Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Enter the magical world of winter light trails! Our guide to this year's displays
Pull on your gloves, wrap around that scarf and head out into the night – it’s time to discover the enchanted world of winter light displays! And with choices including the twilight magic of mischievous pixies, the spellbinding spectacle of an illuminated garden and the dazzling glory of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, there is sure to be something to bewitch everyone.
Christmas at the Botanics
22/11/2019-29/12/2019, 4.40pm-10pm (last entry 8pm, time slots apply, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, rbge.org.uk
A twinkling winter wonderland trail through the garden with an array of lights, projections and lasers, including laser garden, tunnel of light (pictured) and scented fire garden. Advance tickets adult from £17, child from £11, family from £52, under-fours and carers go free.
Read our review here!
https://www.primarytimes.co.uk/edinburgh/news/2019/11/-34-we-left-feeling-full-of-festive-spirit-34-
Spectacle of Light
07/12/2019-05/01/2020, 4pm-6.30pm (time slots apply), Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith EH22 1ST, dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk
Explore the night-time wonder of Fort Douglas all lit under the stars. Discover a kaleidoscope of illuminated parasols and trees hosting giant mirror balls. See meteors, pixie lanterns and more. Advance tickets adult £15.75, child £9.90, family £44.55, under-threes free. On the day tickets, adult £17.50, child £11, family £49.50.
Read our review here:
Castle of Light
14/11/2019-22/12/2019, 5.30pm-10pm (time slots apply), Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, edinburghcastle.scot
Edinburgh’s iconic castle will be illuminated with tales from Scotland’s past. A 90-minute journey of dazzling animations, using state-of-the-art projections and enchanting storytelling. Advance online tickets adult £20, concs £16, child (5-15) £12, family tickets £40-£68; on the day adults £22; concs £18, child £13.50, family £44-£76.
The Winter Realm of the Paraffin Pixies
06/12/2019-08/12/2019, 5pm-8.30pm, Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR, almondvalley.co.uk
Discover a world of twinkling lights, woodland trails and festive delights as the mischievous Paraffin Pixies lead you on a playful and lively night trail.. Adults: £12, children £8, under threes free.
Beecraigs Festive Forest
05/12/2019-24/12/2019, 3.30pm-8.30pm (last entry, trail closes 10pm), Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow, West Lothian EH49 6PL, beecraigsfestiveforest.buzz
1.5km trail through the forest with festive illuminations, special effects and sounds, panoramic views, Santa’s grotto and storytelling, silent disco, live music and seasonal food and drink. Adults £15, children £11, under threes free.
A Christmas Fairy Trail
06/12/2019-24/12/2019, 4pm-7pm, Archerfield Walled Garden, Archerfield Estate, Dirleton, East Lothian EH39 5HQ, achristmasfairytrail.com
An outdoor, immersive, theatrical experience set in a world of forest folk and fairies, with circus performers, lighting installations and interactive optical illusions. Adults £15, child £11, under twos free, family £48.
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
15/11/2019-22/12/2019, 5pm-9pm, Five Sisters Zoo, Gavieside, West Calder EH55 8PT, fivesisterszoo.co.uk
Illuminated trail including riverside walk, lit-up fountains, animal feeding, Santa, Japanese garden, festive refreshments. Adults £12.95-£14/95, 3+ £7.50-£8.95, 1-2 £2.50, under ones free.
Giant Lanterns: Lost World
15/11/2019-26/01/2020, 4.45pm-9pm (times slot apply), Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, edinburghzoo.org.uk
One mile loop of lantern displays crafted by Chinese artists using traditional techniques, themed around pre-historic creatures. Adults £17-£20, child £8.50-£9.95, under threes free.