Edinburgh festivals and events

As Europe’s festival capital, Edinburgh has an action-packed calendar of festivals and events to keep visitors entertained all year round. From world class theatre and comedy to lively ceilidhs and street theatre, there is always something going on

The Edinburgh International Festival  takes place every August to September, at various venues across Edinburgh. Experience the festival that started them all: the very best in classical music, theatre, opera, dance and visual art, presented in Edinburgh’s most prestigious theatres and concert halls

With 12 Festivals throughout the year, there’s an endless array of events, performances and spectacles to enjoy

For listings of all the festival events taking place in Edinburgh throughout the year, visit www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk/festivals

Take advantage too of our city break special offers for football, rugby and sporting events in Edinburgh, including the RBS 6 Nations Rugby Internationals

The Edinburgh Winter festival kicks off with the Christmas Lights Night when all of the Christmas decorations and lights in the City Centre get switched on. Edinburgh is the best city in Britain for a Christmas break. Scotland's Capital is stunningly beautiful for the rest of the year too but at Christmas, it becomes a truly magical experience, the heart of Edinburgh's winter festival. And if there's one time of year where theatres really go to town with their productions it's Christmas. This year's crop of Christmas shows at Edinburgh's main theatres spans the traditional panto - Cinderella at the King’s Theatre and Beauty and the Beast at the Royal Lyceum Theatre

The climax of the winter festival is the Edinburgh New Year celebrations. Edinburgh's Hogmanay - or Edinburgh Hogmany as some misspell it - is the most extravagant and bold New Year's Eve celebrations in Europe. The climax is the Hogmanay Street Party in Princes Street but events last four days altogether and include street theatre, music, dancing and fireworks

View our Edinburgh Hogmanay breaks

For listings of all the Edinburgh events throughout the year, visit www.edinburgh.org/events/