Winter has arrived and there is no place like Edinburgh to celebrate the festivities especially as the landscape of the capital becomes more mouthwatering when the temperature drops and a spot of snow arrives. No matter what time of year you visit Edinburgh, you’re guaranteed to be spoilt rotten for things to do and see but as Autumn comes to an end the city becomes livelier again with the arrival of the well-renowned Christmas market and Hogmanay celebrations. Although as the new year arrives the city calms down somewhat there are endless things for you to do whilst exploring the Scottish capital, whether you are exploring Edinburgh on a long weekend with friends or a week away with family you will always be guaranteed a warm welcome.

December

Key Events:

19 November to 2 January – Christmas Market

Every year we see both locals and tourists visit our stunning city and get into the festive season by visiting our incredible festive market. Every year Edinburgh turns into a winter wonderland, whether there is snow or not, with German-style markets filling Princes Street Gardens and attractions set up through George Street.

There are also reports that a ‘family area’ will be near the bandstand if permission is granted.

Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Christmas with Covid-19 in mind and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 Christmas celebrations.

31 December – Hogmanay Party at the Bells

We welcome merrymakers to one of the greatest events on the planet. You have two choices:

Princes Street Gardens Access

Celebrate Hogmanay in spectacular style with a Garden Access ticket, party the night away in front of the Ross Band, and be in the best location for the midnight fireworks. Set beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, dance the night away at the Concert in the Gardens featuring incredible live music, entertainment, DJs, giant screens, and outdoor bars. Artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Click here to learn more.

Street Access

Prepare to be entertained with one of the world’s greatest street theatre companies, Close-Act Theatre who will animate the street as you party at the bells. At midnight, the unforgettable fireworks will once again be back at Edinburgh Castle. Click here to learn more.

January

Key Events:

1 January – The Loony Dook

And if you need something to clear your head the morning after, why not take part in the (literally) breathtaking Loony Dook, the annual splash in the River Forth at South Queensferry? Take part in the Dookers Parade through the High Street before taking the plunge in the freezing Forthwith the iconic Forth Bridges as a backdrop. And don’t forget your fancy dress! Or you could just sleep in.

Please note these dates and events are usually held on an annual basis but due to the current circumstances we cannot guarantee that these events will be going ahead or on the dates stated.

25 January – Burns Night

Burns Night is celebrated annually to commemorate commemorates the life of the bard, Robert Burns. Yearly people gather at dinners, parties, and events and enjoy a traditional meal of haggis, neeps, and tatties to celebrate the life and work of Burns. Burns is often considered the national poet of Scotland, with his writings including Auld Lang Syne and Address to a Haggis.

There are opportunities throughout the city to try the classic Scottish dish of Haggis, neeps, and tatties to include:

Burns Supper – The Royal Yacht Britannia

Available on either Friday 28 or Saturday 29 January, join The Royal Yacht Britannia for a traditional Burns Supper and celebrate Robert Burns’ life and work. Click here to learn more

Festivals and Special Events

Museums, Galleries, and Exhibitions

Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 26 Apr – 20 Feb

Alison Watt: A Portrait Without Likeness, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 17 Jul – 9 Jan

Thomas Joshua Cooper: The World’s Edge, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 31 Jul – 23 Jan

Ana García Jácome: Histories of disability: archive and absence, Collective, 25 Sep – 2 Jan

Abi Palmer: Crip Casino, Collective, 25 Sep – 2 Jan Angelica Mesiti, Talbot Rice Gallery, 1 Oct – 19 Feb

Reflections: The Light and Life of John Henry Lorimer, City Art Centre, 6 Nov – 20 Mar

Ruined: Reinventing Scottish History, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Dec – 9 Jan

Joey Simons: The fearful part of it was the absence, Collective, 3 Dec – 13 Mar

Start planning ahead, book your accommodation now.

Use the following code: BOOK-DIRECT Using this code provides you with a 15% discount on all bookings using our Best Available Rate. Terms & Conditions apply – See our website for full details

Remember to book your accommodation directly with us via our website to ensure you get the best rate. Click here to check out our exclusive offers.

What’s on this Winter 2021

What’s on this Winter?

December