What's on in the school holidays
Free or low-cost activities and support for families during the holidays. If you know of any other running activities, please let us know.
wholefamilywellbeing@edinburgh.gov.uk
Winter Family Trail
Following the route around the museums, find the eight snow-people hidden throughout the galleries and answer each of their music-related questions to win a Winter-Themed Sticker at the end. The trail is open from 10am until 4pm from Saturday 15th November to Saturday 20th December at
For more information visit the St Cecilia’s Hall website
Free Christmas Movies
Join in the festive cheer, watch free Christmas movies for all the family with Gilmerton Library. Popcorn and juice will be provided. Children under the age of eight years must be accompanied by an adult. No booking required, the films will be starting at 12pm and will be running on
- Saturday 29th November
- Saturday 6th December
- Saturday 13th December
- Saturday 20th December
For more information visit the Gilmerton Library Facebook page
Christmas Coffee Morning
Enjoy stalls and tombola alongside a wonderful cafe and home baking. Entry is £3.00 for adults and free for children running on Saturday 29th November from 10am to 12pm at
For more information visit the Dalmeny and Queensferry Church website
St Andrew’s Day Family Ceilidhs
A family Ceilidh aimed for families with children aged from three to nine years, but everyone is welcome. The dances will be simplified and non-scary. Families may wear tartan if they wish and must bring their own refreshments. A donation of £5.00 per family would be welcome if able to manage.
The Ceilidh will run on Sunday 30 November. Session one will run from 10am to 11am, session two is from 11.15am to 12.15pm and session three is from 12.30 to 1.30pm at
To book your place, send an email with how many people you wish to book for and which session to
Make Mess Matter
Whilst under the supervision of an accompanying adult, children can enjoy all manner of messy matter in a controlled and safe environment including sand, water, dough, foam, bubbles, chalk, paint and edible items all designed to enhance a child's creative learning experience. The session will run on Tuesday 2 December from 10am to 12pm at
For more information visit the IKEA website
Bumps and Bairns
A group open to families living within EH6/EH7 with at least one child under the age of 10 months. Have a chat and a cup of tea with other families at Dr Bells. Meet other expectant parents and those with babies up to the age of nine months. The structure of the group is very informal, and the focus is for families to meet and Socialise.
- Sensory Play session on Monday 2 December from 10am to 11.30am
- Make a Christmas keepsake for your baby’s first Christmas on Monday 9 December from 10am to 11.30am
For more information visit the Dr Bells Family Centre
Arthur's Secrets – Guided Walk at Holyrood Park
Join a guided walk to learn more about Arthur’s Seat’s turbulent past, created by fire and ice. Find out about the people who lived and worked in the park from seven thousand years ago up until the present day and learn more about the rare wildlife that makes the park so special. This walk may not be suitable for children under 12 years.
The sessions will be running on every Tuesday from 2 December to 16 December from 1pm at
To book a free space, visit the Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service Eventbrite page
Sensory Friendly Supper with Santa
Join Santa and his elves for a Sensory Friendly supper. Every registered child gets an early Christmas gift from Santa and his Elves. Tickets cost £5.00 per child (Adults go free with a paying child). Payment made in store on the day of your booked session. The sessions will be running on
- Wednesday 3 December from 5pm to 6pm and 6pm to 7pm
- Wednesday 10 December from 5pm to 6pm and 6pm to 7pm
- Wednesday 17 December from 5pm to 6pm and 6pm to 7pm
For more information visit the IKEA website
Activities, trails and handling tables at Museum on the Mound
Offering fun, free family-friendly activities, trails and handling tables throughout the Winter holidays. Families can get hands-on with the Museum's collection by dropping by their handling tables. Play with the coins Scrooge would have hoarded, design a banknote, explore coins from around the world, and discover some weird and wonderful currencies. Families can also find the festive squirrels hiding in the Museum or take part in the animal spotting trail.
