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Our guide to this season's winter light shows
The nights are drawing in – which means more chance for light shows to sparkle!
Edinburgh and the Lothians will be glowing over the coming weeks and months with winter light shows – here's what’s on.
19 NOV - 9 JAN
CASTLE OF LIGHT: HIDDEN TREASURES
4.30pm-10pm (last entry 8.30pm), Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG edinburghcastle.scot
Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour this festive season as Edinburgh Castle, the defender of the nation, becomes the ‘Castle of Light’ once again. Look forward to stunning visuals, state of the art lighting installations and Rex, the famous red lion, back to guide you. Watch as the untold history of this iconic landmark illuminates the very walls that saw it unfold. Adult (16-64yrs) £20; concs (65+) £16; child (5-15) £12; family tickets (1+2) £40; (2+2) £58; (2+3) £68. Visit here
Read our review here.
19 NOV – JAN 2
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS
4.45pm-7.30pm (time slots), Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS edinburghzoo.org.uk
A spectacular light trail will take you on a journey to discover the magic of Christmas spirit and Santa’s time at the zoo. Book online in advance. Adult £18; child £12 (members 14.50/£9.50), carers and under 3s free. Visit here
25 NOV – 2 JAN
CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS
4.15pm-8pm (time slots), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ rbge.org.uk
Discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and gaze up at larger-than-life illuminations. Prices in advance (on the day): adult £20 (£22), member £17 (£19), family £66 (£74), child (4-16) £14 (£16), carers and 0-3s free but must be booked in advance. Visit here.
Read our review here
1 DEC – 23 DEC
CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS
Times vary, Five Sisters Zoo, Gavieside, West Calder EH55 8PT fivesisterszoo.co.uk
Enjoy toasted marshmallows around the fire pit, sip on hot chocolate or mulled wine while you stroll around a fairyland of twinkling lights. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, prices vary as to date. Visit here
DEC 3 – DEC 24
FESTIVE FOREST
4pm-10pm (last entry 8.30pm), Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow, EH49 6PL, beecraigsfestiveforest.com
A spectacular, atmospheric and magical family festive experience set in the beauty of Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow. Includes illuminated trail and Santa’s Grotto. Tickets: adult £18; child £12; family (2 + 2) £57; under threes free. Visit here
4 DEC – 2 JAN
SPECTACLE OF LIGHT
4.30pm-7pm (time slots), Dalkeith Country Park, via King’s Gate, Dalkeith EH22 1ST dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk
Immerse yourself in the light and sparkle of Fort Douglas and its surroundings. From the tree top viewing platforms, enjoy the carpet of colour encircling the magnificent Orangerie. Take a woodland walk and experience the luminescent bloom. Discover the Nutcracker garden and the flickering field of fire! Tickets: adult £22, child £11 (3-15), under 3s free, family ticket (2 + 2) £57 (10% off if booked by Dec 3). Visit here