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Christmas in East Lothian + North Berwick

Christmas in East Lothian + North Berwick

1st November 2023

Dive into the holiday spirit! Join the festive frenzy with Christmas adventures around Edinburgh and East Lothian.

Edinburgh's Christmas Markets (© Visit Scotland) — Edinburgh's Christmas Markets

Brace yourself for the enchanting Christmas light trails, rib-tickling Xmas pantos, and a whirlwind of festive events in 2023.

Santa welcomes you! (© Tim Mossholder on Unsplash) — Santa welcomes you!

Ignite the magic of the winter season with festive events across Edinburgh and East Lothian.

Visit East Lothian and North Berwick for Christmas magic

Build Christmas memories with your loved ones in our holiday homes.

With cosy cottages, beachview apartments and sophisticated chalets, you’ll find the perfect base for your festive adventures.

Christmas outings for families in East Lothian and North Berwick 2023

Are you looking for Christmas stuff to do with your family?

Let’s start with the panto season.

In 2023, East Lothian is embracing the Cinderella vibe, with performances at Musselburgh and Portobello.

Why not visit both, and select your favourite?

Cinderella

Loretto School Theatre, Millhill, Musselburgh, EH21 7RG
20-30 December 2023

Cinderella

Portobello Town Hall, 147-149 Portobello High Street, Portobello EH15 1AF
28 November - 30 December 2023

Join Cinderella, those spiteful sisters and the handsome Prince Charming as they provide giggles and songs, suitable for every member of the family.

Unicorn Christmas Party

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
8 - 9 December 2023, 6 pm (Come in your PJs!)

For unicorn fans of all ages (but mostly aged 7 and under), join in the festive songs with glittering, magical unicorns Melody and Luna.

Christmas light trails in and around East Lothian and North Berwick 2023

Christmas at the Botanics

Royal Botanic Garden West Gate, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ
16 November – 30 December 2023

The Royal Botanics are a delight at any time of the year, however, their Christmas lights trail casts a new light on its flora and fauna.

As you toast your marshmallows and stay warm with steamy hot chocolates, keep your eyes peeled for Santa - and don’t forget your camera!

Castle of Light, Magic and Mystery

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
24-25 November, 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23 & 27-30 December 2023, and 2-3 January 2024

With the castle walls creating a historic backdrop for immersive illuminations, venture into the mysterious corridors for a light display like no other.

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Family holiday homes near Edinburgh

Coast Properties offers several family holiday homes within easy reach of Edinburgh's Christmas events, including Ark at Anchor Apartment.

This stunning, seafront property boasts three en-suite bedrooms and is ideal for a family festive break.

For families travelling with a dog, there is Birchbank at Chesters Farm, located just outside Haddington.

With open views and plenty of walks to enjoy from the front door, this is the perfect place to relax during the festive period.

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Xmas family events and activities

Edinburgh Christmas Markets

24 November 2023 - 3 January 2024

This year, Edinburgh welcomes back its beloved Christmas markets, complete with enchanting stalls, whimsical fairground rides, and Santa's charming grotto nestled in Princes Street Gardens.

And that's not all – you'll also discover a wealth of additional stalls and a glistening ice rink right on George Street.

North Berwick Santa Beach Run

Starting at Elcho Green, North Berwick
24 December 2023, from 9:30 am

For guests staying with Coast Properties, there is a fun opportunity to raise money for charity this Christmas!

Join other runners this Christmas Eve for the Santa Beach Run and support Mary's Meals, an organisation which provides school meals to those living in some of the poorest countries in the world.

A great cause and a fun way to spend Christmas Eve in 2023!

The Rough Castle Christmas Experience

Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk

Enter a realm of enchantment this holiday season through the Christmas Woodland Experience at the iconic Falkirk Wheel.

Families and friends spanning all generations will be delighted with the funfair, twinkling woodland trail, Santa’s grotto, and warming drinks.

The Christmas Tipi

Archerfield Walled Garden, Archerfield
15, 16, 17, 22 & 23 December 2023

The wonder of Christmas comes alive with a brand-new theatrical experience in the magical tipi at Archerfield Walled Garden.

Family-suitable performances in heated intimate tipi’s, set over 5 dates, providing a festive twist to world champion beatboxing, jaw-dropping dance and freestyle rap.

The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snowdog

National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange
17 December 2023, 12:45 pm

Relive your childhood as the timeless classics of The Snowman (1982) followed by The Snowman and the Snowdog (2012) are brought to the professional cinema big screen.

After the performance, Santa will join the little ones with a gift for each child.

East Lothian Christmas Market

Kilduff Farm, North Berwick

1 & 2 December

Get the whole family in the Christmas spirit with this wonderful event at Kilduff Farm in North Berwick!

The market offers excellent stalls from independent retailers and local producers as well as products from the farm itself.

Christmas Craft, Conversation and Shopping Evening

Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick

9 November, 5:30 pm

Looking for sustainable ways to enjoy Christmas in 2023?

Look no further than this event at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, where visitors can make eco-friendly gifts, enjoy local food and drink and learn about the work of the centre.

A great opportunity to make a head start on your Christmas shopping!

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Holiday homes in East Lothian

If you are looking for a home-from-home this Christmas, Coast Properties has plenty to choose from!

From stunning locations in North Berwick, such as The Gulls, to cosy 2-bedroom apartments like Links Corner Apartment in Gullane, you are sure to enjoy the festive season in East Lothian.

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Castle of Light, Edinburgh Castle (© Visit Scotland) — Castle of Light, Edinburgh Castle

Ignite the magic of the winter season with festive events across Edinburgh and East Lothian, including fantastic Hogmanay celebrations.

Coast Properties' holiday homes throughout East Lothian will provide you and your loved ones with a warm and cosy base to rest your head whilst you create lasting memories.

If you are looking to explore our region away at other times of the year, head to our blog and see what's in store for golf lovers, food fanatics and more.