February in Edinburgh

February is when Edinburgh starts to turn towards spring. The days are getting longer, snowdrops are out under the trees, and rugby fans are counting down to the Six Nations. It’s a lovely month for a weekend away, with quieter streets and plenty going on, indoors and out.

Scottish Snowdrop Festival (late January to mid-March, gardens across Scotland)

Gardens all over the country open for the snowdrops, with walks and events through to March. In the city, the Royal Botanic Garden is the place to go, where snowdrops carpet the Birch Lawn from as early as January.

The Six Nations (early February to mid-March, Scottish Gas Murrayfield)

The championship runs from early February into March, and Scotland’s home games are played at Murrayfield, a short tram ride west of the city centre. If you can’t get a ticket, pubs across the city show every game.

MANIPULATE Festival (every other February, venues across the city)

Every two years, MANIPULATE brings puppetry, animated film and visual theatre from Scotland and around the world to adult audiences in Edinburgh. It’s one of the most surprising things on the city’s calendar.

Gaelic Week Edinburgh (late February)

Held alongside World Gaelic Week, Edinburgh’s celebration of the language fills the city with concerts, talks, storytelling, and language and singing classes. Beginners are very welcome.

Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns (until late February, Edinburgh Zoo)

The zoo’s winter trail of giant illuminated lanterns runs until late February, which makes it a lovely Valentine’s evening or a half-term outing with the children.

Jazz Sundays (every Sunday evening, Söderberg Pavilion)

Söderberg Pavilion puts on live jazz every Sunday evening, and it’s a relaxed way to end a weekend in the city.

Edinburgh’s weekly markets carry on all year, so wrap up and make a morning of one. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market sets up on Castle Terrace under the castle every Saturday morning, with seasonal fruit and veg, locally sourced game and more. The Grassmarket Market runs every Saturday too, with baking, produce and local craftwork, and Leith Market is on Dock Place by the Shore on Saturdays, mostly food with a few local makers. On Sundays, head to Stockbridge Market on Saunders Street for street food and lifestyle stalls.

Edinburgh’s independent bookshops keep up a full programme of author talks, launches and book groups all year. Topping & Company, Lighthouse Bookshop and the Portobello Bookshop on Portobello High Street are the ones to watch, so check their events pages before you travel.