Edinburgh Winter Festivals deliver significant benefits to the City and Scotland

Unique Assembly have publish the report on Edinburgh's Winter Festivals 2024-25, ahead of releasing early-bird tickets for the Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession.

Article Source: Unique Assembly
Last Updated: 27 May 2025 11:44

EDINBURGH, UK – Tuesday 27 May 2025 – Ahead of releasing early-bird tickets for this year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and the ever popular Torchlight Procession on Friday at 10am, event organisers Unique Assembly today publish the report on Edinburgh's Winter Festivals 2024-25. Encompassing both Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations and Edinburgh's Hogmanay New Year festival, the report highlights the substantial positive impact these events have on both the city of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole.

Early-bird tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and Torchlight Procession on sale Friday, 30 May at 10am.

Created and designed by Unique Assembly on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council, the seven weeks of winter events and attractions not only brought festive cheer to residents and visitors to the city who came together to enjoy the capitals world famous celebrations, but also provided significant economic and community benefits which continue to impact positively year-round.

Visitors to the city centre enjoyed a feast of festive fun in the heart of the capital - discovering the traditional Christmas Market including the iconic Christmas Wheel and Around the World Starflyer, visiting the outdoor Ice Skating and new Ice Bar experience, enjoying family funfair rides and illumination trails, watching live music concerts, festive shows and community events, and of course that all-important visit from Santa himself.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals continues to support local communities with over 160 local community groups and charities engaged with through the Edinburgh's Christmas Schools & Communities Initiative, distributing more than 8,000 free community tickets and ride tokens to people across the city. In addition, being a platform for local talent and community events is an important part of Edinburgh’s Christmas, including the Winter Windows Schools Competition, which showcased artwork by pupils from 24 schools, displayed beneath the Castle in the beautiful setting of Princes Street Gardens. While many people want to join and enjoy the city centre festivities it is not that simple for some and therefore a new Silent Light Projection Show brought Christmas cheer and festive illumination to communities across the city. In 2024, working with the Council’s Education Team, the Winter festivals were able to bring that cheer to Granton Primary School, Stockbridge Primary School, Gilmerton Community Centre and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

The report underscores the Winter Festivals' commitment to the local community through its charity partnerships. This year, Edinburgh's Winter Festival directly raised funds for local charities One City Trust and Simon Community Scotland, supporting crucial work in fighting inequality and homelessness within Edinburgh. Furthermore, the festivals continued their support, both financial and operational, for Social Bite's Festival of Kindness and When You Wish Upon a Star through the annual Santa Fun Run, confirming the commitment of both organisers and festivalgoers to giving back. The Concert in the Gardens also played a role in charitable giving, with donations from ticket buyers for supporting Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Overall more than £15,000 was donated by visitors through both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay events.

While audience and sales data for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was impacted by the cancellation of the major outdoor events, pre-cancellation data confirms that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay continues to attract local audiences (33%) as well as visitors to the city (31% international and 36% from the rest of the UK). Edinburgh’s Christmas data shows that a similar mix of Edinburgh & Lothians residents (37%), visitors from Scotland (21%) and elsewhere in the UK (32%), while a good number of international visitors (10%) attended this winter.

Across a total attendance of over 2.8million to Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, strong attendance from international visitors demonstrates the international appeal which not only boosts the local economy but also enhances Scotland's global tourism profile. In addition, 74% of market stall traders in the Christmas Markets were Scottish, supporting the local creative crafts, drinks, food and gifts industries both financially and through profile. While 76% of artists and creatives who took part in Edinburgh’s Winter festivals events were local.

In the annual audience survey over 70% of visitors from out with the city cited Edinburgh’s Christmas as the primary reason for travelling to Edinburgh, staying an average of 1.85 nights. Over 90% of respondents were satisfied to extremely satisfied with their experience with over 95% agreeing that Edinburgh’s Christmas is a valuable and iconic part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, bringing a festive spirit to the city. 90% also said they are more likely to return to Edinburgh during the festival season because of their experience. The average spend was £537 across eating out, attractions, retail and in bars and pubs.

An increasing number of local residents are taking up their special ticket offer at Edinburgh’s Christmas with 101,500 discounted EH postcode tickets sold this year.

Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The findings of this report demonstrate that Edinburgh’s world-famous winter festivals don’t only draw a huge international crowd, boosting the economy and adding to the city’s vibrant calendar of events, but, crucially, they deliver significant benefits to Edinburgh’s local communities, businesses and charities. This is despite the cancellation of last year’s outdoor events, showing just how far reaching the programme events is. I look forward to finding out more about this year’s plans, which look set to brighten the city in the winter months.”

Roddy Smith, CEO of Essential Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals are a crucial period for our city centre and again it is very pleasing to see our residents and visitors coming in such large numbers. With such a varied and appealing Festival programme, combined with the high quality hospitality and retail offering in the city centre, Edinburgh continues to be an attractive destination to enjoy the festive season. We are already looking forward to what’s in store for this year.”

Louise MacLean, Business Development Director, Signature Group, said: “The Winter Festivals in Edinburgh provide a vital boost for hospitality in December. The surge in footfall, driven by visitors seeking festive entertainment, food, and drink, brings a much-needed increase in sales to all our venues across Edinburgh but particularly George Street and the New Town. Since the eastward shift in footfall with the appeal of St James, the Winter programme is not just welcomed by us, it’s crucial to our Christmas trade which often sustains us through the hard month of January. We can plan for this due to knowing that Unique Assembly’s festivals will bring revellers to the city. From there, we must ensure these visitors become our guests.”

Despite the cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to weather conditions over the four days, the festival still welcomed significant numbers to its many sold out indoor events with over 25,000 attending over the four days including The Night Afore Concert with Idlewild and the Bairns Revels and New Year Revels in Assembly Rooms, the ever popular Hogmanay Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral, as well as a late addition with Hot Dub Time Machine playing a quickly arranged intimate Hogmanay gig in Assembly Hall. The new first of January club nights in Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches closed this year’s festival on New Year’s night.

The popular free New Year’s Day First Footin’ Cultural Trail attracted an audience of over 15,000, including many family groups to 18 venues across the Old and New Towns, this year extending its footprint welcoming Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches into the programme. First Footin & Sprogmanay presented 44 acts with 298 performers for the event programme, and as part of its participatory music event, Come Away In, renowned folk artist Karine Polwart welcomed 150 participants to join a community choir for uplifting performances on New Year’s Day at St. Giles’ Cathedral.

Sprogmanay welcomed a family audience of 5,500 to take part in lots of New Year arts, crafts and activities, including magic, dancing unicorns and giant I-puppets through a collaboration with National Museum of Scotland. Free family ceilidhs took place in Assembly Roxy and Portobello Town Hall offering a truly Scottish experience for families on New Year’s Day both in the city and beyond.

Despite the cancellation of outdoor events, a survey of attendees at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay saw 71% say they were satisfied to extremely satisfied with their festival experience, 93% agreed it is a valuable part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, 89% said the event made them feel proud to be part of Scotland’s celebrations and 90% would recommend Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to friends or family. Those who travelled to join the celebrations stayed an average of 2.25 nights spending £958 on their stay. 87.5% of visitors spent money on eating out, 79.5% in bars and pubs, 56% on attractions or tours, and 56% on retail.

The total economic impact of the Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals was calculated last year at £198M, combining the financial impact of both Edinburgh’s Christmas (£150M) and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (£48M). This represents a return of £244 for every £1 invested by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC funding contribution of £812,456 towards Edinburgh’s Hogmanay), whilst making a significant contribution to the year-round health and prosperity of the city.

Alan Thomson from Unique Assembly said: “We take a lot of heart from this report that even having lost our outdoor events at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to weather, the Winter Festivals have still delivered not just wonderful and joyful opportunities for people to come together, but also huge benefits for the people of Edinburgh and for Scotland across traders, local families, communities and charities and our tourism businesses. We are working on our plans for this coming winter’s celebrations and look forward to sharing those with you very soon.”

This report demonstrates that Edinburgh's Winter Festivals continue to be a vital asset to the city and Scotland, providing not only memorable experiences but also significant economic benefits and valuable support to local communities and charities.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

SoBe Burger unveils Limited Edition Irn Bru Inspired Fried Chicken Burger for Fringe Festival

In a recent poll, Irn-Bru® claimed most votes for the flavour that best represents the nation. Now SoBe Burger unveils an Irn-Bru® inspired fried chicken burger available from 1 to 25 August.

Bongos Bingo announces Edinburgh dates during the Fringe

Anyone looking for an alternative night out during the Fringe Festival, then Bongo’s Bingo is the place to be!

