Christmas in Edinburgh 2024
There’s just one week to go until the first of Advent, and the official start to the pre-Christmas season. What’s meant to be a joyful time can quickly turn stressful for families, with parents feeling the pressure to do ALL the things. And the costs quickly start mounting up too. In my guide to an Edinburgh Christmas, I’ve included both some of the more pricier popular options, for completeness sake, as well as making alternative suggestions for free or lower priced activities that will still put you in a festive spirit.
Sections below of the guide include:
- Edinburgh’s Christmas in the City Centre
- Christmas Lights Switch-ons & Christmas Fairs
- Christmas Events
- Christmas Carol Concerts & Carol Services
- Visiting Santa
- Christingle & Nativity Services
- Illuminations
- Theatre
- Walk Around Town to see the Christmas Decorations
Edinburgh’s Christmas
Under the umbrella term of Edinburgh’s Christmas, this festive extravaganza takes over the city centre each year, largely in the area around Princes Street and George Street. Prices vary. Events include:
- Christmas market, Santa Land Fairground Rides, Big Wheel, Ice Rink (until 3 January)
- Christmas tree maze, Santa Stories (until 24 December)
There’s 20% off for Edinburgh residents with proof of their EH postcode, which pushes costs down a little. Full details on what’s on offer on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.
Christmas Lights Switch-Ons & Christmas Fairs
A good way to get in to the festive spirit is to attend a Christmas Lights Switch-On or Christmas Fair. There are many, many happening all over town, I’ve gathered up a few that have popped up on my feeds, in particular those that don’t have an entry fee and/ or those that include free activities such as free trails, crafts or Santa’s grotto.
Corstorphine Christmas Lights Switch On
Thurs 28 November at 6:30pm; No booking required
“Come and join us on the village green…to welcome in the festive season with the lighting of the Corstorphine Community Christmas tree and a visit from a special guest on his sleigh.”
Kirkliston Christmas Lights Switch on
Sat 30 November at from 4:30pm; No booking required
Includes missing reindeer trail, Santa’s grotto (with free selection box), and write a letter to the North Pole.
Christmas Craft Fair at Southside Community Centre
Sat 30 November, 10:30am to 1:30pm; Free entry, booking required.
Includes free drop-in craft workshops.
Christmas Craft Fair at Eric the Eric Liddell Centre
Sat 30 November, 10:30am – 3:30pm; Free entry, no booking required
With Santa’s Grotto and kids activities, as well as craft stalls, mulled wine & mince pies, raffle and more.
Winter Fayre co-hosted by WHALE Arts and Starcatchers
Sat 30 November, 11am – 3pm; Free entry, no booking required
Includes cafe with free apple pies and hot chocolate, fairy trail for under 5s (11am-1pm) and free wreath making workshop, as well as craft stalls, games, raffle and more.
Canalside Christmas Fayre at North Merchiston Club
Sat 30 November, 12pm – 4pm; Free entry, no booking required
Enjoy fun holiday activities, shop for unique gifts made by local artists, and say hello to the team at Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust.
German Christmas Fair at the German Church in Marchmont
Sat 30 November, 2pm – 4pm
Free activities include a puppet show (in English) and bilingual carol singing. There will also be hand made Advent wreaths, German baking and waffles, crafts and gifts, and a wide selection of German children’s books for sale.
Christmas Lights Switch on at the Eric Liddell Centre
Weds 4 December, 5pm – 7pm; Free entry, no booking required
Art & craft stalls, mulled wine & mince pies, raffle, choir & live music, Santa’s grotto and kids activities, and more.
Christmas Fayre at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre
Sat 7 December, 11am – 2pm; Free entry
£5 to make a wreath or take part in a range of other environmentally friendly craft activities, as well as stalls selling environmentally friendly gifts & toys, books, cards & calendars. The cafe will be selling non alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies alongside their usual menu.
