Edinburgh’s Christmas ice rink axed over Princes Street fire fallout and cost fears

Edinburgh’s Christmas ice rink has been cancelled this year due to costs fears and uncertainty following a fire that forced the closure of Princes Street over the summer.

The popular attraction, which has been a big hit with locals and visitors for nearly 30 years, was most recently situated at George Street but will not feature in the 2026 winter festival line-up.

Organisers Unique Assembly blamed the cancellation on a lack of funding and uncertainty caused by the closure of Princes Street in July and August following a blaze at the former Debenhams store.

The former Edinburgh Christmas Ice Rink on George Street. | Ian Georgeson Photography

An Edinburgh’s Christmas spokesperson said: “We continually review the programme and listen to feedback from our audiences, partners and businesses as we look at how Edinburgh’s Christmas can evolve from year to year.

“An ice rink requires a great deal of advance planning, with the ice rink supplier, design of structures and site arrangements committed months ahead.

“Those decisions had to be made over the summer, at a time when key parts of the city centre were closed and there was real uncertainty about when Princes Street would reopen and what the knock-on effects would be.

“This, alongside the significant costs of staging a rink in the city centre, with no opportunity for funding support, resulted in us taking the difficult but necessary decision not to present the ice rink on George Street this year.”

The original Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink at East Princes Street Gardens. | Stock

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Looking ahead to this year’s festival, the spokesperson said: “We’re excited about this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas programme, and attractions on George Street include Polar Ice Bar and Warming area, including an increased number of family sessions, and the return of the popular Coorie Inn, this year hosting a festive programme of free live music, festive workshops, talks and ceilidh dancing.

“A further new addition for 2026, sees the introduction of festive shows and cabaret at Bristo Square, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to a wide range of attractions and experiences across the city.”

The spokesperson added that they hope the long-standing attraction, which was previously located in St Andrew Square and East Princes Street Gardens, will return in future years.

However, local businesses have voiced dismay at the decision.

Louise Maclean, director of business development at Signature Group, which runs Copper Blossom on George Street and Badger & Co on Castle Street, said: “Christmas is a hugely important trading period for hospitality, not only helping businesses navigate the traditionally quieter months of January and February, but also providing valuable seasonal employment for the many students and young people who return to Edinburgh over the festive period.

“We are concerned about the absence of an ice rink this year and the potential impact this may have on footfall across the city.

“A strong Christmas is vital for businesses and the wider community, and we hope the wider festive programme continues to attract the visitors needed to make this a successful season for Edinburgh.”

Local businesses have been giving their reactions to the news that the ice rink has been axed this year. | Iconic Media

Other nearby venues were unaware of the cancellation.

The landlord at the Cambridge Bar on Young Street said: “I had no idea about this. It could possibly affect footfall, as it’s just around the corner for us.

“We did have a good amount of people come here last year from the ice rink. So it probably will affect us, but possibly not by a huge amount.”

Chandini Kesireddy, manager of Mediterranean restaurant Bistronomy 176 on Rose Street, added: “I wasn’t aware of that. It will definitely affect us with footfall this year. That’s really disheartening.

“So we are very gutted about this news. We didn’t get any information this was happening, so it’s very disappointing.”

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “While I understand that people will be disappointed about the decision not to have an ice rink this year, Unique Assembly have decided not to run the ice rink this year as it isn’t commercially viable for them.

“However, this year’s programme still has plenty to look forward to. La Clique’s Christmas edition is a great addition to the line-up, alongside returning favourites including Santa’s Stories, the LNER Big Wheel and the Around the World Starflyer.

“There’s a good mix of entertainment and experiences on offer this year, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the fun over the festive period.”