8 Things to Do in Edinburgh at Night

As winter draws near, the nights grow longer. But don't mourn the loss of long, sunny days!

To help you embrace the dark half of the year and beat the winter blues, we’ve made a list of the best things to do in Edinburgh at night. 

 

1. Visit a Graveyard After Dark 

Every night 

Take advantage of the early evenings and venture into the haunted Canongate Kirkyard on a ghost tour. 

You’ll explore the Royal Mile, the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults and a centuries-old Edinburgh graveyard. You won't believe some of the things that have taken place there. 

 

 

2. Edinburgh Castle of Light 

Weekends 21 November – 04 January 

Edinburgh's Castle of Light is returning for its sixth year, running from the end of November through to January. 

Take in this colourful light show depicting fire and ice, representing the volcano and glaciers that created Edinburgh. 

 

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

 

3. See a Classic at the Cinema 

Every night 

Visit the Scotsman Picturehouse or Cameo Cinema for a showing of your favourite classics from Die Hard to White Christmas to screenings of the Royal Ballet. 

Both of these are cosy, unique cinema experiences where you’re guaranteed to catch a few holiday classics and independent films. 

 

4. Embrace Storytelling by Candlelight 

Every night 

Settle into the flickering glow of our candlelit Megget’s Cellar, where you’ll hear spine-chilling tales on this intimate tour. The original Edinburgh ghost tour, Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls has been perfected since 1985. 

Begin with a stroll through the dark closes and wynds of Old Town, then descend into the Edinburgh Vaults, before you retire to the candlelit cellar for a dram of whisky and an intimate evening of storytelling by candlelight.   

 

 

5. Holyrood Park, Calton Hill and Winter Lights 

From mid-November 

Watch the sunset from one of Edinburgh hills, like Arthur’s Seat or Calton hill, then take in the winter lights across the city. 

Visit the Royal Mile, Cockburn Street, Princes Street Gardens and George Street for beautiful winter lights. Stop by Old College and The Mound for some impressive Christmas trees while you're at it. 

 

6. Edinburgh Christmas Market 

15 November – 04 January 

The Edinburgh Christmas Market is a tourist hotspot, and it’s popular for a reason. What’s more cosy than walking through fairy-light-lit stalls with a hot chocolate in hand? 

You can find locally sourced gifts, handmade decor and plenty of sweet treats to warm you up on a cold night. 

 

 

7. Edinburgh Ghost Tour 

Every night 

Long nights are the perfect time to visit the most haunted places in Edinburgh. Join a Master Storyteller and be immersed in the sounds, scents and sights of Scotland’s past. 

Discover the ghosts that linger in Royal Mile closes, descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults and hear the dark stories of Edinburgh’s past. 

 

 

8. Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns 

60 dates, 14 November – 22 February 

The zoo’s lantern trail is back! Visit them to see hundreds of larger-than-life installations, featuring hand-crafted lanterns. 

Food and drink will be available, the gift shop will be open, and they’re even offering Quiet Nights for visitors with accessibility needs and an adults-only evening.  

 

From an Edinburgh underground tour to the best winter lights in Edinburgh, there are many ways to embrace the long, cold nights of a Scottish winter. We’re here to help you find the best things to do in Edinburgh to keep away those winter blues.