Skate into Christmas at Dalkeith Country Park's WinterFest
Celebrate the season with festive experiences, winter adventures and Christmas magic at Dalkeith Country Park.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city this Christmas and discover WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park, where festive experiences, seasonal treats and plenty of outdoor adventure come together for a memorable day out. Just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, the 1,000-acre estate offers a chance to slow down, soak up the Christmas atmosphere and enjoy something for all the family.
WinterFest at a Glance:
Festive Shopping Evening at Restoration Yard: Thursday 19th November
WinterFest Opening Night: Friday 27th November, 18:00–21:00
Glice Skating Rink: Friday 27th November – Sunday 3rd January
Christmas tree sales: Friday 27th November – Thursday 24th December
Go Ape Sundown Adventures: Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 30th December
Christmas wreath-making workshops: Saturday 28th November – Sunday 20th December
Santa Sparkle Dash in aid of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity: Sunday 13th December
A Tale with Santa: Selected dates throughout the festive season; limited tickets remaining
At the heart of WinterFest is the Glice Skating Rink, returning from Friday 27th November to Sunday 3rd January. Set beside the iconic Orangerie, the outdoor rink invites visitors to pull on their skates and glide beneath twinkling lights, with regular skating sessions and special Skate & Shake sessions throughout the festive season. Suitable for ages five and over, it’s a magical way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Powered by innovative Glice Eco-Rink technology, The Rink operates without water or energy, offering a more sustainable way to enjoy the festive skating experience.
There’s plenty more to discover beyond The Rink. Younger visitors can meet Santa at his Grotto or step into A Tale with Santa, a magical storytelling experience in The Christmas Cabin featuring Santa, a singing elf and a special gift for every child. With limited tickets remaining, early booking is recommended.
Restoration Yard will kick off the festive season with its Christmas Shopping Evening on Thursday 19th November, featuring unique gifts, festive fashion, local food and drink, and supplier tastings. Visitors can also enjoy a special Christmas menu at The Kitchen throughout WinterFest and get creative at one of the popular Christmas wreath-making workshops.
Visitors can also pick out their perfect Nordmann Fir Christmas tree at the Park from Friday 27th November, or take their festive adventure to new heights with Go Ape’s Sundown Adventures, offering after-dark treetop thrills throughout the season.
WinterFest begins with a special Opening Night on Friday 27th November, from 18:00 to 21:00. Visitors can enjoy late-night shopping, festive food and drinks, cosy fire pits with s’mores and Meet the Maker stalls, before Santa lights up the night at 18:30 and the skating rink opens for its first spins of the season.
The festive programme continues on Sunday 13th December with the Santa Sparkle Dash, offering a festive 1K or 3K run in support of Dalkeith Country Park’s charity partner, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. With festive hats, medals, family-friendly activities and plenty of sparkle. It’s a chance to spread some Christmas cheer while supporting families across the region receive the best possible care when they need it most.
With a packed programme of seasonal experiences and space to enjoy the outdoors, WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park is the perfect place to make a day of Christmas, just a short journey from Edinburgh.
For further information and ticket bookings, visit www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk.
