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Your guide to Christmas at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle transforms into a shimmering night-time spectacle each December, with immersive light projections, fire-pits, and festive food. While general castle admission covers the daytime historic experience, special winter events typically require separate tickets.

What to expect at Edinburgh Castle during Christmas

Edinburgh Castle entrance with stone walls and flags in Scotland.
  • Castle of Light – Fire & Ice: Edinburgh Castle becomes the UK’s largest annual projection show, with immersive visuals, a fire-pit marshmallow area, and winter street-food vendors.
  • Historic fortress backdrop: The castle’s imposing medieval ramparts, restored Great Hall and dramatic hill-top perch provide a unique atmosphere for the festive event.
  • Evening-only timed entry: These events take place after the main daytime opening hours, with early closures on event nights (closing at 4 pm in many cases).
  • Family-friendly experiences: Suitable for all ages (though children must be accompanied). Expect warm treats, magical light installations, and a relaxed festive night out.
  • Separate ticket required: The special event is not included in standard daytime admission; you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for the Castle of Light.
Opening hours through the year

Edinburgh Castle Christmas events

edinburgh castle christmas

Castle of Light – Fire & Ice

  • Dates: 21-22, 28-29 November; 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 27-30 December; 2-4 January
  • Timings: 4.30pm to 9pm (last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm)
  • Included with admission: No (separate ticket required)
  • Age restrictions: Children (7-15) must be accompanied by an adult

The headline event of the season, this dazzling projection show bathes the castle’s ancient walls in brilliant colour, contrasting fiery reds with glacial blues. Immersive light trails and glowing sculptures illuminate the Esplanade, creating a magical atmosphere after dark.

Edinburgh Castle stone facade with archway on guided walking tour.

Quiet Night – Castle of Light

  • Dates: 7 Dec
  • Timings: 4.30pm to 8.30pm (last entry 7.30pm)
  • Included with admission: No (separate ticket required)
  • Age restrictions: Children (7–15) must be accompanied by an adult

Designed for visitors who prefer a gentler experience, this low-sensory evening features reduced visitor numbers, dimmed lighting, sound, and effects, and no smoke machine while retaining the dazzling projection displays. Perfect for families and neurodiverse guests.

Tour group exploring a narrow alley on the Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour in Edinburgh.

Light-Trail Historical Walking Tour

  • Dates: Selected evenings within Castle of Light run (21 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026)
  • Timings: Departures from 5 pm to 7 pm (hourly slots)
  • Included with admission: No (it’s an upgrade added on to Castle of Light tickets)
  • Age restrictions: Suitable for ages 8+

A limited-group walking tour combining the Castle of Light installations with storytelling by costumed interpreters. Guests trace the fortress’s history through illuminated projections, music, and live narration; it’s ideal for those wanting a deeper, guided experience.

Edinburgh Christmas market with Ferris wheel and festive lights at night.

Festive Fire-Pit & Street-Food Zone

  • Dates: 21-22, 28-29 November; 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 27-30 December; 2-4 January
  • Timings: 4.30pm to 9pm (last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm)
  • Included with admission: No (part of the ticketed Castle of Light event)
  • Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

Warm yourself by an open fire-pit while toasting marshmallows and enjoy winter street-food and hot drinks in the atmospheric and illuminated setting of Edinburgh Castle’s after-dark trail.

Visitor information

Tour guide explaining Edinburgh Castle to visitors on the Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour.
  • Castle opening hours: 9.30am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm) during the winter season
  • Christmas dates: 21 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 (Castle of Light: Fire & Ice event)
  • Castle of Light evenings: 4.30pm to 9pm (last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm); on these dates, the castle closes early for daytime visitors at 4pm (last daytime entry 2.30pm).
  • Quiet Night (27 Nov): 4.30pm to 8.30pm with reduced lighting and sound.

Best time to visit: Book early evening Castle of Light slots (around 5pm or 6pm) for stunning twilight views and smaller crowds; weekday visits are generally quieter.

Detailed Edinburgh Castle timings

Address: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By train: ScotRail services to Waverley Station (15-min uphill walk to the Castle)
  • By tram: Frequent services to Princes Street (10-min walk) and St Andrew Square (15-min walk)
  • By bus: Lothian Buses routes 23, 27, 41, 42, 67 (stop near George IV Bridge or Princes Street)
  • By car: Follow city-centre signage to Castle Terrace; the approach is via Johnston Terrace or Grassmarket.