The activities will be running from Tuesday 2nd December to Tuesday 6th January from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays at
For more information visit the Museum on the Mound website
Wee One Wednesdays
With toys to keep the little ones entertained, Parents and carers can enjoy a hot drink and a chance to meet other parents. Sessions are running on
- Wednesday 3 December from 9.30am to 11.30am
- Wednesday 10 December from 9.30am to 11.30am
- Wednesday 17 December from 9.30am to 11.30am
For more information visit the IKEA Website
Bridgend Farmhouse Community meal
Save on cooking, meet some people, and skip the washing up. Food is made from ingredients freshly harvested from the community garden, or from food saved from going to landfill. A vegetarian option is also available. Entry is by donation, pay what you like. The event is on Wednesday 3 December and Wednesday 5 December from 5pm at
To book your place visit the Bridgend Farmhouse Eventbrite page
Sparkle and Shine Carol Concert
Join Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity for their Sparkle & Shine Christmas Carol Concert, a heartwarming evening filled with music, joy and the spirit of giving, all in support of seriously ill children. Enjoy a free glass of wine, juice and mince pies, with Christmas stalls, Santa and activities for the kids. All in support of children facing hospital this Christmas. The concert is being held on Thursday 4th December from 6pm to 8.30pm at
For more information visit the Visit Scotland website
The Christmas Quiz
The quiz is suitable for youth and adults. The session is on Thursday 4 December from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at
For more information visit the Ps & Gs Church website
Santa’s Snowy Spectacular!
Take the whole family for a night full of festive fun, laughter and creativity. Dress in your festive, funniest or coziest Christmas outfit. Tickets cost £5.00 per child (Adults go free with a paying child). Payment made in store on the day of your booked session. Sessions are on Thursday 4 December and Thursday 18 December from 5pm to 7pm at
For more information visit the IKEA website
Santa’s Grotto at Ocean Terminal
Santa will be spreading the festive cheer at the ocean terminal this Christmas. Tickets cost £6.50 and should be booked in advance. All children receive an age-appropriate gift from Santa. Relaxed sessions are also available. The Grotto is located indoors on the ground floor, next to the mall lift and running from Thursday 4 December to Wednesday 24 December at
For more information on relaxed sessions or to book tickets, visit the Ocean Terminal website
Supper with Santa
This festive season, IKEA Family members are invited to join Santa for some supper. Santa will be accompanied by his elves and will be handing out an early Christmas gift for every child that attends. Tickets cost £5.00 per child (Adults go free with a paying child). Payment made in store on the day of your booked session. The sessions will be running on
- Friday 5 December from 4pm to 5pm and 5pm to 6pm
- Friday 12 December from 4pm to 5pm and 5pm to 6pm
- Friday 19 December from 4pm to 5pm and 5pm to 6pm
For more information visit the IKEA website
Ethan Ward Quiet Concerts at St Cecilia’s Hall
A quiet concert featuring music from FOLK(ISH) with the Haver String Quartet. Sensory needs have been considered for those who love music but can find the concert experience overwhelming. The concert is on Friday 5 December from 3pm to 4pm at
For more information visit the St Ceilia’s Hall Eventbrite page
Christmas Fayre
Enjoy children’s craft activities, wreath making, stalls, crafts and gifts, seasonal bakes, hot drinks & snacks. The fayre is on Saturday 6 December from 11am to 2pm at
For more information visit The Water of Leith Conservation Trust website
Messy Church
Messy Church is a way of being a church for families and others. It is Christ-centered, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. A mix of crafts, toys, family worship and a family meal. All ages are welcome. The session will run on Saturday 6 December from 4pm to 6pm at
For more information visit Liberton Kirk website
Big Christmas Birthday Bash
An event for children and families including a bouncy castle, festive arts and crafts, cake and more. The bash is on Sunday 6 December from 10am to 11.30am at
For more information visit the Ps & Gs Church website
Breakfast with Santa
Join Santa for breakfast at IKEA. Santa will be accompanied by his elves and will be handing out an early Christmas gifts for every child that attends. Tickets cost £5.00 per child (Adults go free with a paying child). Payment made in store on the day of your booked session. The sessions will be running across December.
