A castle on a rock at night. Half of the castle is illuminated with yellow, and half illuminated with blue, with the colours projecting into the sky.

Castle of Light: Fire and Ice

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Dates

21-22, 28-29 November; 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 27-30 December; 2-4 January

Times

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

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

Castle of Light returns to Edinburgh Castle for its sixth year, brighter and bolder than ever. Born of fire and sculpted by ice, Scotland’s iconic fortress comes alive with the UK’s largest annual projection show. Wander amongst dazzling displays, meet the Ice Queen in her frozen realm of the Great Hall, and watch as the mighty dragon lights up the dark night sky. Experience multiple immersive projections and interactive installations.

With toasted marshmallows from the warming fire pit plus a fine selection of tasty drinks and snacks from our café and street food vendors, it’s the perfect festive night out for all ages. Create magical memories together and see Edinburgh Castle in a whole new light!

A couple taking a selfie in crown square during castle of light
A family with a small child walking through the lit up portcullis at the castle
Photo of crown square during Castle of Light. There are projections of Robert the Bruce on the wall and groups of people looking at it.
A group of people grabbing hot chocolates at a Benugo cafe at the castle
A group of people taking a selfie at castle of light
Lights projected on the exterior of the castle on the esplanade

Tickets

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

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

Advance booking online is recommended.

Book tickets

including Historic Scotland Member tickets

Early Bird Prices (available until 30 Sept)

For early bird tickets please use the discount code COLCM25 at checkout (excluded on members offer)

Early bird tickets must be booked before midnight on Tuesday 30 September 

Prices

  • Adult (16-64yrs) £24.00
  • Concession (65yrs+) £19.00
  • Child (7-15yrs) £15.00
  • Family (1 adult and 2 children) £48.50
  • Family (2 adults and 2 children) £70.00
  • Family (2 adults and 3 children) £84.00

Consumer Terms & Conditions

Footage from Castle of Light

Event cancellation

If we need to cancel the event for any reason, ticket holders will be notified, and we will also update Facebook

 

Quiet night - Sunday 7 December

The Quiet Night will have: reduced visitor numbers; dimmed lighting; no smoke machine; reduced noise

Event dates & early closures

To allow for the event, the castle will close at the earlier time of 4pm (last entry at 2.30pm) on the following dates:

  • 21 November
  • 22 November
  • 28 November
  • 29 November
  • 5 December
  • 6 December
  • 7 December (Quiet night)
  • 12 December
  • 13 December
  • 14 December
  • 19 December
  • 20 December
  • 21 December
  • 22 December
  • 23 December
  • 27 December
  • 28 December
  • 29 December
  • 30 December
  • 2 January
  • 3 January
  • 4 January

Stay updated

Keep up to date and be the first to hear about all of our exciting events news by signing up to our Historic Scotland newsletter

Contact

Castle of Light event team

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

Email:castleoflight@hes.scot