Visit Edinburgh in January
Visiting Edinburgh: January 2025
In January, after Christmas and Hogmanay, we find ourselves back in the real world. But there’s plenty happening here in Edinburgh to brighten up the winter days. In fact, this is a great time of year to come and visit us! So here are a few things to look forward to as we begin a new year in the Scottish capital…
January festivals and events
The next big Scottish festivity is Burns Night, which is celebrated on 25th January every year. This is a celebration of the life and works of one of Scotland’s most famous poets, Robert Burns. In honour of the literary legacy he left behind, Scots mark the occasion with a special Burns Supper. This involves all our favourite traditional Scottish fayre. We eat a dinner of haggis, neeps and tatties, drink fine Scotch whisky and recite ol’ Rabbie’s poetry. There are lots of Burns Night suppers, ceilidhs and events to join in Edinburgh, guaranteed to bring some cheer to a cold January evening. There is also a whole festival which usually takes place at the end of January, the Burns & Beyond Festival, with a programme of events to celebrate the life of the bard. The 2025 festival is yet to be announced, but keep an eye on the website for details.
Theatre breaks in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Playhouse (just around the corner from our hotel) will host several great live shows to kick off the new year. The electrifying musical Bat Out Of Hell will be on stage from 6th to 11th January. Then, Varna International Ballet will perform Romeo and Juliet on the 16th, Swan Lake on the 17th and The Nutcracker on the 18th. Plus, The Rock Horror Show will bring the rock n roll from 20th to 25th January. See full listings here.
Attraction of the month: National Museum of Scotland
For January, our attraction of the month is the National Museum of Scotland. This large indoor museum is great to explore in the winter months. Entry is free, and you can spend hours, if not days, wandering around its many galleries and displays. Topics include art and design, science and technology, the natural world, history and archaeology, and world cultures.
Offer of the month: Winter Warmer
Stay in our central Edinburgh hotel for two nights, in a twin or double room with breakfast included, and a chilled bottle of prosecco on arrival, with our fantastic Winter Warmer Breaks, available throughout January 2025. Enjoy winter walks in beautiful surroundings, take advantage of the January Sales, or visit the many attractions within walking distance of the hotel. *Full details and T&Cs.
Day trip of the month: Roslin
Edinburgh is a great base from which to explore the rest of Scotland. With convenient transport links by train and bus, and hire car options available, it’s so easy to get around. Our day trip of the month is the village of Roslin, situated just seven miles south of Edinburgh. The journey is approximately 30 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bus. Here, you can visit the famous Rosslyn Chapel, which featured in the Da Vinci Code book and film. The stunning Gothic-style building features pinnacles, gargoyles and flying buttresses, and has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories.
Our top January blogs
Our Edinburgh Blog features news, guides and travel information to help you plan your visit. Check out our top 5 posts for January:
- Winter festivals in Edinburgh
- Visiting Edinburgh in the colder months
- Free things to do in Edinburgh
- Debunking the myth of Greyfriars Bobby
- Discover Edinburgh’s local neighbourhoods
Visiting us this January
So, book your stay at Parliament House Hotel in Edinburgh and start planning your adventures. Remember, we have further information on attractions, shopping, itineraries, road trips and more in our Edinburgh Guide. And we are always here, should you need any help planning activities during your stay.
