Exterior view of Edinburgh Castle lit up for a Castle of Light evening

Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery

Dates

24 & 25 November. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23 & 27-30 December. 2 & 3 January

Times

4.30pm to 9pm (last entry between 7.30pm & 7.45pm)

Enjoy the Defender of the Nation illuminated in a spectacular after-dark trail.

Prepare to see Edinburgh Castle transform this festive season as Castle of Light returns for a fourth fantastic year. Delve into “Magic and Mystery”, as a tapestry of all-new projections dances across the walls. Let immersive illuminations and enchanting installations guide you through the castle grounds in a sea of twinkling lights and colourful displays. Enjoy spending time with friends and family as you experience unmissable moments, extraordinary lighting displays, and discover some mysteries along the way. Conjure a charming start to your festivities with a magical night at the castle!

Tickets must be booked in advance. The event takes place outdoors and there is no visitor access to interior areas of the castle, excluding an indoor catering area.

Tickets

You must book your tickets online in advance. 

Pick your time slot when buying tickets (last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm). The event closes at 9pm.

10% discount on tickets for Historic Scotland Members' (valid membership card required on arrival). Not a Member? Join now to enjoy the benefits.

Prices

  • Adult (16-64yrs) £22.00
  • Concession (65yrs+) £16.00
  • Child (7-15yrs) £12.00 *
  • Family (1 adult and 2 children) £40.00
  • Family (2 adults and 2 children) £58.00
  • Family (2 adults and 3 children) £68.00

Early Bird Prices (available until 30 Sept)

For early bird tickets please use the discount code COLSM23 at checkout.

Early bird tickets must be booked before midnight on Saturday 30 September.

  • Adult (16-64yrs) £19.80
  • Concession (65yrs+) £14.50
  • Child (7-15yrs) £11.00
  • Family (1 adult and 2 children) £36.00
  • Family (2 adults and 2 children) £52.00
  • Family (2 adults and 3 children) £61.00

Access night - Thursday 3 December

On Sunday 3 December, we’ll have help on hand to make Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery a fantastic experience for visitors with specific access needs.

BSL Tours with Interpreter - 5.15pm & 6.45pm

Guided by Deaf tour guide John Hay, accompanied by English interpreter Paula Marshall, enjoy a BSL tour of Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery. Tours will take place at 5.15pm and 6.45pm on Sunday 3 December.

Autism accessible time slot - 7pm

In partnership with Scottish Autism, our Autism accessible time slot provides a quieter experience of the Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery. A limited number of noise cancelling headphones will be available to borrow. The time slot is at 7pm on Sunday 3 December.

Places will be limited across all time slots on Sunday 3 December so that the castle is quieter on that night, and our staff will provide support to visitors with Dementia and visitors with Autism. Torches are advised to bring along.

Please purchase tickets, including carer tickets, as normal online ensuring you select the appropriate dates and times on Sunday 3 December. You can also book for our Visually Impaired Tour by calling 0131 668 8831 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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Contact

Castle of Light event team

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except UK public holidays)