- Sunday 6 December from 9.30am to 10.30am and 10.30am to 11.30am
- Sunday 7 December from 9.30am to 10.30am
- Saturday 13 December from 9.30am to 10.30am and 10.30am to 11.30am
- Sunday 14 December from 9.30am to 10.30am
- Saturday 20 December from 9.30am to 10.30am
- Sunday 21 December from 9.30am to 10.30am
- Monday 22 December from 9.30am to 10.30am and 10.30am to 11.30am
- Tuesday 23 December from 9.30am to 10.30am and 10.30am to 11.30am
For more information and to book visit the IKEA website
Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra
The Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra have a repertoire of light classical, film and world music drawn from many countries and traditions. The EMGO perform regularly throughout the year, led by their conductor, Michael Graham. The show is on Saturday 6 December from 1pm at
For more information and to book your free ticket visit the Ticket source website
Porty’s Festive Light Switch On
Enjoy the magic of the season and switching on the Porty Christmas Tree. Join the party and sprinkle some festive magic all over Portobello. The event is on Sunday 7 December from 4.15pm at
For more information visit the Porty’s Festive Light Switch On Facebook page
Winter cooking for carers
A hands-on session for Carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian that will give essential kitchen skills, budget-friendly tips and delicious ideas to take home. There’ll be plenty of time to chat, connect with other carers, and enjoy what has been cooked together. All materials and produce will be supplied. The session will run on Tuesday 9 December from 10.45am to 1.15pm at
For more information and to book your space visit the Carer Events and Training website event page
Youth Christmas Party
A free to attend youth Christmas party for young people in P7 to S6 on Friday 12 December from 7pm at
For more informartion email
Community Mushroom Farming – Clearing & Preparing for Winter
A hands-on learning experience. In these two-hour workshops, you will gain an understanding of the different aspects of community mushroom farming. Learn which seasonal native fungi you can grow outdoors for food and soil restoration. Workshops will run on Tuesday 12 December and Friday 19 December from 1pm to 3pm at
To book your free place email
Energise Christmas Party
A Christmas twist at Energise! With Christmas dinner, festive party games, hot chocolate and hear about the amazing gift of Jesus. Suitable for children P5 to P7. The party is on Saturday 13 December from 6pm to 8.30pm at
For more information visit the Ps & Gs Church website
Meet Santa at Queensferry Parish Church
Join a jolly storytime with Santa, share your wish list, and get a special gift! Tickets are priced from £3.00 per person. The session is on Saturday 13 December from 10am until 5pm at
To book visit the Dalmeny and Queensferry Church Eventbrite page
Christmas Art Shack at Queensferry Parish Church
Get festive with fun Christmas crafts and treats from Queensferry Parish Church’s Cafe. Free for all and no booking required to come along. The session is on Saturday 13 December from 10am to 5pm at
Music on the Mezzanine (in the foyer) - Simmerdim
The Central Library will be holding a concert in their foyer where, on their staircase, the wonderful Simmerdim will perform a selection of seasonal music arranged for a cappella trio. The concert is on Saturday 13 December from 1pm at
To book your free ticket visit the Ticket source website
Forests for all
Trees and Seas Outdoor Adventures and The Very Inclusive Play Club run are running an Inclusive woodland activities session for primary aged children with support needs and their families. On Saturday 13 December form 10am to 12pm at
For more information visit the Bridgend Farmhouse website
The Big Afternoon
Chalmers Church are hosting a free to attend Christmas event with games, crafts and the Christmas story for children in P1 to P7 on Saturday 13 December from 2pm to 4.30pm at
For more information email
Wreath-making Workshop
Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden are hosting a Wreath making workshop with Ochre Botanical Studios. The session will be an Informal drop-in session for some seasonal making. All are welcome on Sunday 14 December from 12pm to 2pm at
1K Elf Dash
The perfect way to run off some of the pre-Christmas excitement. The festive run is open to all including buggies and dogs. Entry costs £6.50, which includes a festive Doddie hat and medal. The elf dash is on Sunday 14 December at 10.15 am at
For more information, visit the Dalkeith Country Park website
Christmas Carols for All Service
A lively festive carol service with a full choir and orchestra, and lots of activities to keep children engaged. Suitable for all ages, primary-age children in particular on Sunday 14 December from 2.30pm to 3.30pm at
For more information visit the Ps & Gs Church website
Christmas on the Corner
Join Colinton Village community for their Christmas on the corner celebrations including a tombola, activities, mulled wine, mince pies and Santa’s Grotto. Entry by donation. The event is on Thursday 18th December from 5pm to 7pm at
For more information visit the Colinton Village Enterprises Facebook page
Sparkle and Song – A Christmas family concert
Gather under the stars, in the Great Hall, for a joyful morning of festive tunes and gentle rhythms designed especially for babies, toddlers, and their grown ups. Celebrate the season with music, laughter, and a touch of Christmas magic. For children aged nought to five years old. The concert will run on Friday 19 December from 10.15am (for non-walking babies) and from 11.15am (for toddlers and above) at
For more information and to book visit the National Galleries website
Little Big Horns
Join in the Central Lending Library to play a programme of saxed-up seasonal favourites. The concert is on Saturday 20 December from 1pm at
To book visit the Ticket source website
Shape Shifters
In a world full of colours, textures, and surprises, Shape Shifters invites young audiences on a joyful journey of play, transformation, and finding their sparkle. Through dance, illusion, and a touch of comedy, Shape Shifters celebrates identify, difference, and the friendships we find the courage to be ourselves.