Christmas in the Park at Spylaw Park
Thurs 12 December, 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Free entry, drop-in
“Enjoy the festive atmosphere with Santa, Bonaly Primary School Choir, mulled wine & mince pies, Christmas craft-making, and adults & children’s tombolas.”
Christmas Events
Most of the Christmas Fairs all come in one big swoop at the beginning of Advent. Here are a few more Christmas events throughout December that won’t break the bank:
Christmas Fun at Mortonhall Garden Centre
Daily during opening times throughout the Christmas persiod(end date unknown); Free entry, no booking required
Singing animatronic reindeer, a pictures miniature winter village, and lots of photo opportunities among the seasonal displays, plus a nice cafe. This is our favourite Christmas outing every year. Here’s a write up from last year – the displays will be different, but the rest is the same: www.thebearandthefox.com/edinburgh-christmas-fun-at-mortonhall-garden-centre
Winter Family Trail at St Cecilia’s Hall
Tuesdays to Saturdays until 21 December; Free, booking required
“Spot the 8 snow-people hidden throughout the galleries and answer each of their music-related questions to win a Winter-themed sticker.”
Festive Family Craft at the Hub@531
Fri 29 November, 2pm – 4pm; Free, booking required
Panto Storytime at Newington Library
Sat 30 November, 11am; Free, booking essential
Festive Films at Gilmerton Library
From Sat 30 November, 11am; Free, booking required
“Festive films every Saturday, 11am. Free popcorn & refreshments.” (no end date given, but presumably runs until Christmas).
Family Christmas Crafts at Grace Baptist Church
Sat 30 November, 1:30pm – 3:30pm; £3 per family, pre-booking encouraged to help plan numbers
“Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of festive creativity with…a variety of Christmas-themed crafts that all ages can enjoy….Additionally, enjoy some light refreshments and live Christmas music.”
McLarens on the Corner Reindeer Trail
Sun 1 December, 10am – 2pm; Free, drop-in (donations welcome in aid of Cash for Kids)
Spot the 10 reindeer hidden around the neighbourhood, then collect your chocolate treat from McLarens. There will be a hot chocolate and mulled wine stall too, plus some REAL reindeer to meet on McLarens terrace!
Winter Gnome Kids Craft at Cragmillar Library
Mon 2 December at 3:45pm; Free, drop-in
Craigmillar Literacy Trust Festive Drop-in
Thurs 5 December, 2:30pm – 5:30pm; Free, drop-in
“Tea, coffee, mince pies, and gift books for babies and children.”
Traditional Christmas at Trinity House Maritime Museum
Fri 6 December, 12pm – 4pm; Free, drop-in
“Step back in time as we celebrate a Georgian Christmas! Take part in festive activities suitable for all ages including drop-in crafts and the chance to handle real and replica objects.”
Christmas Craft at Leith Custom House
Sat 7 December, 10am – 11am; Free, booking required
“Come along and design your own Christmas card and gift wrap using simple printing techniques.”
Big Christmas Birthday Bash at Ps & Gs Church
Sat 7 December, 10am – 11:30am; No booking required
“A fun event for children and families including a bouncy castle, festive arts and crafts, cake and more!”
Christmas Twinkle Twinkle Singalong Special at Edinburgh Elim Church
Sat 7 December at 10:30am; Free, booking required
An interactive Christmas family event aimed at 0-6 year olds, to discover the true reason to celebrate Christmas. “You can expect an interactive show full of Christmas songs to sing along to and dance with your young children to, puppets and stories to engage with, along with snowballs, bubbles and some beloved Nursery Rhyme characters brought to life.”
