Things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas

Fill this festive period with joy and thrills with these amazing Christmas activities in Edinburgh.

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 11th Nov 2022

Bust out the tinsel, buy some fancy chocolates, and prepare to be irritated by tangled Christmas tree lights because Christmas is almost here! We can’t wait to be back with our family, eating enough food to fuel an army, and having a laugh together.

But in the run-up to the big day, it can start to drag. We’re so ready for those cracking times we have together that it feels like Christmas Day is taking forever to arrive. The solution? Fill that time with some killer Christmas activities in Edinburgh!

Smash Hits Christmas Party

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When: Saturday 3rd December 2022

Where: The Liquid Room in Edinburgh

Christmas jams - you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. If you fit into the former category, you’ll love this Smash Hits Christmas Party. Going down in Edinburgh's beloved Liquid Room, you’ll dance all night long to the best (and maybe worst) Christmas bangers. Under The Mistletoe by Justin Bieber, All I Want For Christmas by Mariah, and Merry Xmas Everybody by Slade - the only proper Christmas party if you ask us.

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Inveralmond Christmas Craft Fair & Fun Day

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When: Sunday 4th December 2022

Where: Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston

Got some littluns who are feeling the Christmas spirit? Here’s one of the best Christmas days out in Edinburgh you can take them to! A little way out of Edinburgh in Livingston, there's a craft fair and fun day complete with over 40 local craft suppliers, a drawing table, a raffle and tombola, a chance to meet Santa, and a Christmas photo booth to immortalise the wonderful Christmas memories. And this event is entirely free!

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Viennese Christmas Spectacular

When: Friday 9th December 2022

Where: St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

St Giles Cathedral is jaw-droppingly gorgeous; we can’t think of a better venue to enjoy classical music in as Christmas closes in. Secure your tickets to enjoy pieces by Strauss, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, performed by London Concertante, one of the finest orchestras since its founding in 1991. Some pieces you can expect to hear include Nutcracker Suite, Blue Danube Waltz, and Hungarian Dance No. 5. Haven’t seen classical music live before? Not to worry, around half of the attendees will be first-time classical concertgoers too.

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Annasach's Christmas Ceilidh

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When: Saturday 10th December 2022

Where: The Counting House (The Ballroom) in Edinburgh

A drink, a bite to eat, and a little dance? Sounds good to us. Head over for a complimentary glass of prosecco before the ceilidh kicks off at 8 pm. You’ll have a break for a delicious festive buffet before hitting the floor again for more dancing to the folky sounds of the Annasach Ceilidh Band. the three-piece band also features a dance caller who will teach anyone with two left feet how to get down and make the most of the night.

Tickets for Annasach's Christmas Ceilidh

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Alan Fitzpatrick & T78 | Nightvision Presents We Are The Brave

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When: Saturday 17th December 2022

Where: The Liquid Room in Edinburgh

One last dark, fist-pumping rave to techno and tech house bangers? Techno legend Alan Fitzpatrick will be headlining and bringing his label, We Are The Brave, to the two floors of The Liquid Rooms. Alongside him will be T78, Theo Nasa, Rudosa and more. An iconic venue, a huge lineup, and all organised by Terminal V's sister brand, Nightvision - this one’s going to be special.

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The Skinny's 200th Issue Party!

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When: Thursday 1st - Friday 2nd December 2022

Where: Summerhall in Edinburgh

Christmas is all about fun. But it’s also about giving back. And this Edinburgh shindig is the perfect way to do both! Tickets are free, but we encourage you to purchase the £5 tickets (no booking fee) in aid of Tiny Changes, a mental health charity for young people. Or you can donate in person at the event. Head over to support a great cause while enjoying live music, DJ sets, and a special Barney’s Beer crafted for the event. There’ll also be soft drinks from Nuisance Drinks and cake from Lovecrumbs.

Tickets for The Skinny's 200th Issue Party!

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Nightvision presents // Frazi.er & Tommy Holohan // Edinburgh

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When: Saturday 3rd December 2022

Where: The Liquid Room in Edinburgh

Another cracking night put on by Nightvision, the sister brand of the incredible Terminal V, this techno night features some killer DJs, including Frazi.er and Tommy Holohan. This will be one of Frazi.er’s final Nightvision shows of the year, so it’s sure to be something special. Head down for one last techno rave before returning home and putting on your best behaviour for Santa.

Tickets for Nightvision presents // Frazi.er & Tommy Holohan // Edinburgh

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Whether you fancy a party or something a little more low-key, there are loads of brilliant things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas. If you didn’t find what you were looking for, click or tap here to discover more Edinburgh Christmas events.

Or here for Christmas Eve events. And here for Boxing Day events.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.