Castle of Light
Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour this festive season as Edinburgh Castle, the defender of the nation, becomes the ‘Castle of Light’!
About Castle of Light
| 14th Nov 2019 to 22nd Dec 2019 | |
| Various dates and times - see listing for details | |
|
Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG |
|
| Standard tickets cost £20 (concessions, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members available). | |
| Visit the event website here | |
| Follow edinburghcastle on Twitter | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
History is set to come to life at Edinburgh Castle this winter, as the iconic landmark is illuminated with tales from Scotland’s past.
The mesmerising 90-minute journey of light, sound and wonder, entitled Castle of Light, will treat guests to an evening of dazzling animations, never seen before at the castle in its 900 year history. Running over six weeks throughout the festive season, from Thursday 14 November to Sunday 22 December, the castle will be transformed using state-of-the-art projections and enchanting storytelling.
The event, which will be the biggest light experience to hit the city centre, brings together a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland to create a truly immersive experience which will captivate locals and visitors alike every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Dates:
14-17, 22, 24, 29-30 November
1-2, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22 December
Timed entry from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Event closes at 10pm.
It is suggested that you allow around 90 minutes to fully experience the show.
While we take every opportunity to ensure the details for Castle of Light are accurate, we always advise that you contact the event organiser before setting out for the event to avoid disapointment.
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatOnEdinburgh Twitter account and you're all set!
Other Events at Edinburgh Castle
Bolts and Bodkins
19th November 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
20th November 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
21st November 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
22nd November 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Schiltron!
23rd November 2019
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Schiltron!
24th November 2019
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Rob Roy MacGregor
25th November 2019
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
26th November 2019
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
27th November 2019
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
28th November 2019
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
29th November 2019
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
30th November 2019
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Inglis’ Amazons
1st December 2019
Inglis’ Amazons: hear the tales of this incredible all-female medical unit as they save lives at the front.
Unsung Heroines
2nd December 2019 - 4th December 2019
Come and meet Mrs Jane Clark, the commandant of a unit of VAD nurses and hear her story at Edinburgh Castle.
Music Through the Ages
5th December 2019
Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.
Music Through the Ages
6th December 2019
Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.
Schiltron!
7th December 2019
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Schiltron!
8th December 2019
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
The Prince’s Trusted Man
9th December 2019 - 13th December 2019
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and hear how John Roy Stewart raised his Edinburgh Regiment for Prince Charlie and the part he played in rebellion.
Christmas Lunch at Edinburgh Castle
12th December 2019 - 22nd December 2019
Make Christmas 2019 special with a three course lunch in the opulent Queen Anne Room at Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy a dining experience fit for royalty.
Bolts and Bodkins
13th December 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
14th December 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Schiltron!
14th December 2019
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Schiltron!
15th December 2019
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Bolts and Bodkins
15th December 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
16th December 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Traditions and Tales of Christmas
19th December 2019 - 21st December 2019
Learn about the traditions and tales of a Victorian Christmas at Edinburgh Castle from 20th - 22nd December.
A Very Mary Christmas
22nd December 2019 - 24th December 2019
Come and join in the fun and see how Mary Queen of Scots celebrates the Twelve Days of Christmas with her courtiers.
Music Through the Ages
27th December 2019
Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.
Trebuchets and Trickery
28th December 2019
In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.
Trebuchets and Trickery
29th December 2019
In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.
Bolts and Bodkins
30th December 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
31st December 2019
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Trebuchets and Trickery
1st January 2020
In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.
Trebuchets and Trickery
2nd January 2020
In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.
In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story
3rd January 2020
Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.
A Most Royal Rebellion
4th January 2020
Hear the forgotten story of Scotland’s own version of the war of the roses, between father and son King James III and the future James IV.
A Most Royal Rebellion
5th January 2020
Hear the forgotten story of Scotland’s own version of the war of the roses, between father and son King James III and the future James IV.
Head and Shoulders Above the Rest!
6th January 2020 - 9th January 2020
Find out the part Grenadiers would play in the history of Edinburgh Castle and the eventual defeat of the Jacobites at Culloden.
Bolts and Bodkins
13th January 2020
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
14th January 2020
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
15th January 2020
Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Music Through the Ages
16th January 2020
Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.
Music Through the Ages
17th January 2020
Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.
Schiltron!
18th January 2020
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Schiltron!
19th January 2020
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
The Road to Bannockburn
21st January 2020
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.
The Road to Bannockburn
22nd January 2020
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.
The Road to Bannockburn
23rd January 2020
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.
The Road to Bannockburn
24th January 2020
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.
Burns for Beginners at Edinburgh Castle
25th January 2020 - 31st January 2020
Come along for a light-hearted introduction to the bard and some of his works at Edinburgh Castle.
Medieval Fashion
1st February 2020 - 2nd February 2020
See how fashion of the Kings court here in Edinburgh Castle changed through the medieval period for both men and women.
Crime and Punishment in Medieval Scotland
7th February 2020 - 13th February 2020
Listen as Gilbert Savage, the Executioner, recounts the nature of crime & punishment during the turbulent times in Medieval Scotland.
Music Through the Ages
15th February 2020
Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.
Music Through the Ages
16th February 2020
Meet King James V's musician as he explain some of the music and instruments played in court at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
17th February 2020
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
18th February 2020
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
19th February 2020
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
20th February 2020
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Schiltron!
