🎄 Edinburgh Christmas & New Year's Guide 2025

From mid-November to early January each year, Edinburgh transforms into one of Europe's most romantic festival cities. From vibrant Christmas markets to the world-famous Hogmanay New Year's Eve party, the city is filled with lights, music, and laughter.

This guide provides you with information on Christmas markets, Christmas dinners, Christmas plans, New Year's Eve parties, New Year's Day activities, shopping discounts, hotel accommodations, and transportation tips to help you have an efficient, worry-free, and surprising winter trip.

🎅 Edinburgh Christmas Market

• Dates : Expected November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (subject to change by the municipal government)
• Location : East Princes Street Gardens
• Highlights : Mulled wine, German gingerbread, handicrafts, Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, and Christmas lights.

💡 The crowds are huge on weekend evenings, so it's recommended to go on weekday evenings.
💡 Mulled wine from £6, bring your own thermos to save money and be environmentally friendly.

A vibrant Christmas market is a must-visit scene in winter.

🍽️ Christmas Dinner Recommendations

On December 25th, many restaurants and shopping malls will be closed, but hotels and some restaurants will offer special Christmas Dinner Menus . Here are some typical menus:

• A traditional Scottish Christmas meal : roast turkey with cranberry sauce, sausage rolls, baked potatoes, and Christmas pudding, served with mulled wine or Scotch whisky.
• Luxury hotel set menu : Lobster bisque, steak Wellington, raspberry cheesecake, served with champagne or red wine, priced at £90–120 per person.
• Family sharing meal : Turkey and ham combo, nut scones (vegetarian), gingerbread house and meat pie, perfect for a family atmosphere.

📌 Recommended restaurants for reservations: The Balmoral Hotel, The Dome, Angels with Bagpipes. Reservations need to be made 1–2 months in advance.

A traditional Christmas dinner, a delicious and heartwarming moment.

🎁 Christmas (December 25th)

• Transportation : Buses, trains, and trams are almost all out of service.
• Dining : Most restaurants are closed; hotel Christmas dinners require advance booking.
• Recommendation : Arrange a relaxing stay at the hotel or a walking tour, such as Carlton Hill or Arthur's Seat.

🎆 Hogmanay New Year's Eve (December 31)

• Location : Princes Street
• Tickets : From £35, usually on sale in September.
• Highlights : Midnight fireworks over the castle, and a massive sing-along of "Auld Lang Syne".
• Tips :
  • 🥶 Winter nights can drop below freezing, so you'll need a down jacket, gloves, and a hat.
  • 🎒 Security checks are strict; large luggage is prohibited.
  • 🍷 If you want to avoid the crowds, you can book a restaurant with a castle view.

Prince Street New Year's Eve fireworks, a grand party with tens of thousands of people gathered.

🥂 New Year's Day (January 1, 2026)

• Loony Dook : A chilly diving activity in the Gulf of South Queensland, with a distinctly Scottish flavor.
• Shopping : Most stores have reopened, and the New Year discount season has begun.

🛍️ Christmas & New Year Shopping

• Boxing Day (December 26) : The biggest discounts of the year; St. James Quarter and Harvey Nichols are must-visit spots.
• New Year Discount Season : From the beginning of January to the end of January.

🏨 Hotel Recommendations

• Princes Street & Castle District : Ideal for New Year's Eve parties.
• Leith Port Area : High cost-performance ratio, quiet atmosphere.
• Booking advice : Book at least 3-6 months in advance.

🚇 Traffic Tips

• December 24: Buses/trolleybuses will stop running earlier.
• December 25: Public transportation is suspended.
• December 26 & January 1: Limited service, taxi or walking is recommended.
• New Year's Eve: It is recommended to stay in the city center or walk back to the hotel.