The 5 Best Christmas Group Activities in Edinburgh
Each December Edinburgh shakes off its damp autumnal chill and transforms into a glowing winter wonderland! It’s the perfect time for a festive get-together with colleagues, friends, or family. But with so many Christmas events, markets, and activities competing for attention, how do you choose a fun activity that feels special?
If you’re planning a festive outing in Edinburgh, it’s likely you want more than a night in a predictable (if cozy) pub, or a fight through Christmas market crowds. You want something that sparks conversation, strengthens bonds, and creates memories you’ll be laughing about long after the tree comes down.
This guide focuses on active, engaging Christmas group activities in Edinburgh that showcase the best the city has to offer at this time of year. So, read on and make your festive celebration truly unforgettable…
1. Solve an Edinburgh Mystery in a Christmas Escape Room
If you’re looking for a Christmas activity that captivates everyone from start to finish, you simply can’t beat an escape room. And whether you’re local or visiting Edinburgh - why not choose one that’s based on the city’s real history? Each Christmas, Escape The Past’s escape rooms get a festive makeover with seasonal decor and sweet surprises adding a cozy glow to every descent into Edinburgh’s fascinatingly dark past!
Why it’s great for festive groups:
Our Escape Rooms are the perfect Edinburgh Activity, suitable for groups of all sizes (2-15 people) and almost all ages (10+). They’re highly immersive and seriously good fun. From the moment the clock starts ticking, every member of the group has their part to play!
It’s energetic, it’s immersive, and it’s the perfect blend of festive fun and problem-solving. The whole group are sure to leave buzzing and even better? Escape rooms are indoors - ideal for Edinburgh’s famously unpredictable winter weather!
Ready to book your Christmas group activity?
2. Get your Skates on at the Christmas Markets
Each year, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market envelopes much of the New Town and right at the heart of it - in the very centre of George Street - a large ice rink springs up, framed by historic architecture and illuminated under sparkling lights. It’s a classic, fun festive activity and full of opportunities for group photos.
So, strap on some skates and glide (or wobble heroically) around a glistening ice rink with vibrant lights, music, and the charm of Christmas stalls nearby, not to mention the mulled wine and festive treats!
Why it’s great for festive groups:
Ice skating is suitable for groups of all sizes, no matter their skill level, is sure to bring laughter, fun and plenty of shared silliness in an unbeatably festive setting. Afterwards, your group can warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate, bratwurst, or churros from the nearby market vendors.
Be warned however, like the rest of the Christmas Markets, Edinburgh’s Christmas ice rink can get busy especially evenings and weekends and skating sessions often sell out fast. It’s best to plan ahead and don’t forget to wrap up warm as although the rink is under cover, it’s still gets rather chilly!
3. Immerse Yourself in “Christmas at the Botanics”
A magical event, particularly favoured by Edinburgh locals, ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ transforms the Royal Botanic Garden into a glowing world of colour and creativity.
As darkness falls, the beautiful gardens come alive with dazzling light installations, lasers, projections, and illuminated sculptures. The trail changes every year, making each visit uniquely enchanting. Expect tunnels of light, sparkling water displays, festive soundscapes, and plenty of stunning photo opportunities.
Why it’s great for festive groups:
Soak in the festive charm! It’s perfect for mixed-age groups, families, couples, and friends looking for a calming, magical and wonderfully atmospheric sensory experience that’s brimming with festive charm. Christmas At The Botanics is very popular and advanced booking is highly recommended.
4. Explore the City with a Festive Outdoor Escape Trail
The City of Edinburgh always scrubs up well, but never better than when festooned in festive lights. Christmas is a great time to get outdoors and explore the city in an new way - through an outdoor escape room city trail!
Our interactive puzzle trails offer the ideal blend of fun, exploration and puzzle solving that’ll take you through real sights and uncover historical details hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re a visitor looking to uncover Edinburgh at its best, or a local eager to see their city in a new light, turn Edinburgh’s streets into a sparkling puzzle-filled playground.
Armed with a satchel, clues, and a map, you and your group must solve riddles, follow trails, and uncover the secrets woven into the city’s winter landscape. It’s part treasure hunt, part escape room, part walking tour… all rolled into one festive adventure.
Why it’s great for festive groups:
Outdoor City Trails get everyone moving, thinking, laughing, and navigating together. They work brilliantly for groups of up to 30 people who want to soak up Edinburgh’s festive atmosphere while trying something different, active and highly engaging. Wrap up warm and set your own pace, stopping for festive snacks or a spot of Christmas shopping along the way.
Book an outdoor escape room City Trail today.
5. Catch a Pantomime or Christmas Show
Christmas in Edinburgh isn’t complete without a festive theatre trip! Whether you opt for the classic panto, or something a little higher brow, the city’s numerous theatres have something to keep everyone entertained! (oh no they don’t… oh yes they do!)
From a big family musical, to a cosy Christmas concert, venues like the Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre, and Playhouse offer a full calendar of seasonal shows each winter - all just a short walk from the bright festive lights of the city centre.
Why it’s great for festive groups:
Who doesn’t love the theatre? Panto is a shared cultural tradition packed with jokes, songs, and interactive fun. It’s ideal for mixed-age groups (particularly those containing kids) and serves as a perfect pre- or post-dinner outing. However, theatre tickets can be pricey and it’s a somewhat passive activity compared to the more “hands on” options from this list.
Plan your perfect group Christmas activity
From adrenaline filled escape rooms to charming winter light shows, Edinburgh offers some of the best Christmas group activities in the UK. The magic comes not just from the attractions themselves, but from the moments you’ll create and share together - laughs, surprises.
Whether you're planning a work night out, a festive family gathering, or a reunion with friends, Edinburgh’s winter wonderland gives you the perfect backdrop for connection and celebration.
And, if you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser - Book your festive escape room experience today.
