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Events and Festivals in Edinburgh and the Lothians

Edinburgh hosts a number of exciting events all year. Take part in some of the revelry from ceilidhs and rugby games to the spectacular Military Tattoo and world-famous Hogmanay celebrations.

Ceilidh Culture - Edinburgh

Ceilidh Culture showcases the best of art, dance and storytelling with workshops, concerts and gigs for the whole family to enjoy.

a group enjoying a ceilidh

Edinburgh Sparkles Treasure Hunt - Winter Festivals

Sparkle your way around Edinburgh this festive period with a very special treasure hunt.

the Edinburgh Wheel in the Winter Wonderland

Edinburgh Sparkles

With six weeks of incredible festive celebrations, it is no surprise that Edinburgh has been voted the best place in the UK to enjoy Christmas and Hogmanay.

Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle at dusk

Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations

Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations are world-famous. Join the spectacular three-day event with highlights such as an outdoor ceilidh and fantastic wonderful open air concerts.

the Torchlight Procession fireworks

6 Nations Rugby in Edinburgh

Witness the world’s best teams battle it out on the pitch at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium which hosts some of the most exciting events on the rugby calendar each year. Catch some spectacular rugby as the teams compete in thrilling 6 Nations matches.

a crowd of rugby fans at Murrayfield Stadium

Edinburgh Christmas Celebrations

Experience Edinburgh’s fabulous Christmas celebrations this winter. Glittering lights, fairground rides, an ice skating rink and the famous German Christmas Market combine to create a party atmosphere like no other.

the Winter Wonderland in Prince’s Street Gardens

Farmers' Market - Edinburgh

Purchase wonderful local produce at the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market from fresh fish to wonderful sweet treats and temping fruit and vegetables. Both visitors and locals alike come together to browse the stalls and experience the atmosphere

a bakery stall at Edinburgh's Farmers' Market

St Andrew’s Day in Edinburgh and the Lothians

St Andrew’s Day is a feast day held in honour of Scotland’s patron saint. Celebrations take place around the country on the 30 November and Edinburgh and the Lothians offers a fantastic range of events each year.

Scotland’s national flag, the Saltire

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of Scotland’s most iconic events held every August. Experience the electric atmosphere which showcases the best military bands, pipers and drummers, dancers and display teams from across the world.

pipe bands performing in the castle esplanade

Beltane Fire Festival - Edinburgh

The Beltane Fire Festival is a unique and wild procession of fire, drumming and revelry on Calton Hill. Come along to celebrate the start of summer during the night of 30 April.

a view of Edinburgh Castle from Calton Hill

Edinburgh Festivals

Festivals are what Edinburgh does best. Edinburgh Festivals take place throughout the year with a wide variety of great events including the International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Book Festival and the Film Festival amongst others.

Fringe performer breathes fire whilst on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Royal Highland Show - Ingliston

The Royal Highland Show is one of the biggest events in Edinburgh & Lothians and highlight of the Scottish country calendar.

a show jumping competitor at the Royal Highland Show

Burns Night Celebrations in Edinburgh

Join in Edinburgh’s Burns Night festivities and celebrate Scotland’s National Bard. Every year Robert Burns is commemorated on the date of his birth, 25 January, with an evening of traditional food and drink, rousing verse and memorable entertainment.

the haggis being piped in at a Burns Supper

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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.

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