The festive season is in full swing and with that, Edinburgh is sparkling to life this December, with twinkling lights, festive favourites, and epic shows taking over the city. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a magical date night, or a big night out with friends, you can relax and glide to the heart of all the action with Edinburgh Trams.
Keep reading to see our top picks of what’s on across the city this month to get you into the festive cheer all the way until the New Year!
Feel the Christmas magic
Edinburgh’s Christmas – various locations (15 November – 4 January)
From the famous markets, funfair rides, festive food and drink, to sparkling light installations across the city, Edinburgh turns into a winter wonderland. Edinburgh’s Christmas has everything you need to get into the spirit of the season – pick up gifts, sip up something to keep you cosy, and soak up the atmosphere of a world class Christmas city.
Closest tram stop: Various stops
Castle of Light – Edinburgh Castle (21 November – 4 January)
Watch Edinburgh Castle burst into light and colour as the Castle of Light continues throughout December, telling a story through projections, illuminations, sound, and special effects. Journey through the historic fortress after dark to see the walls and towers illuminated in spectacular style.
Closest tram stop: Princes Street
Christmas Weekend on Britannia – Royal Yacht Britannia (6 – 7 December)
Head down to Leith for a special Christmas weekend aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Explore the ship decked out for the festive season and learn more about the Crew’s Quarters where the Royal Yachtsmen would work, sleep, and relax during their travels. And don’t forget to spot the cuddly corgis dressed in their festive outfits!
Closest tram stop: Ocean Terminal
Theatre, film, and music highlights
The Wombats – Edinburgh Corn Exchange (2 December)
If you’re looking for something a little less Christmassy, why not kick off the month with an indie singalong as The Wombats bring their hits to the Corn Exchange? The perfect warm-up to get you ready for party season.
Closest tram stop: Balgreen
A Fairytale for Christmas – Edinburgh Playhouse (6 December)
Step into a storybook world at the Playhouse with A Fairytale for Christmas. A festive show filled with music, magic and plenty of Irish charm, immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas and feel the festive joy.
Closest tram stop: Picardy Place
MAMMA MIA! – Edinburgh Playhouse (9 December – 4 January)
Here we go again! The smash-hit musical returns to Edinburgh, packed with ABBA classics, sun-soaked escapism and feel-good fun. It’s the ultimate night out, and whilst it may not get you into the festive feel, it’s sure to get you singing and dancing to chase away the winter blues.
Closest tram stop: Picardy Place
Jack and the Beanstalk – Festival Theatre (13 December – 11 January)
It’s the panto show you’ve bean waiting for (oh, yes, it is!). The family favourite and classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk is back in Edinburgh with giant laughs, familiar faces, and plenty of audience participation.
Closest tram stop: St Andrew Square
RNSO Season 25-26: Home Alone in Concert – Usher Hall (12 December)
A true Christmas classic beloved by many, Home Alone will be brought to life this year by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The heart-warming film brings the festive fun and joy for the whole family.
Closest tram stop: West End
Love Actually: Film with Live Orchestra – Usher Hall (14 December)
Revisit at modern festive favourite as Love Actually is screened in full at the Usher Hall, accompanied by a live orchestra performing the soundtrack live. It’s the perfect Christmas treat.
Closest tram stop: West End
The Holiday: Film with Live Orchestra – Usher Hall (20 December)
Enjoy the run up to the big day as The Holiday, another festive favourite film, is brought to life on the big screen with a live orchestra. It’s sure to give you all the warm fuzzy feelings inside in time for Christmas Day.
Closest tram stop: West End
Festive rugby fixtures
Edinburgh Rugby v RC Toulon – Hive Stadium (7 December)
Feel the roar of the crowd at Hive Stadium as Edinburgh take on French giants RC Toulon in a thrilling European clash – ideal for a pre-Christmas day (or night!) out.
Closest tram stop: Murrayfield Stadium
Edinburgh Rugby Women v Glasgow Warriors – Hive Stadium (27 December)
Shake off the post-Christmas slump and head to Hive Stadium to cheer on Edinburgh Rugby Women as they face Glasgow Warriors in a festive derby.
Closest tram stop: Murrayfield Stadium
Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors 1872 Cup – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (27 December)
Later the same day, the men’s sides go head-to-head at Murrayfield in the iconic 1872 Cup clash. Expect a huge crow, big hits, and plenty of festive rugby rivalry.
Closest tram stop: Murrayfield Stadium
Hogmanay celebrations
Round off the year in true Edinburgh style with a spectacular Hogmanay programme – there really is something for everyone! We’ll also be offering free all-night trams on Hogmanay to help you get to and from all the festivities safely, with trams running a split service from Edinburgh Airport – West End and Picardy Place – Newhaven.
Torchlight Procession – The Meadows (29 December)
Join thousands of people as flaming torches wind their way through the city from The Meadows, creating a river of light to mark the countdown to Hogmanay.
Closest tram stop: Princes Street
Night Afore Concert with Peat and Diesel – Ross Band Stand, Princes Street Gardens (30 December)
Get the party started a night early with Peat and Diesel as they bring their high-energy Scottish folk and Celtic punk sounds to West Princes Street Gardens.
Closest tram stop: West End
Candlelit Concert – St Giles’ Cathedral (31 December)
Welcome the New Year in peaceful style with a beautiful candlelit concert in the historic surroundings of St Giles’ Cathedral – a calming and moving alternative to the street party.
Closest tram stop: Picardy Place
Street Party Mega Silent Disco – Princes Street (31 December)
Grab a pair of headphones and get your dancing shoes on as you dance along Princes Street, with a fantastic view of Edinburgh Castle. With three DJs battling it out for the soundtrack to your night, the Mega Silent Disco is sure to get you dancing into 2026!
Closest tram stop: West End / Picardy Place
Concert in the Gardens: WET LEG – West Princes Street Gardens (31 December)
See out the year with an open-air Concert in the Gardens as Wet Leg headline the Hogmanay stage, supported by a stellar line-up and spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
Closest tram stop: West End / Picardy Place
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party – Princes Street (31 December)
Join revellers from around the world as one of the most famous New Year parties on the planet. Expect music, DJs, dancing in the street, and of course, an epic firework display as Edinburgh rings in the New Year in style.
Closest tram stop: West End / Picardy Place
Make the most of the festivities and celebrations leading up to Christmas and into the New Year and make sure to glide there with Edinburgh Trams! We’ll be here for you every day (except Christmas Day!) to help to celebrate in style.
