5 Festive Places to Visit in Edinburgh This December

Edinburgh shines bright during the festive season, with its Christmas markets, cultural treasures, and seasonal celebrations. From sparkling lights to immersive events, here’s a guide to five of the most festive places to explore this December, complete with insights from Euan’s Guide reviewers to ensure accessibility is at the heart of your plans.

1. The Royal Botanic Gardens - Christmas at the Botanics

For a magical evening, head to Christmas at the Botanics, where dazzling light displays transform the Royal Botanic Garden into a winter wonderland. Accessible paths wind through enchanting installations, making it a perfect outing for all.

One Euan’s Guide reviewer shared:

“Recently my wife and I incorporated a visit to the Botanic Gardens Christmas lights display to our few days visiting Edinburgh. Even this ‘Bah Humbug’ was impressed!”

Accessibility Highlights: The Botanic Gardens offer a well-organised and accessible experience, with level paths and seating available throughout the light trail. Visitors can borrow mobility scooters or wheelchairs, and accessible toilets are located at multiple points around the gardens. Stewards are friendly and on hand to assist, ensuring a welcoming visit for all.

Running until December 30, the event operates on timed entry, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

2. Edinburgh Castle - Castle of Light

See Edinburgh Castle in a whole new light — literally! Castle of Light returns with immersive displays, music, and interactive installations. Wander through illuminated trails and enjoy Scotland’s largest projection show as the castle’s history comes alive.

Event Dates:

• 13–15 December, 20–23 December, 27–30 December
• 2–4 January

While the experience is one-of-a-kind, the castle’s location on a steep hill and cobblestone pathways can make accessibility tricky. Blue Badge holders can park on the Esplanade, and a mobility vehicle is available to help visitors navigate the site.

One Euan’s Guide reviewer noted:

“The cobbles and gradients were challenging, but contact the castle team to discuss your own circumstances and what may be possible.”

Accessibility Highlights: Edinburgh Castle offers some accommodations for visitors with mobility needs, such as Blue Badge parking on the Esplanade and a mobility vehicle to assist with steep or uneven pathways. However, the cobblestones and gradients require extra planning. Reaching out to the castle staff ahead of your visit ensures you can tailor your experience to your specific requirements.

3. Edinburgh Zoo - Christmas with the Clauses

Make this festive season unforgettable with a visit to Edinburgh Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals and a host of Christmas activities. From breakfast with Mr and Mrs Claus to evening meet-and-greets, it’s the perfect outing for families with little ones.

Festive Highlights:

• Breakfast with the Clauses (selected dates in December).
• Daytime meet-and-greets with Mr and Mrs Claus.
• Evening sessions (sold out for 21–23 December).

One reviewer shared:

“Kerbs were high, and pathways were rough in places, but staff were approachable and keen to help.”

Accessibility Highlights: The zoo’s hilly layout can pose challenges, especially for wheelchair users or those with mobility requirements. However, with the help of staff and mobility vehicles, these challenges can be navigated with careful planning.

4. National Museum of Scotland

Festive events in Edinburgh don’t always have to be chilly, loud, or expensive. With festive events like Drawn Together at the Museum and Sprogmanay, the National Museum of Scotland awards us with the quiet downtime we all deserve during the holiday.

Drawn Together at the Museum – 27–30 December

Join this popular festive art event for some calming sketching around the museum. Pick up a pencil and paper from the Grand Gallery hub and explore the exhibits at your own pace. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, it’s a mindful activity for all ages.

Sprogmanay - 1 January 2025

Kick off the New Year with sparkle and fun as Sprogmanay returns with live music, dancing, and performances for kids of all ages. Explore the galleries while celebrating Hogmanay with your little ones.

One reviewer raved about the museum’s accessibility:

“For me, it was a solid five-star experience. Visiting the National Museum of Scotland after a long break it was great to see memories of previous visits coming alive once again. The accessibility of the building remains just as good as I remember it.”

Accessibility Highlights: The National Museum of Scotland truly excels in accessibility. It features a Changing Places Toilet alongside numerous accessible toilets throughout the building, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. Lifts make navigating between floors effortless, and the spacious galleries are easy to explore with wheelchairs or powerchairs. The friendly and enthusiastic staff are always on hand to help, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

5. Edinburgh Christmas Markets

Finally, no festive guide would be complete without a mention of Edinburgh's iconic Christmas Markets. While they’re a festive staple, the experience can be a mixed bag when it comes to accessibility. Featuring independent food stalls, rides, games, and seasonal treats, the markets span several sites, offering a blend of entertainment. However, their popularity means they can also be overwhelmingly busy and wheelchair users may not find much joy on the rides, as there aren’t many wheelchair-accessible options available.

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Claire, recommends:

“The best tip is to go in via the accessible entrance near Waverley Station, otherwise you have to walk/drive up a steep hill. Also, be cautious of small steps at some food stalls, but there are ramped areas too.”

Community Manager Joe adds:

“We came to Edinburgh for Christmas at the Botanics, making sure to stop by the Christmas market on the way. We've been in previous years when everything was in one place, and found it far too packed. Some years, we even had to struggle to get my wheelchair up the huge hill at Princes Street Gardens — not easy when there are people with plenty of Christmas cheer but zero spatial awareness.

“The area is now far easier to navigate, and even the big wheel is wheelchair accessible. I'd suggest coming midweek to beat the crowds.”

Accessibility Highlights: While there are accessible entrances and ramped areas, crowded conditions, slippery surfaces, and makeshift flooring can make the markets challenging, particularly for solo travelers or those with sensory or mobility needs. Planning your visit during quieter times, like weekdays, can help make the experience more enjoyable.

Open until January 4th, the markets remain a festive icon in Edinburgh, but they’re best suited for those prepared for the challenges of a bustling holiday crowd.

From awe-inspiring events to festive gatherings, Edinburgh offers something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. Although the city’s beloved Christmas markets come with their own challenges — especially for solo travelers or those with mobility or sensory needs — insights from Euan’s Guide reviewers can help you plan ahead for a more comfortable experience. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic landmarks or immersing yourself in magical light displays, these accessible destinations promise memorable moments for all.

Don’t forget to share your own experiences by writing a review on Euan’s Guide to help others discover Edinburgh’s festive magic!

Tags: disabled access reviews, 2024, december 2024, Christmas