Edinburgh Castle of Light

Castle of Light

The Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle was first held in December 2019 on the Historic Environment Scotland property of Edinburgh Castle. A year was missed due to Covid, but it was great to for it to be back on again in 2021 and now it’s back for it’s third spectacular year. The castle turns into a huge light show and trail for people to enjoy. The immersive illuminations are always amazing and well worth the effort of going out in the cold festive season, no matter the weather!

Historic Scotland members get a small discount at the event, so don’t forget your membership card. Check the Edinburgh Castle website for ticket prices.

The third year of the Castle of Light theme is Kingdom of Colours, which begins on 18th November and runs through to 30th December

What To Expect

When you first arrive don’t head straight into the gate to enter. Instead stand outside the fenced area on the castle esplanade and watch the awesome display on the outside of the castle. It’s always a great introduction to the light show.

The castle of Light is always busy, so expect crowds, but you can always find a good space to watch the different sections. There are many mesmerising stories of Scotland, from myths and legends to true stories. Alongside more colourful displays that are a spectacle of colour.

You will only be able to enter the areas of the castle with the projections, not the usual areas you can see inside when entering inside the castle walls. So I’m afraid you won’t be able to see the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) unless you come back during the day.

Please note there is also a special access night for those that require it.

It’s also possible to book the Queen Anne VIP dinner, which is a 2 course festive dinner along with an Edinburgh Castle Gin Cocktail in the Queen Anne Building. This dies need to be booked in advance, 10% discount available for Historic Scotland members.

Illuminations

These extraordinary projections are a magical experience that everyone will talk about for months afterward. As the Castle of Light is on during the darker months of the year you will notice Edinburgh’s skyline sparkle before you even reach the esplanade.

As soon as you arrive at the outer castle walls on the esplanade you will see the castle of light transform Edinburgh Castle. Previous years have shown photographs and pictures of Scotland’s history and huge sparkling jewels depicted on the walls themselves.

However, it’s when you enter the castle that you will see art projections on the internal walls showing you different state of the art lighting installations. Rex the famous red lion has made an appearance every year that we have visited. Along with sleeping dragons and a fantastic projection about the history of the castle (including the funny bits!). Elsewhere there is usually a tunnel of light and St Margaret’s Chapel was beautifully lit by coloured bricks and flowers engulfing it in 2021.

The whole family will want to enter the courtyard by the Great Hall to watch the impressive kaleidoscope of colours projected onto the building walls. Previous years have included a history of the castle with windows opening here and there or a huge dance party that everyone watching could join in with. This is definitely one of the unmissable moments of a magical night at this truly immersive experience.

This year’s event will be a fusion of colour and featuring kaleidoscope patterns as it the theme is ‘A Kingdom of Colour’. There is a suggested route of the event to follow around Edinburgh Castle grounds, however there’s nobody stopping you from watching sections twice or going in a different direction (aside the light tunnel!).

Getting Here

The Castle of Light is at Edinburgh Castle in City of Edinburgh. You can get to Edinburgh various ways, including flying, train, car and bus.

Once you are in Edinburgh then it’s simply a case of getting a tram or bus into the centre and walking up the hill to the castle (it’s not too far from Princes Street). You can also take a taxi if you’re not keen on walking.

Read more posts about what to do in Edinburgh:

• Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh in Winter for their beautiful Christmas at the Botanics event.
• Edinburgh Castle of Light is an amazing winter spectacle too, both fun and educational too.
• Spend a weekend in the city with this Edinburgh weekend Itinerary.
• Visit Edinburgh’s ‘other’ castle, Craigmillar, an interesting castle with a lot of history!
• Go for a day trip to Inchcolm island, reached by boat from South Queensferry.
• Find the best things to do in Edinburgh for your next visit.
• Conifox Adventure Park is an excellent place for the kids to run off some energy, just on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
• At the end of June spend a day or two at the world famous Royal Highland Show!
• Stay at Eastside Cottages just outside Edinburgh, where you can get the best of the rural farm life and Edinburgh city life.
• Use this car parking company at Edinburgh Airport.
• Spend a day out at Edinburgh Castle with the kids!
• Enjoy another day out at the edge of Edinburgh visiting Cramond Island and beach.

More Edinburgh Related Posts To Read!

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