Castle of Light

Enjoy an illuminated Edinburgh Castle.

Now in its fifth year, the Castle of Light returns to Edinburgh Castle! As the sun goes down, discover the iconic sites of Edinburgh Castle and enjoy unmissable immersive exhibitions, interactive installations, music and surprises. Watch as the story of Edinburgh comes to life within its walls, meet the lovable lion Rex in the Great Hall, and enjoy drinks and snacks at the cafes and food stalls. Include the Castle of Light in your festival plans and enjoy one of Scotland's largest projection shows. New for 2024, the show will allow you to follow in famous footsteps, dance through the ages in Crown Square and "fire" Mons Meg for the first time since the 17th century! From mythical creatures to forgotten tales, see a whole new look at Edinburgh Castle.

Tickets

Tickets must be booked online in advance.

The event will take place outdoors and there will be no access to the castle, except for the indoor catering area.

Choose your time slot when purchasing your ticket (last entry 7. 30pm - 7. 45pm). The event finishes at 9pm.

Ticket booking

Historic Scotland members get 10% off your ticket. Not a member? Join now to enjoy the benefits.

Historic Scotland member ticket booking

Non-member tickets are also available.

Prices

• Adult (16-64 years) ВЈ22. 00
• Concession (65+ years) ВЈ16. 00
• Child (7-15 years) ВЈ12. 00
• Family (1 adult and 2 children) ВЈ40. 00
• Family (2 adults and 2 children) ВЈ58. 00
• Family (2 adults and 3 children) ВЈ68. 00

Access Night - Sunday 8th December

We will be having a special access night on Sunday 8th December with some extra measures in place to ensure that those with special needs can still enjoy the Castle of Light. These include reduced capacity, designated quiet spaces, BSL & AD tour slots, ear defenders and volunteer guides to support the event.

Audio guided tour 5pm - 5. 15pm

A special experience of the show created in collaboration with the Audio Description Association of Scotland for visually impaired visitors. Popular local audio commentator Bridget Stevens will give a live commentary as she moves around the show, explaining everything that is happening in words. Participants will be provided with special headsets to experience the thrill of the Castle of Light as it is illuminated with the stories of Edinburgh's historical events and people.

BSL Tour: 5. 30pm and 7pm

Led by deaf tour guide Gordon Hay. Enjoy a BSL tour of the Castle of Light as he explains Edinburgh's mythical creatures and stories.

Autism Friendly 6pm - 8. 15pm

Reduced capacity and quiet spaces available.

Castle of Light Video

Event Dates and Early Closures

Due to the event, the castle will close at 4pm (last entry at 2:30pm) on the following dates:

• November 22, 2024
• November 23, 2024
• November 29, 2024
• November 30, 2024
• December 6, 2024
• December 7, 2024
• December 13, 2024
• December 14, 2024
• December 15, 2024
• December 20, 2024
• December 21, 2024
• December 22, 2024
• December 23, 2024 Dates
• 27th December 2024
• 28th December 2024
• 29th December 2024
• 30th December 2024
• 2nd January 2025
• 3rd January 2025
• 4th January 2025

The Redcoat CafГ© will close at 2. 30pm on the above dates.

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