Auld Reekie knows how to do Christmas with style—twinkly lights on George Street, ceilidhs echoing through Old Town, and bars that turn into full-on festive wonderlands. From candlelit vaults near the Royal Mile to stylish speakeasies in New Town, you’ll find no shortage of places for a Christmas toast or two. Ready to trade your hat for a Santa cap? The best Christmas bars in Edinburgh are just a click away.
Booking costs of Christmas bars average £650 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Edinburgh, based on Tagvenue data from December 2025:
| From £500 | to £1500 | minimum spend per event |
| From £15 | to £39 | per person |
| From £100 | to £350 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated December 2025), the best options include:
Whole Space at Little Picardy
in New Town - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘On the night of the party the bar staff were very fast and let us play our own music as loud as we liked!’
The Other Room at Dragonfly Cocktail Bar
in Old Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The venue is gorgeous and perfect for a birthday party. Cocktails were delicious and bar staff were lovely!’
The Speakeasy at The Voodoo Rooms
in New Town - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘The staff were great and it's a dynamic room that was perfect for the party size.’
You'll find Christmas bars in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Edinburgh, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (December 2025):
| Small | up to 45 guests | prices average £600 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 80 guests | prices average £800 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 120 guests | prices average £1200 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 0.2 mi from central Edinburgh, available to book on Tagvenue:
The Old Town is a popular choice for its historic pubs and atmospheric venues, with spaces like Dragonfly Cocktail Bar offering a festive backdrop. New Town is equally sought after, especially for more upscale bars and hotel venues like Le Monde Hotel, and Manahatta Edinburgh. For something a little quieter, Leith and Merchiston also feature welcoming local spots perfect for more laid-back events.
You’ll find a range of venue types to suit all styles and group sizes, including cocktail bars, converted cellars, hotel lounges, and large event bars. Many offer full-service packages including catering and entertainment. Some, like Brewhemia and The Voodoo Rooms, provide theatrical décor and stage setups, while others like the Caley Sample Room or Chanter Edinburgh offer relaxed, pub-style charm.
Yes, nearly all Christmas bar venues in Edinburgh are fully licensed and will have professional staff serving alcohol. Many venues require drinks to be purchased in-house, particularly those operating on a minimum spend. If you're looking to bring your own drinks or hire a mobile bar, you’ll need to confirm with the venue directly as licensing restrictions can vary.
Page last updated in December 2025
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