Panto Storytime at Morningside Library
Sat 7 December at 11am; Free, booking required
Festive Fun Storytelling with Ron Fairweather at Custom House Leith
Sat 7 December, 11:15am – 12:30pm; £5 for 1 adult & 1 child, booking required
“Join acclaimed Scottish Storyteller Ron Fairweather for some festive fun stories and songs.“
Free Winter Activities at Hutchison Community Gardens
Sat 7 December, 11am – 4pm; Free, drop-in
“Join local artist Claudia and the Hutchison Community Gardeners for a day of free, nature- inspired winter arts and crafts.” (there are crafts for four different age groups, check the schedule in the link)
Christmas Cafe at King’s Church on Gilmore Place
Sat 7 December, 1pm – 4pm; Free, drop-in
“We’ll be serving hot drinks and mince pies all afternoon, along with free crafts for all (1-2pm), and a family Christmas movie (2-4pm).”
Christmas Crafternoon at Fountainbridge Library
Sat 7, 14 & 21 December, 3pm – 4pm; Free, drop-in
Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk
Sun 8 December, 9:30 – 10:45am registration & warm up; 11am – 12:30pm Santa Run
This one is a bit on the pricier side if you sign up a whole family, but I’ve included it as it’s a charity fundraiser in support of “When You Wish Upon a Star” which grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. £15 for age 12+ and adults, £5 for age 5 – 11, £2.50 for under 5s.
Kids Craft: Festive Doghouses with Snoopy at Craigmillar Library
Mon 9 December at 3:45pm; Free, drop-in
Christmas Quiz Night at IKEA Edinburgh
Tues 10 December, 6pm – 8pm; Free, booking required
Festive Wreath Making at Valley Park Community Centre
Weds 11 December, 10:30am – 12:30pm; Free, booking encouraged
“Join us for a lovely morning of wreath making and getting together for a cuppa and a catch up.” (Edited to add: Comments on the post confirm that kids can attend, but please let them know numbers for planning.)
Festive Projection Lights Show at Gilmerton Community Centre
Weds 11 December at 6pm; Free, drop-in
“Bring the family for Christmas Carol singing, free hot chocolate & warm mince pies”.
Una Imagines: Free Festive at WHALE Arts
Thurs 12 December at 4pm; Free, booking recommended
“A young girl is walking home. Awaiting her is a ‘surprise’…good or bad? New and exciting? Or different and worrying?
A story about anticipation and imagination. About the places a mind can journey to. The places we escape to, how we cope and how we visualise the world around us.“
Festive Wear Weekend at IKEA Edinburgh
Fri 13 December until Sun 15 December, 9:30am – 8pm (9pm on the Friday); Free, drop-in
“Join us instore to celebrate the festive period where we will have lots of fun activities for the whole family…Activities include: festive sampling, winter snack shack and gingerbread house decorating.”
The Big Afternoon at Chalmers Church Edinburgh
Sat 14 December, 2pm – 4:30pm; Free, booking required
“For P1-P7s with games, crafts, snacks and the Christmas story!”
Craigmillar Library Penguin Party
Tues 17 December, 3:45pm – 5:40pm; Free, booking required
“The event will include dancing, party food, games, and craft. This year we’re lucky enough to be joined by our friends from Edinburgh Zoo, who will be giving us real life penguin facts! Plus there will be wonderful book gifting from Craigmillar Literacy trust!”
‘Granny Pippin’ and the Christmas Party Storytelling Special at Edinburgh Elim Church
Sat 21 December at 2pm; Free, booking required
Granny Pippin invites you to join her in her Christmassy cottage, to discover the true reason to celebrate Christmas. An interactive event featuring stories, games, songs and more.
Drawn Together at the National Museum of Scotland
Fri 27 to Sun 29 December, 11am – 3pm; Free, drop-in
Pick up a pencil and paper from the Grand Gallery, then head off to explore the museum and sketch some of the fascinating objects on display.
Polar Encounters at Dynamic Earth
Fri 27 December until Mon 6 January (not on Weds 1 January), 10am – 4pm; Free, drop-in
Free drop-in activities exploring the wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Christmas Carol Concerts & Carol Services
One of my favourite things to do around Christmas time is go to a carol concert or carol service. Again, there are many, many of these happening around town. I have rounded up some that don’t have an entry free, including ones which are particularly suited for children and families.