22nd February 2020
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Schiltron!
23rd February 2020
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story
25th February 2020
Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.
In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story
26th February 2020
Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.
In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story
27th February 2020
Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.
In Memoriam - A Forgotten Story
28th February 2020
Hear how Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution to the Scottish National War Memorial.
Trebuchets and Trickery
1st March 2020
In March 1314, the forces of King Robert the Bruce captured Edinburgh Castle. Meet the commander, Thomas Randolph and hear how he used guile and local knowledge to capture it.
The Road to Bannockburn
2nd March 2020
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.
The Road to Bannockburn
3rd March 2020
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.
The Road to Bannockburn
4th March 2020
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.
The Road to Bannockburn
5th March 2020
Meet one of Robert the Bruce’s men who served under the command of Thomas Randolph during the capture of Edinburgh Castle in 1314.
Schiltron!
7th March 2020
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Schiltron!
8th March 2020
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Their Name Liveth
14th March 2020
Come and hear the story of the role Sir Robert Lorimer played in the building of the Scottish National War Memorial.
Their Name Liveth
15th March 2020
Come and hear the story of the role Sir Robert Lorimer played in the building of the Scottish National War Memorial.
Schiltron!
21st March 2020
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Schiltron!
22nd March 2020
Come along to Edinburgh Castle and find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself!
Rebels and Redcoats
23rd March 2020
Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.
Rebels and Redcoats
24th March 2020
Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.
Rebels and Redcoats
25th March 2020
Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.
Rebels and Redcoats
26th March 2020
Rebels and Redcoats - Learn about the role Edinburgh Castle played in the Jacobite war and meet one of the characters from the period.
Inglis’ Amazons
28th March 2020
Inglis’ Amazons: hear the tales of this incredible all-female medical unit as they save lives at the front.
Inglis’ Amazons
29th March 2020
Inglis’ Amazons: hear the tales of this incredible all-female medical unit as they save lives at the front.
Rob Roy MacGregor
30th March 2020
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Rob Roy MacGregor
31st March 2020
Rob Roy MacGregor - Hear stories of Rebellion, clan warfare and self-preservation at Edinburgh Castle.
Nights Out Events you might like...
Tim Minchin - Back 2019
19th November 2019
Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh New Town Tim Minchin, award-winning comedian, actor and composer, will return to the stage for his first UK tour dates since 2011 and you can catch him at Edinburgh Playhouse on 19th November 2019.
Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh New Town Tim Minchin, award-winning comedian, actor and composer, will return to the stage for his first UK tour dates since 2011 and you can catch him at Edinburgh Playhouse on 19th November 2019.
The Ceilidh House: Discovering Home - Scotland, Europe, World
19th November 2019
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town The Being Human Ceilidh House combines radical hospitality and creative generosity to bridge divides between cultures, mentalities and research disciplines.
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Old Town The Being Human Ceilidh House combines radical hospitality and creative generosity to bridge divides between cultures, mentalities and research disciplines.
Jonny and the Baptists Love Edinburgh and Hate Bastards
19th November 2019
The Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh, Edinburgh New Town Multi-award nominated musical-activist-comedians, Jonny & The Baptists, are sick of being political and divisive. This show is about how everything is definitely fine. Let’s just get along!
The Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh, Edinburgh New Town Multi-award nominated musical-activist-comedians, Jonny & The Baptists, are sick of being political and divisive. This show is about how everything is definitely fine. Let’s just get along!
Find Nights Out events in Edinburgh
Christmas and New Year Events you might like...
Festive Food and Wine Tasting with L’Art du Vin
21st November 2019
Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith Join us at Restoration Yard on Thursday 21st November for a Festive Food and Wine Tasting with Richard Bouglet, Director and Co-founder of L’Art du Vin!
Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith Join us at Restoration Yard on Thursday 21st November for a Festive Food and Wine Tasting with Richard Bouglet, Director and Co-founder of L’Art du Vin!
Cargilfield Christmas Fair
22nd November 2019
NA, Edinburgh North Come along to Cargilfield Preparatory School for a fundraising Christmas Fair on Friday 22nd November in aid of Super Troop, Dogs for Good and Penumbra!
NA, Edinburgh North Come along to Cargilfield Preparatory School for a fundraising Christmas Fair on Friday 22nd November in aid of Super Troop, Dogs for Good and Penumbra!
Foodies Festival Christmas
22nd Nov 2019 - 24th Nov 2019
Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh West Foodies Festival Christmas, Edinburgh’s favourite food festival, kicks off the festive season at the EICC on 22, 23 & 24th November 2019.
Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh West Foodies Festival Christmas, Edinburgh’s favourite food festival, kicks off the festive season at the EICC on 22, 23 & 24th November 2019.
Find Christmas and New Year events in Edinburgh
Family and Kids Events you might like...
Edinburgh Gang Show
19th Nov 2019 - 23rd Nov 2019
Kings Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh South The Edinburgh Gang Show returns to the King’s Theatre in November for a night of music, comedy, drama and dance .
Kings Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh South The Edinburgh Gang Show returns to the King’s Theatre in November for a night of music, comedy, drama and dance .
Bolts and Bodkins
19th November 2019
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Bolts and Bodkins
20th November 2019
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow.
Find Family and Kids events in Edinburgh
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