Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife

From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Article Source: National Trust for Scotland
Last Updated: 18 November 2025 12:53

For the first time, Falkland Palace will keep its doors open through the winter, to join seasonal favourites Culross, The Georgian House, Gladstone’s Land, Kellie Castle & Garden, and Newhailes House & Gardens. Special places cared for by the conservation charity offer settings packed with character for seasonal escapes.

Winter events are taking place across the region to get visitors of all ages and interests in the festive spirit, including craft workshops, candlelit storytelling, seasonal afternoon tea and opportunities to meet Santa. Get creative making seasonal decorations in the glasshouse at Newhailes House & Gardens, experience the magic of Christmas in the late 18th and 19th century at the Georgian House, and discover Scottish Christmas traditions spanning three centuries at Gladstone’s Land, and much more. Advance booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Visitors can make the most of the season both indoors and outdoors at Trust places. From storytelling events in historic houses to browsing for locally made gifts, there are many ways to get cosy inside Trust places throughout the winter season. The conservation charity also cares for breath-taking landscapes and havens for nature, which are free to access all year round. Outdoor adventurers in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife can explore Inveresk Lodge Garden and Malleny Garden, or spot grey seal pups at St Abbs Head from November to early January.

The National Trust for Scotland cares for, and gives access to, many of the most magnificent buildings, collections and landscapes in Scotland, with the help of its members and supporters. It welcomed over 1.4 million visitors to its places in the Edinburgh & East region this year.

Stuart Maxwell, National Trust for Scotland’s Regional Director for the Edinburgh & East region, said: “We’re delighted to welcome visitors into another beautiful Trust place this festive season. Falkland Palace is opening its doors throughout the winter for the first time, contributing to a wonderful programme of seasonal events across the region for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

“Through the ongoing generosity of our members and supporters, we’re able to continue protecting Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage and ensure it remains accessible for all to enjoy throughout the year.”

These winter events provide opportunities for everyone to access and enjoy National Trust for Scotland places throughout the season, with a range of activities for all ages and interests. This helps the Trust to deliver on the engagement objectives outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022, which set forth a vision to care for, share and protect Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for the enjoyment of all.

Visitors to Trust places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife can expect an assortment of festive activities, including:

Culross – Townhouse shop (Fri–Mon) and Bessie’s café open (Thu-Mon); palace and garden closed
Step into the past this winter and along the cobbled streets of Culross, one of Scotland’s most picturesque villages with its beautiful ochre-coloured palace standing proud in the centre of it all. After exploring the village, visitors can enjoy food and beverage at Bessie’s café and browse the Townhouse shop for some perfect Christmas gifts. Little ones can enjoy an encounter with Santa himself in the Blue Room of the house on selected dates throughout December.

Falkland Palace – palace, garden and shop
Be one of the first to experience Falkland Palace in this festive season, as the palace opens its doors throughout the winter months for the first time. Discover what made Falkland Palace the ultimate playground for royals and their friends through the ages, by joining a guided tour of the Renaissance ‘pleasure palace’. Craft enthusiasts can get into the festive spirit with a wreath making workshop using fresh foliage foraged from the palace garden, while little ones will be enchanted by a visit from Santa himself.

The Georgian House – house, gift shop and book shop
No one does Christmas quite like the Georgians: Christmas for the Edinburgh wealthy in the late 18th and 19th century was a huge event, lasting a month and packed with parties, balls and family get-togethers. Step back in time to sample the magic of these festivities at the Georgian House this winter. Visit Santa in the dining room before enjoying Christmas activities and storytelling on the upper floors. On Saturday 20 December, the house comes alive with flickering candlelight, greenery and the warmth of Georgian hospitality, as part of A Candlelight Christmas at 7 Charlotte Square.