Christmas Carols with the Edinburgh Brass Band at Starbank Park
Sun 1 December, 11:15am – 12:30pm; Free entry, no booking required
“Christmas carols with the Edinburgh Brass Band and hot chocolate at Starbank Park”
Nativity Carol Concert & Blessing at the Ross Bandstand (Princes Street Gardens)
Sun 1 December at 2:30pm; Free, no booking required
Granton Christmas Community Singalong
Thurs 5 December, 6pm – 7pm; Free, drop-in
“Join us for a family-friendly singalong with Edinburgh College Musicians and local special guests. Free festive treats and mulled wine.”
Carols on the Canal outside Boroughmuir High School
Fri 6 December at 4:30pm; Free (donations welcome), no booking required
“We will be hosting the University of Edinburgh Singers and Brass Band, along with some support from the Boroughmuir High School Choir. We plan to have a drinks stall including hot chocolate. Any funds raised will be used for a new Pupil Support Room at Boroughmuir HS and also the Edinburgh University student led mental health charity ‘Conscious’.” (Via Boroughmuir High School)
Legion Scotland Carol Service at Canongate Kirk
Sun 8 December, 4pm – 6pm; Free, booking required
A traditional service of 9 lessons and 9 carols.
Christmas Carol Service at Capital City Church International
Sun 8 December, 5:30pm – 7pm; Free, booking required
“Our Carol service will be led by a live band and include bible readings, puppet performance and finish with some festive eats together.”
Christian Aid Carol Service at Edinburgh New Town Church with carols led by Siskin Green and Fischy Music
Weds 11 December at 6pm; Free, booking required
“The service will run a little more than an hour, followed by mince pies and tea/coffee.”
Children’s Christmas Come & Sing! at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
Sat 14 December, 1:30pm – 4:30pm; Free, booking required
“A fun, free singing afternoon for children aged P3-7, learning and singing popular Christmas carols! No previous singing experience is needed, and there will be musical games and lots of fun for all.”
Carol Services at King’s Church on Gilmore Place
Sun 15 December at 10:30am and 7pm. Free, no booking required
Traditional carols and readings followed by festive refreshments. At the morning service there will also be Christmas-themed kids work provided for aged 1 – 7.”
Christmas Carols at Ps & Gs Church
Sun 15 December, 2:30pm – 3:30pm; Free, no booking required
“A lively festive carol service with a full choir and orchestra, and lots of activities to keep children engaged.”
Community Carols at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
Thurs 19 December, 3pm – 4pm; Free, no booking required
“Everyone is invited to come and sing Christmas Carols at the Cathedral! Followed by seasonal refreshments.”
Visiting Santa
There are loads of places around Edinburgh offering Santa’s Grotto, Breakfast with Santa this year, too many to name them all, some of them quite expensive, and loads already booked up. Here are a couple of options that are under £10, which still have places available at the time of writing:
Santa Stories at St Andrew Square
Until 24 December, various times; £12 for one child + one adult (but 20% off for Edinburgh residents with proof of their EH postcode, which brings it down to £9.60), Booking required
“Santa’s Stories are group sessions for up to 22 children, however each child will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive a gift. All performances last approximately 20 minutes and all children will receive a gift suitable for their age range.”
Santa’s Grotto at Gyle Shopping Centre
Saturdays & Sundays from Sat 23 November, Daily from Fri 13 December; 11am – 5pm
“Come along and see Santa for £7 per child with no need to book. Please note there will be an additional charge for professional photos.” Proceeds support Mission Christmas.
Santa’s Grotto at Ocean Terminal
Until 24 December (not 2 – 4 Dec or 9 – 11 Dec), various times; Booking required
“Tickets cost £5.50 per child and must be booked online in advance. This includes an age appropriate gift plus you can take as many photos/videos as you would like.”
