Review: Edinburgh Castle of Light 2023

Edinburgh Castle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With shades of Harry Potter, a slumbering dragon, dancing knights, the tragedy of Macbeth, a ratting portcullis and a house of cards, this year’s Castle of Light once again brings Edinburgh Castle to life by night - there’s even a spritely ‘Willo-the-Wisp’ to enchant in a more reflective moment.

As always, many of the most striking lighting effects remain the simplest, the National Scottish War Memorial, awash in a rich ruby red, affords a striking reward for walking the trail that follows the historic pathways leading to the Castle’s summit.

Along the way, even the Castle’s lone tree is bathed in ever-changing colours as reds, greens, blues and golds meld and morph through incalculable combinations.

A look too, over the ramparts sees the light show continue in the city below, not just the twinkle of Edinburgh’s Christmas but the glittering white glows that stretching off towards Fife and the search light from the Castle itself, that cuts through the night.

The highlight, however, has to be the intricate and dramatic recreation of the Castle’s ancient portcullis animated to spectacular effect.

And as smoke machines blast and sound effects rumble as the voice of Professor Minerva McGonagall echo in the background. There really is something for everyone, with a few ghost stories thrown in along the way. Just ensure you wrap up warm and wear sensible shoes.

Overall then, this year’s Castle of Light is a mesmerising collection of magic moments - just ask the Dancing Knights.

All photographs ©️Líam Rudden Media

Runs until 3 January 2024

Tickets, times and full details here https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light