EIFF announces In Conversation: Thelma Schoonmaker on Michael Powell

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to welcome legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker for a special in-depth In Conversation event at this year’s Festival.

Hardworking Fringe Performers to be fuelled with flavour at local world buffet

COSMO Edinburgh is stepping up to support the unsung heroes of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, its tireless, hardworking performers, by offering a meal discount throughout August.

The Eric Liddell Community unveils inspiring Fringe Festival Programme

Local charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has announced its lineup of shows and events taking place in its Bruntsfield-based hub, Venue 235, during the Fringe Festival.

Wahaca launches its first ever breakfast menu for Edinburgh Fringe

Right on cue for all the excitement of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, Wahaca launches its first ever breakfast menu for the entire month at its St Andrew Square restaurant.

Innis & Gunn launches new Edinburgh food, drink and entertainment venue Stockbridge Social

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn is launching Stockbridge Social, a new open-air food, drink and entertainment venue on Raeburn Place, opening Friday 1st August.

Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh unveils next Artist in Residence

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is proud to announce Jennifer Court as the latest Artist in Residence, taking up the unique creative post from August through October 2025.

Forever Edinburgh launches search for Local Legends

Forever Edinburgh is calling on residents to help shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes who make the city a better place to live.

Matilda the Musical Cast Announcement

Casting was announced today for the upcoming tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in March.

Celebrate Tattoo with Expert Bar Crawl Guide with Glenfiddich

To mark Glenfiddich’s partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this August, the whisky has released a guide to Edinburgh’s most characterful bars.

Four Points Flex by Sheraton opens its doors in Edinburgh city centre

Four Points Flex by Sheraton has debuted in Edinburgh, inviting guests to enjoy a convenient, affordable and comfortable stay right in the heart of the city centre.

Flight Club Reveals its Line up of Fringe Festival Treats

Flight Club, the lively fairground-inspired cocktail and Social Darts bar, has a brilliant line-up of treats on offer to escape the hustle and bustle of the Fringe.

Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees

The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.

Top chef duo dive into first summer pop up on Edinburgh waterfront

Two of Scotland’s leading chefs are teaming up for the first time to stage a pop-up dining experience on Edinburgh’s waterfront for one night only on Tuesday 19th August.

Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events

This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.

The Palmerston and Pals kitchen takeover series launches this August

This August, The Palmerston will mark festival season by welcoming chef friends for The Palmerston and Pals, a series of kitchen takeovers taking place throughout the month.

Oasis fans who missed out on tickets can Roll With It to Fort Kinnaird

Fans who missed out on tickets to see Oasis at Murrayfield can still enjoy the iconic anthems at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 10th August, thanks to a free live performance by tribute band ‘Oasus’.

Britannia sails to triple triumph

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has sailed to triple triumph after being named Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ visitor attraction in the UK and 12thin the world 2025/26.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces industry programme for 2025

The industry programme presents an impactful series of panels and networking opportunities for local and international creatives to engage with industry experts from around the world.

Collective announces Autumn 2025 Programme

Collective is delighted to announce its Autumn 2025 programme, featuring the return of the Collective Gala on Sunday 7 September, and a major new exhibition by artist Shen Xin.

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces Night Afore Hoolie line up

Edinburgh's Hogmanay has announced the first artists for 2025's celebrations with Scottish folk rock stars Peat & Diesel set to headline this year's Night Afore Hoolie!

Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings

Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.

Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever

Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.

Hide and Seek Gets a Mind Bending Makeover at Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth provided the backdrop today (23 July) for an unforgettable twist on the classic game of Hide and Seek delivered by visually impaired Albino mentalist Fraser Penman.

Capital Theatres announces autumn season at the Studio Theatre

Capital Theatres has today announced its upcoming autumn season at the Studio Theatre with a vibrant and diverse programme, shining a spotlight on emerging artists.

Minus 196 Takes Over St James Quarter This Weekend

Join -196 (minus one nine six) – Japan’s favourite ready-to-drink alcohol brand – as it takes over St James Quarter this weekend!

New bar and restaurant takes centre stage ahead of Edinburgh Festival

A new brasserie-style bar and restaurant has opened its doors on Hamilton Place in the Edinburgh neighbourhood of Stockbridge just in time for Festival season in August.