Best Things To Do In Edinburgh This Winter

Located in Cowgate, The Three Sisters is an iconic Edinburgh pub that hosts all sorts of fun events. They show live sports on their large screens, and there's even a hidden cabaret bar at the back of the main bar.

This winter, you can find everything from Love Actually-themed boozy brunches to wreath making workshops and paint and sip sessions. Plus, there's plenty going on for Burns Night.

If you're after a fun, foodie event in Edinburgh this winter, check out the Dough It Yourself Pizza Masterclass by Pizza Pilgrims. This class is led by their expert chefs, who'll teach you the art of making the perfect pizza.

Tickets include two drinks and tasty Italian street food to begin the session, before you bake and enjoy your own creation. You'll get to end on a delicious Nutella ring dessert too.

Whether painting or sculpting is more your thing, you can find them both at Paintvine's Edinburgh events this winter. Taking place at The Three Sisters and The Counting House, they host regular sessions that let you explore your artistic side, leaving with your very own masterpiece to take home.

There's a fully stocked bar to get your creative juices flowing, as well as expert instructors on hand to guide you through the process. All the materials you need will be provided, from quality air-dry clay to top-notch paints and canvasses, with tickets costing only £35 per person.

Head to YO! Sushi on Princes Street for one of the best culinary things to do this winter. Their sushi school takes place every single Wednesday, teaching you all about the history of sushi and how to prepare these tasty treats yourself.

Their expert guides will talk you through knife skills, rolling techniques and the best flavours to use. You'll make everything from salmon sashimi to inari nigiri and California rolls, and you'll get to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks too.

Brewhemia is a lively bar on Market Street where there's often some high-energy fun taking place. They host regular live music sessions, particularly brass bands, alongside choirs, cabaret performers and drag queens on their stage.

You'll discover everything from drag brunches to Christmas cabaret here this winter, which you can enjoy with a pint of the finest Czech beer. They offer 12 copper tanks filled with award-winning brews, as well as a unique blend of Scottish and Alpine cuisine.

If you thought brunch was all poached eggs and quiet chatter, The Official Coyote Ugly Boozy Brunch - Edinburgh is here to set you straight.

With five drinks included, unlimited pizza slices, and 90 minutes of outrageous energy, you'll be smack in the middle of a Nashville-style hoedown. The Coyotes will keep you dancing, stomping and singing until you've got nothing left to give.

Leith venue Moonwake Beer Co. are hosting brewery tours every Saturday and Sunday, perfect for all the beer lovers out there. This modern Scottish brewery was established in 2021, and has since become very popular for their delicious craft beer.

Tickets include a tasting flight of three 1/3 pints of beer. You'll also get to find out more about their brewing methods and the ingredients that go into these drinks too.

If you're looking for something a little more eerie to do, then check out the Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour. This is a vintage, double decker Routemaster, which will take you all around the city's most haunted sights.

You'll visit Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Kirk the Royal Mile and more, hearing chilling tales of executions, grave robbers and ghostly encounters. There's a creepy conductor leading you, so prepare to be spooked.

St James Quarter venue Flight Club knows a thing or two about quirky events, and their weekend brunch socials give you the chance to try out their interactive darts minigames with your pals. You'll get to enjoy an entire bottle of prosecco per person, as well as unlimited sharing paddles of pizza.

Ticket start from just £30 per person, including an hour at the oche and another in their stylish bar space. And if you're looking for things to do in Edinburgh in December 2026, then check out their festive brunch socials, which promise all the same fun and games plus a seasonal cocktail on arrival.

Paint & Sip brings brings talented local artists to Marpole Retreats every Saturday night. Under their expert guidance, you'll make a masterpiece of your very own. 

Open to beginners and seasoned pros, it's a fun, relaxed and sociable way to break out the brushes. Your £33 ticket includes all the materials you need, plus prosecco to fuel your artistic endevours. 

One of the best things to do in winter in Edinburgh for adults, this neon-splattered haunt can be found on Lothian Road, boasting Instagrammable interiors and themed cocktails to match. NQ64 is the ultimate gaming bar, fronting original PlayStation consoles and retro arcade machines that feature nostalgic games like Dance Dance Revolution, Time Crisis 3 and Guitar Hero.

Pizza Geeks have taken over the kitchen, dishing out cheesy slices while you play. And if you're thirsty, choose between creative concoctions such as a Lemmingade made with Pink Hooch or the Power Star Martini.

What better way to warm your cockles this winter than with a ballet-inspired workout and free-flowing fizz? Barre, Bites & Bubbles brings together fitness and fun to leave you feeling fantastic.

You'll kick off with some high-energy exercises to get the blood flowing and the temperature up. Now, it's time to unwind with a well-deserved glass or two of bubbles and some refuelling snacks.

There's nothing nicer than cosying up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate as the weather gets colder, and we've rounded up the very best places in the city to find it. Whether you fancy yours topped with fluffy marshmallows or infused with sea salt, there's something for everyone in our guide.

Some of our favourite spots include Knoops, Mimi's Bakehouse, Uplands Roast and many more, so get your sweet fix right here.

Looking for free things to do in Edinburgh this winter? Then why not set off on a brisk stroll down these gorgeous streets, which are dotted all over the city. 

From the 18th century-style Circus Lane to The Shore in Leith, there are so many stunning spots to explore, and we've rounded up six of the very best that you should check out during this season.

If you're in the mood for some laughter this winter, then check out Top Banana at Monkey Barrel Comedy. This hilarious event runs every Wednesday from 7pm until midnight, with different headliners each week.

You'll get to see plenty of up-and-coming comedians perform here with the hopes of being named top banana, as well as some more experienced acts. And the best part? Tickets cost just £4 per person.