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!
Family Attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas & Hogmanay
Edinburgh’s Winter Festival with Halo is back with plenty for the whole family to enjoy
The magic of Christmas is brought to life as Santa and his helpers make Edinburgh their home for the season, setting up shop for the annual Santa’s Stories in West Princes Street Gardens from 20th November to 24th December.
Old Saint Nick will be back to regale the wee ones with festive tales and give out presents galore at the custom-built grotto in West Princes Street Gardens. Dazzling the wee ones, not to mention their parents, Santa’s festive tales are full of adventure and Christmas magic, and just as heartwarming!
Step into Santa's Grotto and become transported in a world of seasonal fun, festivities and adventure. Make your little one's day and get into the festive spirit with the man of the season, Santa Claus himself.
Each session lasts around 20 minutes with every child having their chance to meet the big man himself and receive their own special gift, all in the surrounds of Santa’s magical cabin beneath the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Wrap up warm and enjoy this fantastic festive treat; a Christmas experience the kids will treasure forever!
Relaxed, Audio Described, and BSL Interpreted sessions are available.
Tickets from £7.50.
Over on George Street, wrap up warm and embrace your inner Viking at the Family Ice Experience with Icelandair, in the Polar Ice Bar. The spectacular family-friendly attraction is made almost entirely from ice and full of spellbinding Viking themed sculptures to dazzle the whole family.
The new theme for this festive season is unlocked as Hamilton’s Ice Sculptors provide majestic hand-carved Viking themed ice sculptures. And now with more family-friendly sessions in the Polar Ice Bar this year than ever before, the whole family can join in!
The whole bar is made of ice, even the glasses you drink from. On arrival, enjoy a refreshing apple juice or save your token for a comforting hot chocolate afterwards — the perfect way for little ones to warm up after their icy adventure.
Set at a cool minus 8 degrees, the Family Ice Experience is one of Edinburgh’s Christmas’ most popular attractions, with this year’s Viking theme sure to thrill the whole family.
The festive attraction sets up shop on George Street from 21st November to 3rd January, just a stone's throw from the Traditional Christmas Markets at East Princes Street Gardens.
Tickets from £12.
Just next door, families can warm up in the cosy, Highland-inspired Coorie Inn (opens 19th November – 3rd January), free to enter and chock full of live music, pub quizzes, and festive workshops for the whole family.
All family-friendly attractions are now on sale and tickets available from edinburgh-christmas.com