Castle of Light returns for its fifth year at Edinburgh Castle! Discover the iconic site after-dark and enjoy unmissable immersive displays, interactive installations, music and wonder. See Edinburgh’s stories brought to life on the castle walls, meet Rex the loveable lion in the Great Hall, and grab a drink or snack from our café or street food vendors. Make Castle of Light part of your festive plans and enjoy one of Scotland’s largest projection shows.
With an all-new show for 2024, you’ll walk in famous footsteps, dance through the ages in Crown Square and, for the first time since the 17th century, you will be able to “fire” Mons Meg! From mythical creatures to forgotten tales – see Edinburgh Castle in a whole new light.
To allow for the event, the castle will close at the earlier time 4pm (last entry at 2.30pm), and the Redcoat café will close at the earlier time of 2.30pm.
Access night
On Sunday 8 December we will have a special access night with some additional measures to make Castle of Light a fantastic experience for our visitors with additional needs. Including a reduced capacity, a designated quiet space, BSL & AD tour slots, ear defenders and volunteer guides to support the event.
Audio descriptive tours: 5pm - 5.15pm timeslot (SOLD OUT)
Presented in association with the Audio Description Association of Scotland, a special experience of the show designed for visitors with visual impairment. Popular local audio describer Bridget Stevens will accompany the group round the scenes of the show, while providing live commentary in which she will describe in words everything that is going on round about. Each member of the group will be lent a special headset to enable them to tune in and experience the thrill of Castle of Light as reflected in the stories of the people and the historical events which took place in Edinburgh.
BSL tours: 5.30pm (SOLD OUT) and 7pm
Guided by Deaf tour guide Gordon Hay. Enjoy a BSL tour of Castle of light, interpreting the mythical creatures and stories of Edinburgh.
Autism friendly timeslot: 6pm - 8.15pm
A reduced capacity, designated quiet space and the option of ear defenders to enjoy the evening.
For more information (including FAQs) please visit the Edinburgh Castle website
Footage from the event