Winter Festival

At the end of November, the city of Edinburgh hosts a winter festival. An outdoor ice rink is erected in Princes Street Gardens and an area is set-up with rides. There is also a German Market and craft shop vendors are located near the Walter Scott Monument.

As Hogmanay approaches the Hogmanay Festival begins with the Torchlight Procession from Parliament Square to Calton Hill. On the 30th of December there is a street party on George Street.  This Party ‘The Night Afore’ begins at 20:00 and is supposed to end at midnight.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a two week event held in the gardens of Charlotte Square in August.  Every year the festival attracts authors from around the world. More information is available at the Edinburgh Book Festival website.

Edinburgh International Festival

The Edinburgh International Festival runs along with the Fringe Festival and turns Edinburgh into the art capital of Europe for the month of August. It is considered one one of the greatest international arts festivals in the world. The International Festival attracts world class Theatre, Music, Opera  and Art. More information can be found at the Edinburgh International Festival website.

Fringe Festival

The Fringe Festival runs alongside the International festival, and allows for very ‘interesting’ acts.  The comedy acts are very popular, and many of them are performmed at the Guilded Ballon or at the Pleasance.  For the 2007 season, Ricky Gervais performed at the Edinburgh Castle.  Read the reviews, pick your shows and have a great time! More information is available on the Fringe website.

International Film Festival

The Edinburgh International Film Festival usually takes place in June.  The event attracts film stars and film buffs from all over the U.K., and usually gets the city buzzing on who is going to show up to which events.  Events are usually announced in May. For more information check out the website.

Edinburgh Science Festival

The Edinburgh Science Festival generally takes place during the Easter Break.  The Assembly Rooms, the zoo, Dynamic Earth and the Royal Botanic Gardens are usually the main area for the venues.  Look at the website where you will find the latest information with what’s happening at the Edinburgh Science Festival, and how to purchase tickets for the different events.

Edinburgh Children’s Festival

The Edinburgh Children’s Festival usually takes place in May, and events are held throughout the city.  The event is aimed at children of all ages, and it is not unusual to see very young babies attending these events.  To keep up to date with all the events, and to book tickets, check out the website.