Christingle & Nativity Services
Although Christmas these days is celebrated by many as a secular holiday, let’s not lose sight of the story and message that put the Christ in Christmas. Churches all over Edinburgh will be offering Christmas services that are suitable for families, there’s too many to name them all. But if you don’t already have a home church, and are looking for a service to take your little ones to this year, here are a few family-friendly options that are particularly popular every year (and if you have a favourite service you’d like to let others know about, just message me and I will add it in):
For any German speakers, a small plug for my own church:
Family Service with Nativity at the German Speaking Congregation
Sun 15 December, 3pm; Free, no booking required
Children of the congregation will perform a nativity play, and St Nikolaus will make a visit at the end of the service (it would help St Nikolaus plan if you could let us know how many children are coming!)
Christingle Service at Ps & Gs Church
Sun 22 December, 10am – 11:30am; Free, no booking required
“A service in which every child is given a Christingle, a visual reminder of the Light of the World, with sweets!”
Children’s Nativity Service at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
Tues 24 December, 2pm – 3pm; Free, no booking required
“Our annual Nativity Service celebration is back for all pre-school and primary children! (…) be part of a retelling of the Nativity story as you’ve never heard or seen it before – Santa’s Christmas Surprise! (…) join in by getting dressed up as your favourite character.”
Christingle Service at Marchmont St Giles’ Church
Tues 24 December at 4pm; Free, no booking required
“We look forward to welcoming many children and grown ups to this service, always a perfect lead up to Christmas Day. All are welcome!”
Chalmers Church Edinburgh (Morningside)
Tues 24 December at 4pm
Illuminations
Christmas at the Botanics,
21 November – 30 December
https://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics/
Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle,
22 November – 4 January
https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light
We have done both of these once in previous years. The Botanics in particular was stunning, and the ‘wow effect’ of seeing it for the first time felt it was worth the cost. Although the illuminations change each year, we haven’t felt it’s different enough though to justify the cost of going again. But if you can afford to go, it’s definitely very special.
Theatre
For some, Christmas isn’t complete without a trip to the theatre to see a play or pantomime. Festive favourites include the annual Christmas play at the Lyceum and the Panto at the Festival Theatre. At a slightly lower price point, the Churchill Theatre also has a Christmas performance. Or for something a little different, there’s a Christmas magic show, also at the Churchill Theatre.
Treasure Island at the Lyceum
28 November – 4 January
Tickets range from £8 for children to £38 for full price, depending on seats and show times; various discounts available for seniors, students, Young Scot, disability, registered unemployed, and arts workers
Panto 2024: Cinderella at the Festival Theatre
23 November – 31 December
Tickets range from £20.75 to £40.75 for full price, depending on seats and show times; discounts available for children, seniors, and Under 25s.
The Sleeping Beauty at Churchill Theatre
13 December – 22 December
Adults £15, Concessions £12
Kevin Quantum Christmas Special Magic Show at Churchill Theatre,
23 December – 30 December
Adults £20, Concessions & Children £18
Walk Around Town to see the Christmas Decorations
Last but not least, you may not want to take your kids near the Christmas market and fairground rides, if it might prove too tempting, but for some free Christmas sparkle there’s always a walk around town to take in all the festive lights and decorations. Then stop somewhere for a hot chocolate.
The Dome on George Street is well-known for it’s lights, wreaths and garlands that it decorates its majestic columns with every year. Other spots that are great for a quick cheeky photo include the giant nutcrackers outside The Edinburgh Grand, and this year there some festive golden reindeer outside the Gleneagles Townhouse, both on St Andrew Square.
I hope this has given you a few ideas for how to enjoy Edinburgh this Christmas without breaking the bank. Some places don’t announce their events until closer to the time, so I will updating this blog post as and when I come across new information. If you have any suggestions for cost friendly activities to include, feel free to message me and I can add them in. Thanks!