A joyful magical dance adventure for children aged three years and above and their grown-ups. Tickets cost £5.00 per person. The session is on 20 December from 11am to 11.45am and from 3pm to 3.45pm at
For more information and book visit the Magicfest website
Christingle Service
A service in which every child is given a Christingle, a visual reminder of the Light of the World, with sweets. Suitable for all ages to attend on Sunday 21 December from 10am to 11.30am at
For more information visit the Ps & Gs Church website
Christmas Amble – Guided Walk at Holyrood Park
Join a guided walk this Christmas to get warm and discover some folklore behind some of your favourite festive wildlife such as robins, holly and swans-a-swimming! on Sunday 29 December and Tuesday 30 December from 1pm to 2.30pm at
To find out more visit the Holyrood Park Eventbrite page
Pilton Community Health Project - Chat Cafe
A welcoming and inclusive space for women who are welcome to bring children if they are caring for them at this time. For new and settled migrants Chat Cafe is an informal opportunity to improve English conversation skills. There will be a range of free activities as well as coffee, tea, and snacks every week. Booking is not required.
The sessions are running until the end of school term in December on Mondays from 9.30am to 12pm at
Pilton Community Health Project Tiny Plates
Practical workshops to support parents and carers with under 5s. Exploring why fussy eating happens and discovering how we can get children to eat a better variety of foods. Booking is essential. Sessions are running until the end of school term in December on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 11am at
For more information and to book contact
0131 551 1671
Stay and Play Mother and Toddler group
For further information please call Nadia or Esther on
0131 661 0890
Scottish Parliament
Explores the Scottish Parliament independently or with a free guided tour. Guided tours look at the inner workings of Parliament and award-winning architecture. The tour is suitable for visitors of all ages and free to attend and is available Monday to Saturday throughout December at
To book visit The Scottish Parliament website
Dobbie’s Garden Centre Soft Play
Enjoy a 60-minute soft play session at Dobbie’s Garden Centre. Bookings must be made at least one day in advance. Booking is recommended, though walk ins are welcomed depending on spaces available. Adults are free and children cost £4.00.
To book visit the Dobbie’s Garden Centre website
Crafternoons at the Scottish Parliament
Offering a range of free activities for all ages! There’s no need to book, just walk in and join the sessions! The sessions will be themed, and the duration varies based on activity from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. The sessions are running on Saturdays from 11am to 4pm at
For more information visit the Scottish Parliament website
Drawn Together at the museum
Be inspired to sketch some of the fascinating objects in the collection. Whether it’s an old favourite or something new, there will be plenty to catch your eye in the galleries. The session is running from Saturday 27 December to Tuesday 30 December from 10.30am to 6pm at
For more information visit The National Museums Scotland website
Sprogmanay
Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year with Sprogmanay. A free drop-in afternoon for children of all ages with live music, dancing, and performances and exploring the galleries on Thursday 1 January 2026 from 12pm to 5pm at
For more information visit the National Museums Scotland website.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Enjoy 20% off rides and attractions at Edinburgh's Christmas market. All Edinburgh residents with an EH postcode can claim the discount across any of the locations at Princes Street Gardens (East and West), George Street and St Andrew's Square between Saturday 15 November and Sunday 4 January.
For more information and to book visit Edinburgh's Christmas website
Virtual Magic School
The Virtual Magic School is a free online learning resource of an 8-lesson virtual magic course for primary school children aged seven to 10 years old illustrating key aspects of the primary school curricula such as numeracy and literacy as well as developing pupils’ skills in presentation and communication.
For more information visit the Magicfest website
Bookbugs for under fives
Oxgang Library is running Bookbug sessions for children under the age of five throughout December. The sessions are on Tuesdays from 10.30am, Thursdays from 2pm and Saturdays from 10.30am
For more information visit the Oxgang Library Facebook page
Baby Cafe
For expecting parents and babies up to 6 months old. A relaxed space to grab a cup of tea and connect with other parents. The sessions run on Mondays throughout December from 10.30am to 12pm at
For more information visit the Homelink Family Support website
Meadows junior park run
Join a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors aged four to 14 years every Sunday from 9.30am at
To find out more visit The Parkrun website
Forth Bridges Trail
The five-mile circular trail can be started at any of the 10 stops in and around South Queensferry, be submerged in history, heritage, wildlife, nature and beauty and some pretty impressive views of the bridges.
