Experience the enchanting Christmas magic of Rosslyn Chapel: A must-visit destination near Edinburgh
Put Rosslyn Chapel on your to-do list this Christmas and you’ll be rewarded with festive candles, songs and magical atmosphere.
The chapel - which is only seven miles from the heart of Edinburgh - was founded in 1446 as a family chapel, and then across the centuries it fell into disrepair. In 1862 it was rededicated and weekly services began again.
For generation this “treasure in stone” has welcomed visitors from far and wide.
And if you’re planning a trip this Christmas then Rosslyn Chapel is the ideal destination. The Chapel and visitor centre are open daily (closed only on 24 and 25 December and 1 January) so avoid the summer crowds and visit over the coming weeks. Find out more about visits here.
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You can also plan your visit around some fantastic celebratory events which include winter storytelling, the traditional music of Christmas and tours and talks by candlelight.
How can you bring this magic into your festive life?
There are many travel options, including minibus tours to the chapel, often also visiting other sites, with various pick-up points.
Plus, a regular bus service from the city centre to the village, just a few minutes’ walk from the Chapel, and if travelling by car you can pop the destination into your satnav. There are even electric charging points. Find out more about travel details here.
Now you’ve decided to visit beautiful Rosslyn Chapel, here’s what its Christmas diary looks like.
Five festive events to enjoy at Rosslyn Chapel
Winter Tales – Storytelling for the Season: It’s a family afternoon of winter-themed stories in the magical setting of the Lady Chapel, with a warming cup of hot chocolate. Details here.
A Christmas Carol at Rosslyn Chapel: The most famous Christmas story of all will be performed by Captivate Theatre & Perfect Forth. Expect lots of music and song as Charles Dickens’ story of Scrooge is retold. It runs between December 3 and December 7. Details here.
Castle Chorus Winter Concert: Castle Chorus is a mixed voice community choir. On December 21 they will celebrate Christmas and the Winter Solstice with songs from all over the world. Details here.
Christmas Candlelit Visits: Candlelight adds magical touches to this architectural gem. Walk around and explore the chapel’s history, with a talk from one of the chapel’s guides. Dates are from Tuesday December 10 to Thursday December 19, all at 7pm. Details here.
Roslin Community Choir, Festive Concert: After the turkey is done, and all the presents unwrapped, join the village of Roslin’s own community choir as it sings a mixture of festive, folk, and popular music on December 28. Details here.
Buy gifts online, and find out more
If you can’t make it to the chapel, the internet can bring its delights to you.
Shop in Rosslyn Chapel’s online shop for a selection of festive cards and gifts. And perhaps bring the magic of the chapel into someone else’s lives by buying a gift experience for two. Find out more here.
Discover more about the chapel at the Rosslyn Chapel website.