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 £600 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 £450 | to £2300 | minimum spend per event |
| From £20 | to £35 | per person |
| From £100 | to £250 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), 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 Speakeasy at The Voodoo Rooms
in New Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Supported our charity! The bar staff downstairs in the speakeasy was exceptional!’
The Other Room at Dragonfly Cocktail Bar
in Old Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Cosy and stylish venue. Friendly bar staff and great drinks. Very accommodating and would fully recommend!’
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 (September 2026):
| Small | up to 50 guests | prices average £500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 80 guests | prices average £1500 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 105 guests | prices average £1500 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 0.2 mi from central Edinburgh, available to book on Tagvenue:
Smaller Christmas bars usually fit up to 50 guests standing. Here are some great options in Edinburgh, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026:
Raised Area at Chanter Edinburgh, rated 5/5 - event space for 50 guests
Our user said: ‘Clean, spacious and very helpful staff...’
The Underground Bar at Royal Scots Club, rated 4.7/5 - bar for 40 guests
Our user said: ‘Food and drinks all lovely Service was good too. Venue was clean well organised.’
Lobby Bar at Heeton Concept Aparthotel Queen Street - bar for 40 guests
Our user said: ‘The space is lovely for a small party. The staff were excellent and were so accommodating on the night.’
Cheap Christmas bars in Edinburgh start from £50 hire fee per event or £125 minimum spend per event. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
The Mezzanine at Frankenstein's Edinburgh, from £50 hire fee per event
(up to 70 guests standing)
Venue said: Housed in a 19th century church, Mary Shelley’s tale gets real! Our World Famous Frankenstein's bar is a unique themed bar on George IV Bridge, the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, just a stone’s throw away from the popular...
Private Dining Room at Manahatta Edinburgh, from £125 minimum spend per event
(up to 10 guests seated)
Venue said: Located downstairs, our Private Dining table has some of the best seats in the venue. Lit by a magenta hue, the oval table is the perfect space for every special occasion.
Cocktail Bar / Aperitivo Food at Bittersweet, from £45 hire fee per day
(up to 45 guests standing)
Venue said: Bittersweet is a compact cocktail bar defined by an intimate, low-ceiling layout that keeps groups close and conversational. Design: The interior pairs dark-painted walls and exposed brick with warm timber flooring and low,
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 September 2026
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