Free fun for families in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is well known for its fantastic New Year celebrations. But what else is there for families to do in the city over the holidays? Here are some of the highlights
- Sprogmanay
For a family-friendly New Year celebration, Edinburgh's Hogmanay is bringing you Sprogmanay. This is three days of specifically tailored children’s events. Come and explore The National Museum of Scotland who'll be putting the party indoors and animating spaces with art, words and sounds from across Scotland. Find it on Chambers Street from 30th of December - 1st January 2017. The museum will be a hub for family-friendly celebrations featuring arts and crafts, live music, a specially designed map trail, storytelling and a special Lantern Procession. There'll also be a torchlight procession, with the Up Helly Aa Vikings who have come all the way from the Shetland Isles! - Sandemans Edinburgh Free Tour
This free 3 hour walking tour covers all the main sights of the Old City of Edinburgh. Starting on the famous Royal Mile, the tour goes through the streets and up the hills to historic sites and the birthplace of Harry Potter. It's a good idea to contact Sandemans Edinburgh Free Tour before setting off to confirm - you'll find the link below. - European Christmas market
The traditional European Market in the heart of Edinburgh offers a uniquely atmospheric experience. And it's not just for Christmas - find it on Princes Street Gardens until 7th January 2017. - Bedtime Stories
This free exhibition at the Museum of Childhood celebrates the power of bedtime stories to inspire the imagination. Toys from the Museum of Childhood’s collection bring to life poems by Robert Louis Stevenson, recalling his Edinburgh childhood. As in ‘The Land of Counterpane’, a bedspread becomes a landscape for marching soldiers, and a procession of wonderful animals and characters lead to the town of Sleep as described in ‘Young Night Thought’. Beautifully coloured Magic Lantern slides illuminate the room, as they did in children’s nurseries of the late 1800s. Runs until 24th February 2017 - Winter Windows
Come and see Edinburgh's Winter Windows as designed by pupils from schools throughout Edinburgh. The windows in Princes Street Gardens form a magical pathway to Santa Land. Each window is designed by a budding young artist from a local school.