Edinburgh's Christmas runs from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, Christmas at the Botanics from 19 November to 30 December, and Edinburgh's Hogmanay from 29 December to 1 January. Trains stop completely on Christmas Day and New Year's Day and buses are limited, so a pre-booked private car is the most reliable way to move around on those days.
What are the key festive dates in Edinburgh for 2026?
- Edinburgh's Christmas: 14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027. Christmas Market (around 70 stalls) and the big wheel in East Princes Street Gardens, funfair in West Princes Street Gardens, ice rink and ice bar on George Street.
- Christmas at the Botanics: 19 Nov – 30 Dec 2026, evening light trail at the Royal Botanic Garden; 2026 is its 10th edition. Tickets must be booked in advance.
- Edinburgh's Hogmanay: 29 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027: Torchlight Procession (29 Dec), Night Afore Concert (30 Dec), Street Party and Concert in the Gardens (31 Dec), free First Footin' events (1 Jan).
- Lunar New Year: around 6 February 2027, a popular time for visitors from Asia.
Check daily opening hours and any Christmas Day closures on the official sites before you go.
When are the winter graduations in Edinburgh and nearby?
| University | Winter 2026 ceremonies |
|---|---|
| University of Edinburgh | 18–27 Nov (dates may change) |
| Heriot-Watt (Edinburgh campus) | 5, 7 and 8 Dec |
| University of St Andrews | 1–2 Dec |
| University of Glasgow | 30 Nov – 10 Dec |
| Edinburgh Napier | Autumn ceremonies 27–29 Oct (no winter ceremony listed) |
Graduation weeks overlap with the start of the Christmas market, so hotels and cars book up early.
The festive dates sell out first. Tell us your dates and we confirm within the day.
Book on WhatsApp / WeChat →What is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day?
- Trains: no ScotRail services on 25 Dec or 1 Jan; reduced service on 26 Dec and 2 Jan; services wind down from about 7pm on 31 Dec.
- Buses and trams: special reduced bus timetables on 25–26 Dec, no trams on Christmas Day, free trams after midnight at Hogmanay.
- Airport: Edinburgh Airport stays open and flights operate on Christmas Day.
- Attractions: staffed historic sites usually close on 25–26 Dec and often 1–2 Jan; the NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre is closed 24–26 Dec. Outdoor viewpoints in Glencoe and along Loch Ness remain accessible.
Based on last year's timetable; check the 2026 timetable (usually published late November/December).
How does a private car help over the festive season?
On the days when public transport stops, taxis are scarce and expensive. A pre-booked Toyota Alphard with a driver who speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin gives you:
- a guaranteed airport pickup on Christmas Day or New Year's Day;
- a warm car waiting outside the Hogmanay closure zone after midnight;
- Highland scenery on Christmas Day, when no coach tours run, with the driving done in daylight;
- door-to-door transport for grandparents and small children at graduations and markets.
How much do festive services cost?
| Service (whole vehicle, up to 4 guests) | Normal | 24, 26 & 31 Dec (+25%) | 25 Dec & 1 Jan (+50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Airport transfer | from £90 | from £113 | from £135 |
| Christmas lights evening tour (3 hours) | £250 | £313 | £375 |
| Highland day tour (Glencoe / Loch Ness) | £510 | £638 | £765 |
| Northern lights evening chase (4 hours, on-call) | £300 | £375 | £450 |
| Winter graduation family package | from £850 | festive dates quoted on request | |
| Gift voucher | £100 / £250 / £510, valid 12 months, any service | ||
Prices are for the whole vehicle (up to 4 guests). Festive surcharge: +25% on 24, 26 and 31 Dec; +50% on 25 Dec and 1 Jan. Book on WhatsApp +44 7598 576685 · WeChat ID megaspace218.
The festive dates sell out first. Tell us your dates and we confirm within the day.
Book on WhatsApp / WeChat →Frequently asked
Do trains run on Christmas Day in Scotland?
No. Based on last year's timetable, ScotRail runs no trains on 25 December or 1 January, with a reduced service on 26 December and 2 January.
Is Edinburgh's Christmas Market open on Christmas Day?
Edinburgh's Christmas runs from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027; check edinburgh-christmas.com for daily hours and any Christmas Day closure.
How much extra is a private car on Christmas Day?
MegaSpace adds 50% on 25 December and 1 January and 25% on 24, 26 and 31 December, so an airport transfer from £90 becomes from £135 on Christmas Day.