Gladstone’s Land – house, ice cream parlour and coffee shop
One of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Gladstone’s Land is steeped in three centuries of Christmas history, making it the ideal setting for some seasonal festivities. Enjoy a series of public readings of some classic Christmas tales or discover Scottish Christmas traditions throughout history while sampling some festive nibbles. The ice cream parlour and coffee shop is the perfect place to relax after a visit to the house, catch up with friends or pop in for an afternoon treat.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden – garden and grounds (mansion open only for events, Kingarrock Hickory Golf closed)
Home to the Sharp family for 40 years before being passed to the National Trust for Scotland, this beautiful mansion is largely unchanged from when it was first designed by the architect Sir Robert Lorimer. Explore the landscaped gardens, also designed by Lorimer, to discover formal lawns, yew hedging, flowering borders and a sunken rose garden. There are many ways for families to get festive at Hill of Tarvit this year, with Christmas baking, festive craft sessions and an opportunity to meet Santa himself. Furry friends can also get into the holiday spirit with a pet-friendly meet and greet session with Santa.

Inveresk Lodge Garden – garden
This pretty hillside garden on the outskirts of Edinburgh offers a year-round feast for the senses. It is split into two main areas, with sloping lawns and borders at the top of the hill and wilder woodland and ponds below.

Kellie Castle & Garden – Castle, shop, tearoom, garden and estate
Medieval stonework meets Victorian style at this beautiful Fife castle, which was saved from ruin in the late 19th century by a family of architects and artists. Explore the castle in the winter with guided tours that tell the story of sculptor Hew Lorimer and artist Mary McLeod Wylie and how they lived in the castle over the winter months. Wreath making workshops are a great way to get in the festive spirit and take home a little piece of Kellie Castle.

Malleny Garden – garden
The stunning Malleny Garden is a peaceful oasis away from the other festivities of the season. Admire the 400-year-old yew trees and Victorian greenhouses, take in the atmosphere and connect with nature.

Newhailes House & Gardens – house (pre-booked tours only), café, shop, Weehailes playpark and estate
A visit to Newhailes this winter is sure to bring some festive spirit. Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh and the Lothians, the property is a stunning Palladian house that captivates with its unique rococo interiors and collection of curiosities amassed by generations of the Dalrymple family. Highlights of the Newhailes festive calendar include a festive family afternoon tea and a very special Christmas decoration making workshop in the stunning Newhailes glasshouse.

Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot – mill, shop and exhibition
Step back in time to experience the work of the millers here in centuries past. The mill was used commercially until 1959 and was the region’s last working watermill. Just across the River Tyne lies the unusual structure of the Phantassie Doocot, built in the 16th century to house 500 pigeons. The picturesque surroundings are a haven for nature and offer access to several tranquil walks, along which visitors can spot locations featured in the hit TV series Outlander.

Robert Smail’s Printing Works – gift shop (printing works closed)
While the printing works are closed for the winter months, the Smail’s Stationer’s Shop remains open and is well-stocked to serve all Christmas gifting needs. Here visitors can find cards, postcards, posters, calendars and printers produced using the original Victorian and Edwardian equipment, alongside locally made jewellery and hand-turned wooden pens. A stationery fan’s utopia.

St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve – nature reserve (nature centre closed from 1 Dec)
This breathtaking coastal headland is home to colonies of seabirds and boasts dramatic cliffs overlooking crystal clear waters. The beaches are home to grey seals from November to early January, with hundreds of animals coming ashore to give birth to their pups on the reserve. The rangers host ‘see the seal’ weekend events up until Christmas time (weather dependent), giving an opportunity to learn more about these amazing marine animals. If visiting St Abbs Head, please keep all dogs on leads and respect signage to help the Trust protect this incredible place. It’s a bracing experience even on the brightest of days, so wrap up warm if planning a winter visit.

Further information about place opening times and events can be found on the National Trust for Scotland website. Please note that opening times are subject to change depending on the winter weather. It is advised to check the Trust’s website pages or social media for the latest updates before travelling.

Image: Newhailes
Image credit: NTS

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