16th Jan, 2026
Best things to do in Edinburgh in February | events, festivals & hidden history
In the wake of the Hogmanay cheer and celebrations of the new year, Edinburgh begins to de-frost into a city of love, wonder and merriment for all who walk the capital’s cobbled streets.
Love is in the air with Valentine’s season upon the horizon, as well as a collection of music, theatre and special events for all to enjoy in Auld Reekie, Edinburgh!
Music and Theatre in February 2026
Candlelight Concerts
A staple in Edinburgh’s live music scene is the monthly Candlelight Concerts located at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral. Valentine’s Day will be a “Chopin & Champagne by Candlelight” – a glistening night of Ballads, Waltz and a complimentary champagne at the door to set the romantic mood!
Date: Saturday 14th February at 7:30 PM – 9:20 PM
Also, the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town at St Gile’s Cathedral will be lit with an “Valentine’s Night at the Opera by Candlelight” featuring the UK’s top performing operatic soloists performing a catalogue of the most beloved opera in time for the romantic season!
Date: Friday 13th February at 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Edinburgh Playhouse
One of the city’s most beloved theatrical venues will be graced by the wistfully wonderful catalogue of ballet performances from The Varna International Ballet Company with “Cinderella” (19th), “Swan Lake” (20th) & “The Nutcracker” (21st).
Date: Thursday 19th February – Saturday 21st February
Royal Lyceum
The World Premiere of “One Day: The Musical” will be on Friday, the 27th. Based on David Nicholls’ novel and Netflix’s critically acclaimed limited television series, comes a whirlwind performance that explores the complexities of youthful romance.
Date: Fri 27th February – Sun 5th April
Festivals and Events in February 2026
Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lantern’s Festival
Returning for the first time since 2019 is the dazzling array of Giant Lantern’s event with an under-the-sea twist! A beloved event for all ages, as well as providing an adult-only and two quiet evenings available, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this trail of wonder at the Zoo!
Selected Dates: Sunday 1st February – Sunday 22nd February
Manipulate Festival
A collection of international performances, talks and workshops displaying the finest displays of puppetry, animation, and visual theatre across artistic venues such as Summerhall, the Traverse Theatre and the newly returned Edinburgh Filmhouse!
Dates: Wednesday 4th February – Tuesday 10th February
The Six Nations Rugby
Kicking off in early February will be the annual international rugby tournament with teams from England, Wales, Ireland, Italy, France, and Scotland! This month, Edinburgh will be hosting Scotland’s tournament against England for what will prove to be a thrilling spectacle of sportsmanship!
Dates: Saturday 14th February at 4:40 pm at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.
Best things to do in Edinburgh in February: Explore more of the city
Edinburgh’s scenic streets are filled to the brim with hidden markets, museums & galleries, and fairs to spend a day exploring!
Markets
- Edinburgh’s Farmer’s Market, Castle Terrace – Every Saturday from 9 am – 2 pm
- Tron Kirk Market, Tron Kirk – Every day from 10 am – 6 pm
- Stockbridge Market, Stockbridge – Every Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm
- Leith Market, Dock Place – Every Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm
- Edinburgh Lunar New Year Market – Saturday 7th February to Sunday 8th February from 10:30 am to 5 pm.
Art and Exhibitions
- “Picking up the Thread: The Past, The Present and The Future of Tapestry” Dovecot Studios – 20th October to 14th February from 10 am – 5 pm
- “Giants,” National Museum of Scotland – 31st January to 14th September from 10 am – 5 pm.
- “Drawing the Italian Renaissance,” The King’s Gallery – 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- “Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture,” City Art Centre – 13th September to 31st May from 10 am – 5 pm.
Walks and Viewpoints
- Water of Leith Walkway – A tranquil stroll along the river with noteworthy locations such as Dean Village, Stockbridge, and The Modern Art Gallery!
- Calton Hill – The perfect location for scenic views of the Old Town’s skyline, which in 1995 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
February at The Real Mary King’s Close
Hidden below the winding streets of the Royal Mile sit some of the city’s most secret stories waiting to be brought to light this February! From 17th Medical Practices to the thrilling connection between Coffee and Edinburgh’s Enlightenment Era – there is much to uncover when you join us below these old, cobbled streets!
Standard Guided Tours
Join us on a journey back in time as you walk upon the last preserved streets of Edinburgh’s 17th-century past and learn about the real residents who helped shape the streets over the past four hundred years!
Daily: Every 10 to 20 mins running
Closes & Coffee Tour
Two hidden closes, one unforgettable experience! Start off your day at John’s Coffee House and Tavern in The Lost Close, where you will learn about the history of Coffee in shaping Edinburgh in the 18th century – accompanied by a freshly brewed coffee from Edinburgh roaster Common Coffee! Then, continuing your journey across the Royal Mile to uncover the secrets of The Real Mary King’s Close’s hidden 400-year history!
Dates: (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 9:15 am and 10:15 am)
Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation
Delve into the streets of 17th century history of The Real Mary King Close before joining a medical workshop with our site’s medical professional: Dr Arnott! As you uncover the bizarre breakthroughs into Edinburgh’s medical history, Dr Arnott will guide guests into creating a herbal concoction to cure patients’ maladies in the form of a hot drink!
Dates: Saturday & Sunday at 12:00 pm, 13:30 pm, 15:00 pm and 16:30 pm.
Top tips for visiting Edinburgh in February
- Layering Up – Scotland is a country where you can experience all four seasons in one day! Even with the thawing of the February season, rain, wind, and occasional snow flurries can occur unexpectedly, so come prepared with appropriate clothing for your travels!
- Sturdy Footwear – With winding cobbled streets and surprising uphill routes throughout the city, it is essential to come prepared with proper shoes for your journey!
- Booking Ahead – For tour, dinner, or event bookings. The city is expected to still be in a quieter season. However, it is always recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment!
- Allow time between plans – Edinburgh is a labyrinthine city, so navigating it for the first time can be daunting. Remember to allow sufficient time between scheduled bookings or events for travel.
- Daylight – With the winter months still looming over the city, if you want to make the most of the city’s landscapes under the (occasional) sun, plan outdoor activities for earlier in the day!
- Card or Cash? – As with The Real Mary King’s Close and other attractions in this digital age, businesses on the Royal Mile have, over the years, adopted the “Cashless” approach, with the exception of pubs and bars. Be prepared to have a card to spend your travel money with when shopping around the city!
And finally, if you are in Edinburgh this February, we would love to welcome you to our attraction at The Real Mary King’s Close! Step beneath the hidden history, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Continuum Attractions is committed to achieving the highest standards of Health & Safety to all its visitors and employees. We are proud of the processes, systems and procedures we have in place across our business. Health & Safety is much a part of our company culture as our dedication to delivering unique experiences in memorable locations.