For more information visit the Forth Bridges Website
Kids Eat Free (or for £1) List
It’s so hard to keep the kids entertained for long periods of time without spending a fortune. Collated are a list of all the restaurants and cafes which are offering ‘Kids Eat Free’ (or for £1) during every UK school holiday in 2025.
To find out more visit the Money saving central website
Fun activities to do at home
Activities do not need to cost a lot of money (or sometimes any money at all) to be meaningful and memorable. Some of the best memories are made by doing simple things at home or around the community. Enjoying the time, you have together is what is most important. Below are some very low-cost or free activities that require no/minimal resources, most of which you will have around the house already. Enjoy!
Art of Nature
Cut out a frame shape from a piece of cardboard/paper/card. Put sticky tape down on one full side of your frame. Go for a walk around the local park, streets or even your garden. Collect leaves, flowers, grass and anything else you find and stick it to your sticky tape to create your ‘art of nature’.
Creating Snowflake
All you need is paper and scissors. Add glitter to spruce them up. Cut paper into circles and fold it up. Cut out small shapes from the edges. Open up to find a unique snowflake.
Make a den
Using blankets, duvets, cushions off the sofa and any other items you have around the house, create a den in your living room. Extend it a little further and cosy up inside the den for a family movie night altogether.
Winter walk
Go for a wintery walk around one of Edinburgh’s well-known spots. Arthur’s Seat, Portobello Promenade, Colinton Tunnel, Water of Leith, Calton Hill, Dalkeith Country Park, Figgate Park, The Meadows or Cramond Beach.
Remember you can apply for a free travel card (bus and tram) for children. Pop into your local library for help to apply.
Treasure hunt
Are you ready to find the treasure? Create a list of things to find around the house or spot out on a walk.
Lego challenge
Challenge your imagination. Can you build: a robot, a bus, a Christmas tree, an igloo, Santa’s sleigh, or a maze?
Make Paper Chains
Cut strips of paper approximately 1cm thick. Glue each end of a strip together to make a ring, slide the next strip through the ring and glue the ends together. Continue until the desired length.
Biscuit Decorating
Decorate some delicious biscuits for the whole family to enjoy! Items needed: Digestives, icing sugar, decoration (sprinkles, chocolate, etc)
Jar of favourite Christmas movies
In a jar add all the family Christmas movie favourites. Take it in turns to pick out a mystery film to enjoy together. Enjoy with hot chocolate and microwave popcorn.
Minute to win it challenges
Sock wash: How many pairs of socks can you throw into the laundry basket in one minute?
Face the cookie: Place a cookie in the centre of your forehead. Without using your hands, move the cookie down into your mouth. The first to get the cookie in their mouth wins!
Clothes challenge: How many items of clothing can you put on in one minute? You can wear socks, pants, scarves, anything!
Whipped cream challenge: Squirt some cream onto the back of your hand. You have one minute to hit your forearm and catch the cream in your mouth.
Defying Gravity: Give each player three balloons. They have to keep all three balloons up in the air for a minute.
Make your own Christmas cards!
Grab some pens and paper. Fold your paper in half and decorate the front with your favourite festive designs. Friends and family will love the handmade gesture this Christmas!
Party Games
Play some traditional party games to some Christmas music. Why not give musical bumps and musical statues a try?
Garden Centre Christmas Displays
Visit the local garden centres to admire the great Christmas displays.
Christmas decoration walk
Take a walk around your local community, spotting all of the lights and decorations people have displayed in their windows and gardens. You can count how many snowmen/Santas you see or how many stars/snowflakes.
Recipes to try
Shortbread
Ingredients
150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
100g butter, chilled and cubed
50g caster sugar, plus 1 tbsp for sprinkling
Method
- Heat the oven 170C/150C fan/gas 3. Put the flour, butter and sugar into a mixing bowl. Use your hands to combine the ingredients until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs, then squeeze until it comes together as a dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to ½ cm thick. Cut the dough into fingers and place on a lined baking tray. Use a fork to create imprints, then sprinkle with the remaining caster sugar.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 20 mins, then bake for 15-20 mins until golden brown. Remove the shortbread fingers from the oven and leave to cool on the tray for 10 mins.
Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
200g chopped vegetables such as onions, celery and carrots
300g potatoes, cubed
1 tbsp oil
700ml stock
Method
- Fry the vegetables and potatoes in a pan with the oil for a few minutes until beginning to soften.
- Cover with the stock and simmer for 10-15 mins until the veg is tender. Blend until smooth, then season.