History Events in Edinburgh in December 2025
Scroll down to view the events taking place in Edinburgh during December 2025, or use the filters to narrow down the results.
Events in Edinburgh
Maps: Memories from the Second World War
Through personal stories, photography and memorabilia, this exhibition at the National War Museum charts the creation and use of maps during the Second World War.
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Cold War Scotland
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
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Curious About Edinburgh - Quirky Heritage Walks for the Curious!
Have fun discovering Edinburgh on this award-winning, quirky, self-guided, heritage walk with a treasure hunt theme from Curious About!
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Arthur’s Secrets
Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Arthur's Seat's turbulent past, created by fire and ice!
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Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation
Uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine with a hands-on workshop led by an expert from his time: Dr Arnott, who examined his patients’ health by analysing urine’s colour, smell & TASTE!
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Palace Page Turners
Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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Conservation Hangar Talks
See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.
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Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000
Scheduled to complement John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, this survey exhibition examines the wider context of post-war Scottish art.
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Dear Library
To mark our 100th birthday, the National Library of Scotland presents a special exhibition, 'Dear Library'.
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Resistance
Resistance explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK, and the powerful role of photography in documenting and driving change.
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Edinburgh Nuclear Bunker Tour
Don't miss an amazing opportunity to see part of Scotland's Cold War History on the Barnton Nuclear Bunker Tours every Saturday and Sunday!
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Winter Family Trail
Free this Winter at St Cecilia's Hall, can you find all 8 snow-people hidden around the galleries and answer each of their questions?
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Christmas @ The Deacon’s Cabinet Escape Room
Looking for festive fun that's a little different? Then gather your team and head along to Edinburgh's historical escape room for The Deacon’s Cabinet!
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Weekly Tours at St Cecilia’s Hall
Join our team of volunteers at St Cecilia's Hall for a FREE weekly tour of the collection!
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Fabulous Old Town Tour
This free walking tour is fun and funny, performed by local independent tour guides, it will really help you to know the city and understand something about what life is all about!
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Gowns & Glamour, an Art Deco Adventure from Paris to New York
The Costume Society Scotland's December talk is taking place at Augustine United Church on the 1st and will hopefully enthuse the art deco in you!
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Underground Unlocked at The Real Mary King’s Close
For two unforgettable nights, experience The Real Mary King’s Close as it once was, bustling, full of life and echoing with the voices of those who lived and worked beneath the Royal Mile.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction
Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
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A Victorian Christmas
Step back in time for a festive experience like no other. Journey beneath the streets of Edinburgh and discover how the city’s Victorian residents celebrated the season.
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Edinburgh Street Historians LGBTQ Free Walking Tour
This walking tour of Edinburgh focuses on LGBTQ history from the battle of legalisation to the modern issues faced by the community in the current day!
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Christmas Activity Day
Join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on 13th December for a fun festive activity for the whole family to enjoy!
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Kilchoman 20th Anniversary Whisky Tasting at The Lost Close
Step beneath Edinburgh’s historic streets into The Lost Close and join us on December 15th for an exclusive celebration of Kilchoman Distillery’s 20th Anniversary!
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Aleister Crowley - The Beast, The Bard, The Brat
Wild rumours spread about Aleister Crowley throughout his eccentric life. Come along and hear about a side to the sorcerer that is seldom heard!
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Fire and Light, A Candlelight Christmas at 7 Charlotte Square
Step back in time and experience the magic of Christmas in 18th century Edinburgh at The Georgian House!
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History Events in East Renfrewshire
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:
Hands On Heritage
Every month the team at East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure's Heritage Collection will select some of their most interesting treasures and share the stories behind them at Hands On Heritage!
READ MOREHistory Events in Fife
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
St Andrews Memories
Drop in to The R&A World Golf Museum and have a chat whilst looking at photographs, objects and film footage from our collections!
READ MOREHistory Events in Glasgow
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
Burrell Bites
Enjoy a specially curated talk about the history and context of a new object(s) from the Burrell Collection each week, delivered by Curators, Gallery Assistants, Volunteer Guides and more!
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Twilight Tour: Glasgow Coins and Medals
Join Jesper Ericsson, Curator of Numismatics at The Hunterian, for a Twilight Tour exploring coins and medals relating to Glasgow, from medieval times to the present day.
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Glasgow Museums Resource Centre Specialist Tours
Throughout the year Glasgow Museums Resource Centre holds Specialist Tours where you can join the curators for an in depth look at the collections!
READ MOREHistory Events in Lanarkshire
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
SKIRLING 750
Biggar Museum are hosting an exhibition to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the first recorded mention of Skirling village, exploring some of the key events in the village's history.
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:
Paisley & District U3A Talks: Robert Tannahill’s Life In Poetry & Song
Fans of Paisley's weaver poet, Robert Tannahill can celebrate his achievements on Thursday 4 December at the last Paisley & District U3A Talk of 2025!
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
Stirling Ghostwalk
Take a tour of the strange tales and stranger characters of Stirling's Old Town on the Stirling Ghostwalk... comedy, drama, fact and fable - fun for boys & ghouls of all ages!
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Derailment of Dreams
Professor Niall McKenzie gives this talk on George Bennie, a visionary inventor who attempted to launch his futuristic Railplane, an airborne, propeller driven marvel.
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Stirling Old Town Jail Festive Show
Step Into Christmas Past at Stirling Old Town Jail with our immersive festive performance tours, departing every 30mins during weekends from 6th to 21st December!
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Highlight Talks
On selected days throughout the year the team at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and volunteers hold a Highlight Talk exploring the life and works of Robert Burns!
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