Edinburgh festive family guide

Christmas events for kids 2026 in Edinburgh & the Lothians

Meet Santa, explore light trails, browse festive markets and enjoy family shows across Edinburgh & the Lothians. From historic streets to countryside days out, find the best Christmas plans for the whole family — with dates, ages and prices in one place.

  • 53 events across Edinburgh & the Lothians
  • Updated 3 November 2026

Find the right Christmas event

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Showing all 53 events

53 Christmas events in Edinburgh

53 family Christmas events across 40 venues in Edinburgh & the Lothians, 3 of them free. The first is on Friday 20 November, and Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December, with 19 of them on Christmas Eve.

Christmas events in Edinburgh

24 family Christmas events in Edinburgh, Queensferry, Kirkliston and 1 more, 1 of them free, running from 20 November to 30 December.

20 Nov – 24 Dec

Santa's Stories

Santa's grotto · Shows & storytelling

  • Princes Street, Edinburgh
  • Ages 1–8

27–29 Nov

Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair 2026

Markets & fairs

  • Hopetoun House, Queensferry
  • Age not given
  • Indoor & outdoor

27 Nov – 13 Dec

Santa at The Pitt

Santa's grotto

  • The Pitt, Edinburgh
  • Ages 0–10
  • Indoor

29 Nov – 24 Dec

Christmas Experience 2026 at Conifox

Santa's grotto

  • Conifox - Activity Centre, Kirkliston
  • Ages 1–10
  • Indoor & outdoor

29 Nov – 24 Dec

Sleighbell Santa Brunch

Santa's grotto · Breakfast & meals with Santa

  • Brewhemia, Edinburgh
  • Ages 1–10
  • Indoor

29 Nov – 20 Dec

Sunday Family Feasting

Santa's grotto · Breakfast & meals with Santa

  • Brewhemia, Edinburgh
  • Ages 0–10
  • Indoor

5 Dec · 9:30am

Breakfast with Santa

Santa's grotto · Breakfast & meals with Santa

  • Coffee Saints, Edinburgh
  • Ages 0–10
  • Indoor

Discover 16 more Christmas events in Edinburgh

See them and save your favourites.

Christmas events in Midlothian

13 family Christmas events in Edinburgh, Dalkeith, Lasswade and 1 more, running from 22 November to 24 December.

22 Nov – 24 Dec

Santa's Grotto 2026

Santa's grotto

  • Dobbies Edinburgh, Lasswade
  • Ages 0–10
  • Indoor & outdoor

27 Nov – 18 Dec

Supper with Santa

Santa's grotto · Breakfast & meals with Santa

  • IKEA Edinburgh, Edinburgh
  • Ages 0–10
  • Indoor

28 Nov · 12:30pm

Beauty & The Beast Panto

Pantomimes

  • National Mining Museum Scotland, Dalkeith
  • Ages 3–12
  • Indoor

28 Nov – 23 Dec

Breakfast with Santa

Santa's grotto · Breakfast & meals with Santa

  • IKEA Edinburgh, Edinburgh
  • Ages 0–10
  • Indoor

Discover 9 more Christmas events in Midlothian

See them and save your favourites.

Christmas events in East Lothian

4 family Christmas events in Musselburgh, Dirleton and Prestonpans, running from 28 November to 24 December.

28 Nov – 23 Dec

The Santa Experience

Santa's grotto

  • Archerfield Walled Garden, Dirleton
  • Ages 1–10
  • Indoor

4 Dec · 3pm

Panto in the Pans: Cinderella

Pantomimes

  • Prestonpans Community Centre, Prestonpans
  • Ages 3–12
  • Indoor

Discover 2 more Christmas events in East Lothian

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Christmas events in West Lothian

12 family Christmas events in Livingston, Bathgate, Livingston Village and 2 more, 2 of them free, running from 21 November to 28 December.

21 Nov · 12pm

Reverse Rett Christmas Panto and Party

Pantomimes · Parties & discos

  • Lanthorn Community Education Centre, Livingston
  • Ages 2–12
  • Indoor
  • Free

22 Nov – 24 Dec

Santa's Grotto 2026 at Dobbies Livingston

Santa's grotto

  • Dobbies Garden Centre Livingston, Livingston
  • Ages 0–10
  • Indoor & outdoor

28 Nov – 28 Dec

Robin Hood Pantomime

Pantomimes

  • Reconnect Regal Theatre, Bathgate
  • Ages 3–12

28 Nov – 24 Dec

Santa's Breakfast 2026 at Dobbies Livingston

Santa's grotto · Breakfast & meals with Santa

  • Dobbies Garden Centre Livingston, Livingston
  • Ages 3–10
  • Indoor

Discover 8 more Christmas events in West Lothian

See them and save your favourites.

Booking quickly across Edinburgh & the LothiansMany Christmas events sell out early — book soon to avoid disappointment.

More festive family days out

Planning Christmas in Edinburgh

Where can we meet Santa near Edinburgh?

44 Santa's grottos are listed near Edinburgh.

More in: Santa's grottos near Edinburgh

What Christmas events are there for toddlers in Edinburgh?

46 events in Edinburgh suit toddlers aged 1 to 4.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Edinburgh?

Yes — 3 events in Edinburgh are free to go to.

What pantos and Christmas shows are on for kids in Edinburgh?

One panto or Christmas show is on for kids in Edinburgh.

  • Santa's StoriesPrinces Street, Edinburgh · 20 Nov – 24 Dec · Ages 1–8

Where can kids do Christmas crafts in Edinburgh?

One Christmas craft session or workshop is on in Edinburgh.

Are there Christmas markets for families in Edinburgh?

3 Christmas markets and fairs are listed in Edinburgh.

View all questions

What Christmas events are there for babies in Edinburgh?

34 events in Edinburgh welcome babies under one.

Are there Santa trains and Christmas rides in Edinburgh?

One Santa train or Christmas ride is on in Edinburgh.

Where are the Christmas parties for kids in Edinburgh?

3 Christmas parties and discos are on for kids in Edinburgh.

What's on for kids on Christmas Eve in Edinburgh?

Christmas Eve falls on Thursday 24 December this year, and 19 events in Edinburgh are on that day.

Are there ASN or relaxed Christmas events for kids in Edinburgh?

Yes — 6 additional support needs and relaxed sessions are on in Edinburgh: quieter, calmer times with more space.

Are there indoor Christmas events for kids in Edinburgh?

46 events in Edinburgh are indoors — handy if the weather turns.