, don’t forget to taste some seasonal treats, because what’s a holiday without some indulgence, eh?

Celebrate at the traditional St. Andrew’s Day events

Website: https://edinburghguide.com/events/st-andrews-day 

Address: Edinburgh Castle

Contact details: N/A

Operating hours: 

  • N/A

Cost: £-££

Alright, time to celebrate Scotland’s very own St. Andrew’s Day. This is about pride and culture, and they do it up right with parades, ceilidhs—those are super fun Scottish social gatherings with dancing, by the way—and a whole lot of tartan swishing around.

Though it’s a day event, the evening often wraps up with stunning fireworks. Honestly, the vibe is contagious—you don’t get more Scottish than this.

And there’s usually a spread of Scottish food and drink to try, which, come on, who would want to miss out on that?

Pro tip: If you’ve never Ceilidh danced before, don’t skip this! The dances are caller-led, which means they’ll talk you through the steps. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to have fun and maybe lose your balance a few times.

Admire the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle in snow

Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/ 

Address: Castlehill

Contact details: +44 131 225 9846

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM

Cost: £-££

Edinburgh Castle, with a dusting of snow, is a whole other level of majestic. I’m talking about stone walls and ancient battlements looking like they’ve been sprinkled with sugar.

It’s the history bit that wows you—royal apartments, the Great Hall with its massive fireplace, whispers of Mary Queen of Scots… the whole shebang. Plus, they usually deck out the place for Christmas, so it feels festive too.

And if you’re there at 1 p.m. sharp, brace yourself because they fire the one-o’clock gun—it’s loud and proud and a tradition dating back to 1861. Talk about timing your visit for a bang!

Pro tip: Snow doesn’t always stick around in Edinburgh, so if you wake up to a white view, head to the castle early for pictures before it melts. Plus, hot drinks from the café taste a million times better when you’re warming up after exploring.

Laugh at a Christmas panto at King’s Theatre

Website: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/panto-2024-cinderella/2282 

Address: 2 Leven St.

Contact details: +44 131 529 6000

Operating hours: 

  • By event

Cost: £-££

King’s Theatre’s Panto is like the cherry on your Christmas cake. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill theatre experience, by the way.

Pantos are a wild ride—think fairy tale stories but with a twist, lots of jokes for the grown-ups that fly right over the kids’ heads, and sing-along songs that get everyone involved.

The costumes are something else: bright, bold, and just this side of outrageous. And don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two on stage—it’s a thing here during panto season.

Pro tip: Even if Panto’s new to you, join in the fun! It’s a hoot and a half, and the more you throw yourself into it, the better the experience.

Soak up Gothic beauty at St. Giles’ Cathedral, winter-style

Website: https://stgilescathedral.org.uk/ 

Address: High St.

Contact details: +44 131 226 0674

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday – 1 PM to 5 PM

Cost: £-££

St. Giles’ Cathedral is the heart and soul of Edinburgh’s Old Town—especially in winter when it’s all Gothic glory and a calm sanctuary from the chill outside. 

The stained glass here doesn’t just play with light; it tells stories, and the cathedral’s architecture—it’s a photographer’s dream. Oh, and the Thistle Chapel is mind-blowing woodwork with details that’ll have you staring for ages. 

You can listen out for special winter concerts too, so expect those carols and classical music echoing off the ancient stone—it’s spine-tingly good. Plus, there’s usually no entrance fee, but donations are welcome.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check the event schedule when you drop in. They usually perform organ recitals and choir performances, which you wouldn’t want to miss.`

Related topics