Parking: There’s no parking on the castle esplanade. The nearest public car park is NCP Castle Terrace (~5 min walk, from £4 per hour). Blue Badge holders can request limited accessible spaces via Historic Environment Scotland in advance.

Getting to Edinburgh Castle
Tour guide leading a group through a historic alley on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
  • Restrooms: Toilets are located near the Portcullis Gate entrance, Redcoat Café, and Crown Square. Baby-changing facilities are available in the main visitor areas.
  • Lockers: There are no public lockers or cloakrooms. Large bags and suitcases cannot be stored on-site, so visitors are advised to travel light.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the main visitor areas; connect to the “Historic Scotland Wi-Fi” network.
  • Gift shops: The Portcullis Shop and Crown Square outlets offer books, Scottish gifts, whisky, and souvenirs.
More about Edinburgh Castle
edinburgh castle christmas
  • Step-free & distances: Edinburgh Castle is set on a steep hill with cobblestones and uneven terrain, but step-free routes are available through the main visitor areas and Castle Esplanade. Access maps are provided at the entrance.
  • Wheelchair rentals: Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge from the Visitor Centre (first-come basis). Electric wheelchairs may have limited access due to gradients and narrow passages.
  • Toilets: Accessible restrooms are located near the Portcullis Gate and within the castle grounds close to Crown Square.
  • Sensory support: The Quiet Night session (27 Nov 2025) offers reduced lighting, sound, and effects for neurodiverse visitors seeking a calmer Castle of Light experience.
  • Service animals: Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the castle and at the Castle of Light event, but need to be leashed during light and sound displays.
  • Parking: Limited accessible bays available nearby via pre-booking with Historic Environment Scotland.
Tourists with a guide at the entrance of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
  • Castle of Light entry: Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your timed slot for security checks and entry scanning. Late arrivals may be refused entry once the next session begins.
  • Quiet Night event: Designed as a low-sensory session, avoid using flash photography, bright torches, or loud personal devices to maintain a calm environment.
  • Photography: Non-commercial photography is welcome, but tripods, drones, and professional lighting are prohibited. Flash may be restricted during projection sequences.
  • Food & drink: Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside event zones. Refreshments and festive snacks are available at on-site stalls.
  • Weather: The event continues in light rain, but sessions may be cancelled during extreme weather; check updates beforehand.
  • General: Respect historic surfaces, avoid climbing on walls or barriers, and follow staff guidance at all times.
Afternoon tea with scones and pastries at Westminster Abbey tour.
  • Redcoat Café: Located within the castle grounds, this spacious café offers hot soups, hearty Scottish meals, and warm drinks. Open daily during the festive season (9.30am to 4pm).
  • Tea Rooms: Found in Crown Square, the Tea Rooms serve light lunches, pastries, and speciality teas with panoramic city views. A cosy stop before the castle closes early on event days (10.30am to 4pm).
  • Castle of Light Food Zone: During evening light shows (21 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026), the Esplanade transforms into a festive hub of street-food stalls and fire-pit snacks. Enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine, and toasted marshmallows amid the glowing projections.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Castle Christmas events

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

Yes, for the special event Castle of Light:  Fire & Ice, you purchase a timed-entry ticket specifically for the evening session; it is not included in standard daytime admission.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, the projection-show sessions use timed entry to manage visitor numbers and ensure each slot remains within safe capacity.

Are the Christmas events suitable for children?

Absolutely. The event is suitable for all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. For example, ticket categories include child pricing.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Organisers advise that sessions may be modified or cancelled in extreme weather; ticket-holders will be notified of changes.

What happens if an event is canceled and I’ve already booked my ticket?

If your booked session is cancelled, you should receive a refund or an alternate date offer from the ticket provider — check the booking terms issued with your ticket.

Do normal daytime admissions include the festive projection show?

No — standard daytime admission to Edinburgh Castle gives access to the historic site, but the Castle of Light event is a separate, evening-only experience requiring its own ticket.

Can I visit both the daytime castle and the evening light show on the same day?

In theory yes, but note that on event nights the castle closes early (last entry 2.30pm) and the light show begins later in the evening. Plan accordingly to avoid rush and allow travel time.

Are food and drink included in the event ticket?

No, food and drink are not included in the ticket price. There are on-site vendors offering treats such as marshmallows by the fire-pit and winter street food (for additional cost).

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