SEASONAL · 19 NOV - 9 DEC
6 NEW THIS WEEKChristmas, done properly 🎄
Grottos, light trails, pantos and festive farm days across Edinburgh, from the first switch-on to Twelfth Night, with the dates, prices and ages that organisers publish.
PICK YOUR KIND OF MAGIC
What sort of Christmas are you after?
Everything on this page is filed by what it is, going on the organiser's own description. Some things fit more than one, so we've put each where it sits best.
Santa & grottos
Little ones · book early
Grottos, breakfasts with Santa and the elves that come with them.
None listed yet
Lights & trails
All ages · wrap up
Illuminated trails, lantern walks and the big switch-ons.
Show me these
Shows & pantos
Ages 3+ · oh yes it is
Pantomimes, festive theatre, carols and Christmas cinema.
Show me these
START HERE
If you only book three things
One per venue, soonest first. Grottos and light trails sell out first.
✨ LIGHTS & TRAILSChristmas at the Botanics
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh · 19 Nov - 9 Dec · daily
An illuminated outdoor Christmas trail through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with light displays and music.
See listingDetails
🎭 SHOWS & PANTOSNick Helm's Christmas F*ck Fest 11
Pleasance Courtyard · Mon 7 December · 19:30
Nick Helm brings his Christmas F*ck Fest 11 comedy show to Pleasance Courtyard on 7th December.
See listingDetails
Winter in the West End Christmas Market
West End Fair ‘26. 3rd - 30th Aug ‘26 · 19 Nov - 9 Dec · daily
A Christmas market returns to St Johns Church at Princes St and Lothian Road, with makers selling their own handmade work.
See listingDetails
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS · 21 DEC - 1 JAN
A plan for every day of the Christmas holidays
- Mon210 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Tue220 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Wed230 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Thu240 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Fri250 on
Christmas itself. Nothing listed yet.
- Sat260 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Sun270 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Mon280 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Tue290 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Wed300 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Thu310 on
Nothing listed yet.
- Fri10 on
Nothing listed yet.
Light trails
1 trailEVERYTHING ON
7 things on for Christmas 2026
Shows & pantos · 2
Mon 7 December · 19:30
Nick Helm's Christmas F*ck Fest 11
Pleasance Courtyard · Edinburgh
Nick Helm brings his Christmas F*ck Fest 11 comedy show to Pleasance Courtyard on 7th December.
Wed 9 December · 14:00
It's Behind Who!
Pleasance Courtyard · Edinburgh
A festive theatre show, "It's Behind Who!", runs at Pleasance Courtyard from 9 to 19 December.
Everything else · 4
19 Nov - 9 Dec · daily
Winter in the West End Christmas Market
West End Fair ‘26. 3rd - 30th Aug ‘26 · Edinburgh
A Christmas market returns to St Johns Church at Princes St and Lothian Road, with makers selling their own handmade work.
1-9 December · daily
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle · Edinburgh
A Christmas-themed afternoon tea taking place at Edinburgh Castle over selected dates this festive season.
Fri 4 December · 21:00
Pear's Christmas Quiz
Pleasance Courtyard · Edinburgh
A Christmas-themed comedy quiz night at Pleasance Courtyard in London on 4th December.
- Free
5-6 December · daily
Assembly Rooms Christmas Fair
West End Fair ‘26. 3rd - 30th Aug ‘26 · Edinburgh
Free Christmas shopping fair at the Assembly Rooms with artists, designers and makers selling only their own original work.
The free list ✨
1 thing · £0PLAN A DIFFERENT DAY
What's on, when you need it
Everything open and on in Edinburgh today, with times and prices.
TOP PICK10 Years · free- Fri14 things · Live Music
- Sat19 things · Craigies Pumpkin Festival
- Sun13 things · Live Music