Christmas in Edinburgh 2026
Party nights, festive dining, Christmas Day lunch and a warm bed at the end of it, ten minutes from Princes Street.
Christmas has a way of bringing people together, whether it's colleagues catching up before the holidays, friends planning their annual festive lunch or families looking forward to Christmas Day around the table. At The Bruntsfield, we've created a collection of festive experiences that make celebrating easy. From relaxed lunches in The Neighbourhood to private Christmas parties and a traditional Christmas Day lunch, you'll find everything you need in one place, just a few minutes from Edinburgh city centre.
Set in one of Edinburgh's most attractive neighbourhoods, overlooking Bruntsfield Links, our hotel offers a quieter setting away from the busiest streets while remaining within easy reach of the city's Christmas attractions. Spend the afternoon exploring the Edinburgh Christmas Market, enjoy the lights along Princes Street, or take a walk through the Old Town before returning for great food, warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere.
Four ways to spend it
Every one of these has its own dates, its own menu and its own booking link. Pick the one you’re actually planning.
Christmas Parties
Get into your festive spirit with your friends and family and enjoy a private dinner in the Cardoon suite, followed by a disco
Festive dining
Our seasonal menu in the kitchen, bar and fairy-lit heated garden, through the whole of December.
Christmas Day lunch
A traditional carvery on Friday 25 December, served from noon until 2pm. Leave the cooking to us.
Christmas breaks
Stay the night after the party, or make a weekend of the markets. Dinner, bed and breakfast packages.
Christmas in Bruntsfield, not in the crowds
Edinburgh in December is worth the cold. The market fills Princes Street Gardens, the lights run the length of George Street, and the pantomimes are in full swing. It is also, for about six weeks, extremely busy. Bruntsfield sits far enough from all of that to feel like a neighbourhood and close enough to walk back into it — the Christmas market is a fifteen minute walk across the Meadows, or six minutes in a taxi.
Christmas party nights in Edinburgh
Our party nights run on seven dates through December 2026, on Fridays and Saturdays plus a quieter Wednesday on the 23rd. Arrive from 7pm, sit down to three courses at 8pm, and carry on until 12.30am. Larger groups can take the Cardoon Suite privately for up to ninety. A deposit secures the date and final numbers are due two weeks before.
Christmas lunch in Edinburgh
If a whole evening is more than you need, the festive menu runs in The Neighbourhood every day from 1 December through Christmas Eve. Three courses from £45 a head, served in the restaurant, the bar or the heated garden, which keeps its blankets and its fairy lights whatever the forecast says.
Christmas Day and the days around it
Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday. We serve from noon until 2pm, and it sells out well before December. Rooms are available on the nights of the 24th and 25th if you would rather not drive home afterwards.
Staying with us over the festive period
The hotel has 74 bedrooms, a car park with twenty-six spaces, and a habit of being fully booked on party nights. If you are coming for the markets rather than for us, our guide to Christmas in Edinburgh covers what is on and when it is worth going.
Good to know
Where we are
69 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4HH. Fifteen minutes on foot from Princes Street across the Meadows.
Booking deadline
Party nights close on 30 November, or earlier if the date fills.
Group sizes
Private hire of the Cardoon Suite up to 90.
Parking
Parking is available on first come first serve basis
Dietary requirements
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus available with two weeks’ notice.
Talk to someone
Questions we get asked
Some festive bookings require a deposit to secure your reservation. Our team will confirm the amount, payment schedule and booking terms when you enquire.
Please contact our reservations team, who will be happy to explain our booking process and whether provisional reservations are available for your preferred date.
December is one of our busiest times of the year, so we recommend booking as early as possible. Friday and Saturday evenings, Christmas Day and popular party dates tend to fill first.
Our festive dining experiences run from 25th November until Christmas Eve on selected dates, with Christmas Day Lunch available on 25 December. We recommend booking early, particularly for weekends and larger groups.
Yes. The Edinburgh Christmas Market is within easy reach of the hotel, making The Bruntsfield an ideal base for a festive day or weekend in the city.
The Bruntsfield is located in the Bruntsfield neighbourhood, just a short journey from Edinburgh city centre, Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle and the city's Christmas attractions.
Yes. On-site parking is available for hotel guests, subject to availability.
Breakfast is available with many room rates. Please check the details when making your reservation.
Yes. Hotel accommodation is available throughout the festive period, making it easy to combine festive dining or Christmas celebrations with an overnight stay.
Yes. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements when making your booking so our chefs can prepare accordingly.
Yes. Our festive menus include vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes.
Absolutely. Christmas Day is all about spending time together, and families are very welcome at The Bruntsfield.
Our Christmas Day Lunch includes a carefully prepared festive meal with a choice of starters, main courses and desserts, served in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Yes. Christmas Day is one of our most popular dining experiences and advance booking is essential.
Yes. Many guests choose to stay overnight after celebrating with us. Bedrooms are available throughout the festive season, subject to availability.
Yes. Depending on your booking, we can discuss entertainment options as part of your Christmas party arrangements.
Yes. Our Cardoon Suite is available for private Christmas parties, while The Neighbourhood may also be available for exclusive hire on selected dates.
We can accommodate both small and large groups up to 60 people. Whether you're organising a team lunch or a larger corporate celebration, we'll help you choose the most suitable space.
Yes. We regularly welcome larger groups for festive lunches and dinners. If you're planning a bigger celebration our events team can help organise your booking.
Absolutely. Whether you're dining as a couple, meeting friends or celebrating with family, we'd be delighted to welcome you.
Our festive dining menu features a choice of seasonal starters, main courses and desserts, including traditional festive favourites alongside vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.