Christmas activity day
Map & directions
By car
There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
By train
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. The Palace is a 15 minute walk from the station.
Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Palace is a 20 minute walk from the stop.
Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.
By coach / bus
Bus number 35 stops near the Palace. Open-top tour buses stop nearby.
Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By bike
A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament. Cycle hire stations are available nearby on both Holyrood Road and Abbeyhill, within a 5 minute walk of the Palace and The Queen’s Gallery.
Visit Edinburgh Cycle Hire for details.
Included as part of your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse this Christmas, enjoy the beautifully decorated State Apartments and make a memento or two to take home.
Design a Christmas card
Making and sending Christmas cards was a cherished pastime for children during Queen Victoria's reign. Hear about the tradition of sending Christmas cards, and design your own festive card inspired by Christmas cards from the past.
Make a festive cracker
Find out about some surprising Victorian Christmas traditions and have a go at making your own Christmas cracker.
Christmas Short Talk
Christmas trees have become an established Christmas tradition but where did this tradition come from and what was a royal Christmas like in the past? Join us for a short talk to find out.
Talks take place at 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00.
Festive Music
Join us in the quadrangle to hear some festive music.
Members of the University of Edinburgh Renaissance Singers will preform at 14:00.
