Castle of Light: Fire and Ice 2025

Detail Information

Theme Fire & Ice – A storytelling trail fusing Scotland's volcanic origins and fierce spirit with its icy resilience and frozen beauty.

Dates Selected dates from 21st November 2025 to 4th January 2026Times4:30 PM to 9:00 PM (Last entry 7:45 PM)

Recommended Duration 60 minutes

The Illuminated Attractions & Installations

The experience is a dramatic, awe-inspiring tapestry of storytelling projections, dazzling installations, and atmospheric sound displays that bring the castle's ancient history to life.

🔥 The Fire Element

• The Dragon's Ascent: Watch the walls of the castle ignite as a mighty dragon—a representation of Scotland's fierce spirit and the ancient, volcanic rock the castle sits upon—soars across the night sky in a huge, dramatic projection.
• The Reimagining of Y Gododdin: One of the most innovative features of the 2025 show. This section presents the ancient Scottish epic poem, Y Gododdin, using a raw, expressive technique. An artist's live painting of the tale is projected onto the rock face in real-time, making the creation itself part of the mesmerising show.
• The Warming Fire Pit: A central spot for guests to gather, grab winter drinks, and enjoy the classic festive tradition of toasting marshmallows by the fire.

❄️ The Ice Element

• The Ice Queen's Frozen Realm: Encounter the mysterious Ice Queen (one of the mythical characters) as she glides through her frozen realm in the Castle's historic Great Hall, providing a stunning contrast to the fiery themes.
• Icy Resilience Projections: Experience the sheer scale of the castle illuminated by projections that reflect Scotland's frozen beauty and resilience, shaped by the power of ice over millennia.

✨ Immersive & Interactive Highlights

• Storytelling Projections: The entire trail is connected by an awe-inspiring tapestry of light and sound, with cutting-edge visual artistry transforming the castle's ancient architecture into a seamless narrative stage.
• Interactive Moments: Look out for installations that respond to movement or sound, making you a part of the dramatic display.
• Unique Photo Opportunities: The dramatically lit ramparts and courtyards provide stunning, one-of-a-kind views of the Edinburgh skyline after dark.

Visitor Planning Notes

• Outdoor Event: The entire event is a walking trail outdoors. Please dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for steep, uneven, and cobbled paths.
• Accessibility: An alternative route is available for guests with mobility needs, but be aware of the challenging terrain. A special Quiet Night with reduced capacity and low sensory effects is scheduled for Sunday, 7th December.
• Booking: All tickets must be booked online in advance for a specific time slot.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, UK, United Kingdom

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