Girdy & Birdy made their way to the Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery on a cold November evening, where they encountered dancing historical Scottish knights, majestical beings, sleight-of-hand trickery, smoke machines, magic mirrors and more!
I’d never been to Castle of Light before. But Girdy had!
And Girdy decided this would be a fun thing for us to do on a November evening – and, although we both attended this event, again it’s just me writing this one up (rather than a joint review) due to time constraints on the both of us.
It was slightly unfortunately that this was the evening where the temperatures properly dropped for the first time, but what we encountered was a lovely evening of beautiful and captivating light shows, interactive entertainment, and fun for all the family.
The vibe
As it was my first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Castle of Light, so I went in with a fairly open mind, and from the moment we started approaching the castle and saw it all lit up in various ways, I was quite excited.
Watch our TikTok (right) to get a much better idea of the vibe!
We were greeted by Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, and I wasn’t prepared for them talking at us and how they would actually sound.
It was a nice vibe going in, and we noticed there were lots of families making their way through. Once in, there were plenty of things to see and do. Some of the lightshows were absolutely gorgeous, whilst others were more fun and silly.
Things to do and engage with
As you walk through the Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery tour of Edinburgh Castle, you’re presented with some beautiful light shows and scenes, where you can pretty much go at your own pace and just enjoy the show. If you look closely enough, you may even spot a dragon!
Some of the lightshows I enjoyed the most included the ‘Willo-the-Wisp’, house of cards, and the sleight-of-hand trickery with the red ball – which later turned into a lemon! The National Scottish War Memorial was also lit up in a deep, striking red, which was a nice touch.
We were particularly taken with the tarot machines, and we both got ‘self’ when we tried. I tried it twice (because in tarot, you’re supposed to pick more than one card) – and there were plenty of machines – and got ‘partnership’, too. That was pretty spot on, since self and Girdy are business partners!
One of the biggest highlights for me was the Castle’s portcullis, being raised and dropping again. It’s quite an intricate animation and a very effective one! Made me almost feel nervous to walk under it.
We also stumbled upon magic mirrors where people could record themselves interacting with various bits, and then OF COURSE there was the toasted marshmallow pit!
This was great fun, because who doesn’t like a toasted marshmallow? I even managed not to get it all over my face; a skill Girdy was also successful in. There was also a cafe, but we didn’t go in to see what there was.
Overall
This was a fab, family-friendly night at Edinburgh’s Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery – despite the freezing cold temperatures! My best bit of advice is to wrap up warm, and remember to wear comfy/sensible shoes. You’ll have a blast!
The Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery is running until January 3rd, 2024!
Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery
Summary
A fun, family-friendly evening of dancing historical Scottish knights, majestical beings, sleight-of-hand trickery, smoke machines, magic mirrors and more!
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Perret says
C’est une véritable arnaque. 22 livres par personne, c’est scandaleux. La façade extérieure laisse présager le meilleur mais quelle déception dès que l’on entre. À Lyon, la fête des lumières est gratuite et 1000 fois mieux. Un véritable régal pour les yeux. Castle of lights est à fuir.
Alison Howes says
Agree with this review in French. £22 pp was very expensive. Kew Gardens Christmas lights are 100 times better for less money.
Translation for non French speakers :
This is a real scam. 22 pounds per person is scandalous. The exterior facade suggests the best but what a disappointment as soon as you enter. In Lyon, the festival of lights is free and 1000 times better. A real feast for the eyes. Castle of lights should be avoided.
Gemma says
We loved the Castle of Light show, it was a real spectacle and very well thought out. A lot of fun and a great winter evening experience. We recommend it to a friend, and they were underwhelmed, I’m honestly not sure what some people are expecting or perhaps they’re not taking the time to fully appreciate it?