What's on around Edinburgh in December?

December is a magical time to visit. The Cottages are decorated with wreaths and beautiful trees from the 2nd December this year. Twinkling lights adorn our huge home-grown Christmas tree in the farmyard and fires are lit with woodsmoke curling from cottage chimneys.

December Availability at Eastside

Steading Cottage (sleeps 4) available 1st - 16th December 2022

Byre Cottage (sleeps 4) available 2nd - 31st December 2022

Woodshed (sleeps 2) available 1st - 23rd December 2022

Cartshed (sleeps 2) available 2nd - 30th December 2022

Wash House (sleeps 2) available 1st - 31st December 2022

What's on around Edinburgh in December?

December is also wonderful time to visit Edinburgh. Brilliant Christmas shopping, markets, ice-rinks, light-shows, fireworks and magic await you! Terrific festive entertainment for all the family.

Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair

Festivals & Events

The city centre comes alive with fantastic light shows, markets, ice skating and theatre but there is so much more throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Archerfield produces a magical outdoor immersive theatre, see the Botanics as never before or explore the zoos beautiful lanterns after dark.

Edinburgh Zoo : Christmas Nights | 2nd - 24th December 2022

Christmas at the Botanics | 17th November - 30th December 2022

Dalkeith Country Park's Spectacle of Light | 2nd - 31st December 2022

Santa's Grotto at Dalkeith Country Park | 26th November - 24th December 2022

Edinburgh Winter Festivals | 25th November 2022 - 3rd January 2023

Magicfest | 17th - 31st December 2022

Jupiter Artland Christmas Fair

Markets & shopping

For beautiful festive shopping within fabulous settings head to the Christmas markets. Jupiter Artland and Hopetoun come highly recommended, explore the market mulled cider in hand while the children visit Father Christmas and Rudolph!

Edinburgh Winter Markets | 25th November 2022 - 3rd January 2023

Christmas Fair at Jupiter Artland | 2rd - 4th December 2022

Summerhall Christmas Market | 3rd & 4th December 2022

To explore our favourite local boutiques and some of the quieter attractions see our best independent Edinburgh shops and attractions article.

Edinburgh Zoo : Giant Lanterns

Food & drink

Read our 'Best lunch spots in and around Edinburgh' article for delicious festive lunch & brunch inspiration!

For the best food, drink and local larders in and around Edinburgh we have listed some of our favourite Edinburgh and country based restaurants, shops and suppliers for your December break.

Ballet & Theatre

We will gathered together the best of the Edinburghs theatre to get even the most scrooge-like in the festive spirit! From Panto to Ballet and some of the best music and carol concerts in the Capital. We will list these as schedules become available...

Scottish Ballet's The Snow Queen | 19th November - 10th December 2022

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs | 17th December 2022 - 22nd January 2023

Art & Exhibitions

You are Here 2022 | until 8th January 2023

Eastside Cottages in December with the snowy Pentland hill peaks beyond

Events for children

There are some really magical events on in and around Edinburgh throughout December. Expect light shows, art tours and workshops, Christmas concerts especially for wee ones and numerous opportunities to meet Santa and Rudolph. We will list these as schedules become available...