Scotland’s capital has a host of treats for a wintry night out in Edinburgh: ice rinks, ice bars, shows & more

Unique Assembly
Take your seat at Edinburgh’s first ice bar, skate the night away on an ice rink, warm up with drinks and live music or check out a sparkling show – there’s so much planned for a wonderful winter night out in the capital.

You won’t want to miss this first for the city. Settle down in an ice-sculptured seat with a glass made from ice in your hand, at the city’s first Polar Ice Bar. It’s just one of the shimmering delights on offer for Edinburgh’s Christmas.

The ice bar promises engraved ice walls and sculptures featuring winter forests and wildlife, which provide the perfect insta-moment for friends and family. 

The unique pop-up bar experience, created in partnership with Hamiltons Ice Sculptors, can be found on George Street from November 25 – where you can reserve your seat. It’s kept to a chilly -8°C but visitors stay cosy the whole time, with warming jackets and gloves provided on arrival.

Enjoy delicious festive alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, which are served in an individual pre-carved ice glass – and your first drink is included in the entry ticket.

Alpine ice rink and wintry workshops

Also new for this year is a programme of live music and wintery workshops.  Making a welcome return to George Street is The Coorie Inn, the perfect place to warm up after a skate around the magnificent alpine ice rink.

Unique Assembly

Burlesque inspired by everyone’s favourite ogre

Head inside the Assembly Hall for a festive ‘fantasy meets fabulous’ night out like no other, as the Fringe hit show Swamplesque returns for a very special festive edition in December.

Trigger Happy Productions presents, in association with Assembly Festival & Unique Assembly, Swamplesque which features fun Christmas-inspired twists and promises a very merry night out. Catch it from Thursday 5th December to Saturday 4th January.

With five-star reviews and sell-out crowds during Fringe, the Australian show’s re-telling of the films starring everyone’s favourite ogre, delivers a riotous homage to the iconic Scottish ogre and his fantastical world. The award-winning show blends burlesque, drag and comedy, resulting in a side-splitting spectacular.

Also starring in the Assembly Hall this Christmas is a show with no comedy safety net – Jason Byrne: No Show – as well as a great family favourite The Bubble Show. See the full line-up here.

Christmas markets, ice rink and Christmas Tree Maze

At Edinburgh’s Christmas, enjoy everything from traditional Christmas markets in East Princes Street Gardens to a Family Festive Funfair with rides galore.

Glide around the outdoor ice-rink on George Street, and step into a brand-new Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrew Square Gardens.

Don’t miss appearances from Santa himself in the ever-popular Santa’s Stories.

For a full list of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions and festive programme, visit www.edinburghwinterfestivals.com

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice