{"id":4847,"date":"2026-10-26T13:25:54","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T12:25:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T15:17:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T14:17:39","slug":"edinburgh-in-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/edinburgh-in-december\/","title":{"rendered":"Edinburgh in December 2026: Things to Do, Weather & Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pass Edinburgh in December<\/strong>, It's about experiencing the Scottish capital at its most magical time: the Christmas market at the foot of the castle, the illuminated Old Town, and, to end the year, the famous Hogmanay festival. Having lived in Edinburgh since 2012, we'll give you the weather forecast, key dates for 2026, and our tips for enjoying the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> In Edinburgh in December, the temperature is generally between 2 and 7\u00b0C, and night falls around 3:40 pm. The Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens is open from November 14, 2026, to January 3, 2027. The month ends with Hogmanay, from December 29 to January 1. Please note: the castle is closed on December 25 and 26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is the weather like in Edinburgh in December?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In December, temperatures in Edinburgh are generally between 2 and 7\u00b0C. Winds often blow from the North Sea, and rain can fall at any time. However, snow is quite rare in the city. The days are also very short: the sun sets around 3:40 pm, so the Christmas lights can be admired from mid-afternoon onwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack several warm layers, a hat, gloves, and a waterproof jacket. Our guide to climate in Scotland<\/a> provides detailed weather information month by month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key dates to remember in Edinburgh in December 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is the season's schedule, according to the organizers. Opening hours change during the holidays: please check them before your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event<\/th>Dates 2026-2027<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Christmas Market (Edinburgh's Christmas)<\/td>From November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027<\/td><\/tr>
Christmas at the Botanics (light trail)<\/td>From November 19 to December 30, 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Edinburgh Castle<\/td>Closed December 25th and 26th, closing at 4 pm on the 24th<\/td><\/tr>
Torchlight procession in Hogmanay<\/td>Tuesday, December 29, 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Hogmanay Street Party<\/td>Thursday, December 31, 2026, starting at 8 p.m.<\/td><\/tr>
Loony Dook in South Queensferry<\/td>Friday, January 1, 2027<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Going to Edinburgh in December: our all-inclusive package<\/div>
4 days \u00b7 from \u20ac1,000 per person<\/div>
Christmas in Edinburgh: Scottish traditions and winter lights<\/div>
Princes Street Gardens market, the illuminated old town and Scottish end-of-year traditions.<\/div>View the stay<\/a>Request a quote<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Stays are fully customizable: dates, duration and accommodation according to your wishes.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What to do in Edinburgh in December?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, the Christmas market sets up at the foot of the castle, between the old town and the new town. Chalets, a Ferris wheel, rides, and mulled wine enliven the gardens from approximately 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dates, times, and prices of attractions: everything is in our guide. Edinburgh Christmas Market<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas at the Botanics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Then, from November 19th to December 30th, 2026, the Royal Botanic Garden transforms into a nighttime light show. The walk lasts approximately one hour. Book early, as weekend slots fill up quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The castle and the Royal Mile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Edinburgh Castle remains open for most of the month, except for December 25th and 26th. On the 24th, it closes earlier, at 4 pm. Arrive as soon as it opens to enjoy the daylight. Then walk down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, passing St. Giles' Cathedral, which often hosts Christmas concerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Views of the illuminated city<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As night falls, climb Calton Hill to admire the city and its lights. The more adventurous can even climb Arthur's Seat, weather permitting, before sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historic pubs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, nothing beats a cozy pub after a cold day. The pubs in the Grassmarket and Old Town are perfect for a whisky or a Scottish meal. See our selection of traditional pubs in Edinburgh<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hogmanay: Celebrating the New Year in Edinburgh<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To end the year, Edinburgh hosts one of the biggest New Year's Eve parties in Europe. On December 29th, thousands of torchbearers parade from the Meadows through the Old Town. On the 31st, the Street Party takes over Princes Street from 8 pm until the midnight fireworks display over the castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On January 1st, the most daring finally plunge into the icy waters of South Queensferry during the Loony Dook. These events require tickets and sell out quickly. For the program and tickets, please consult our guide.\u2019Hogmanay in Edinburgh<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edinburgh at Christmas: what's open on December 24, 25 and 26<\/h2>\n\n\n\n