At Unique-Assembly, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are dedicated to ensuring that your visit is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. However, we understand that the unique nature of our Winter Festival may present challenges in terms of accessibility due to our temporary site layout. To that end, we provide detailed information about each venue below, as well as offering assisted performances for your convenience.

We have tried to make the walkways of Edinburgh’s Christmas as even as possible with ramps to stalls where we can. However, please note that due to the temporary nature of the site, ramps may occasionally be steeper than 1:12. 

There is no ride-wide policy for the suitability of the rides for those with disabilities. This is due to variant conditions – e.g. unfavourable weather, the type of ride – and the nature of the disability, as some rides will require more support than others. The individual ride operator on the day will determine whether the ride is suitable for safety reasons and how they will grant admission.  

Essential companion tickets

If you require an essential companion ticket, we are more than happy to provide a complimentary ticket for them to join you at any of our ticketed events. Simply call our Box Office at 0131 623 3033 or email [email protected] for further assistance.

Assistance dogs

We welcome accessibility dogs across all of our outdoor sites and encourage you to speak toa member of our staff upon your arrival for any assistance required.

Assisted performances

We offer a range of enhanced performances or accessible sessions across our Santa’s Stories and Ice Skating, which can be filtered for on the What’s On page via the Accessibility filter. Information can also be found below. Please contact us at [email protected] or call 0131 623 3033 for further details.

SITE SPECIFIC ACCESS INFORMATION

EAST PRINCES STREET GARDENS

Accessible Entrances

East Princes Street Gardens is fully accessible from both Princes Street and Waverley Bridge. Accessible entrances are available at the gate between the galleries on the mound and the Waverley Bridge entrance gate. All our gates are staffed with a member of our security team, please make yourself known if you require any further assistance.

During off-peak times, i.e. weekdays, all gates are open and level access is available from any entrance. At peak times, the gates may be closed, so please speak to a member of security of staff for directions to the nearest accessible entrance.

Please see the accessible entrances highlighted on the map.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible Toilet is available on site near the Big Wheel - Please speak to security or our Front of House Team if unsure of directions and contact security for the key.

Wheelchair Access

Viewing pods in The Big Wheel are designed to accommodate manual wheelchairs.

Sensory Backpacks

Sensory Backpacks are available to pick up from the East Princes Street Gardens information point. The backpacks come in two sizes, one for adults and one for children. Each one contains a fidget toy, earplugs, a stress reliever, and ear defenders. These items are designed to help users relax and overcome stressful or intense situations. Look for the Sensory Backpack logo on the information points to collect and return the backpacks.

WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS

Accessible Entrances

West Princes Street Gardens is fully accessible following the ramped path from Princes Street and via King Stables Road. Please note that the ramps to enter via Princes Street are quite steep and some are cobbled.

Accessible Toilet

Accessible toilets are available in West Princes Street Gardens near the ride area. There are accessible council toilets also situated within the park. Please speak to our Info Booth for directions.

Please see the Changing Place map for additional accessible toilets.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchairs are welcome in West Princes Street Gardens. For patrons with other accessibility requirements, we recommend making yourself known to a member of our security team or the staff at the info booth, who will be happy to assist you.

Accessibility varies between specific rides and attractions - please speak to our ride operators for more information on site.

Accessible Parking

Pay and display parking is available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Kings Stable Road. This is free for Blue Badge holders with no time limit. Full details and locations of street Blue Badge parking bays can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk

GEORGE STREET

Accessible Entrance

George Street is fully accessible from the pavement level.

Accessible Toilet

An accessible toilet is available next to the rink at the west end of George Street opposite Charlotte Square - please contact a member of Edinburgh’s Christmas staff for the key. Please see the Changing Place map for additional accessible toilets.

Wheelchair Access

We have tried to make the walkways of Edinburgh’s Christmas as even as possible with ramps to stalls where we can. However, please note that due to the temporary nature of the site, ramps may occasionally be steeper than 1:12.

Wheelchairs are welcome on the rink. Please call our box office team upon booking to make a note of your access requirements, the ice rink team will then assist from there at the start of your booked session.

Ride Access

There is no ride-wide policy for the suitability of the rides for those with disabilities. This is due to variant conditions – e.g. unfavourable weather, the type of ride and the nature of the disability, as some rides will require more support than others. The individual ride operator on the day will determine whether the ride is suitable for safety reasons and how they will grant admission.

Accessible Parking

Pay and display parking for George St is available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Charlotte Square. This is free for Blue Badge holders with no time limit. Full details and locations of street Blue Badge parking bays can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk.

ST ANDREW SQUARE

Accessible Entrance

St Andrew Square has accessible entrances at the NE (Harvey Nichols) and SW (The Ivy) corners of the square.

Accessible Toilet

Public toilets are available in Harvey Nichols or St James Centre nearby. If you were to require an accessible toilet or baby change for any urgent reason, please speak to one of our Front of House staff within St Andrews Square, by Santa’s Stories or the Christmas Tree Maze.

Wheelchair Access

The square itself is wheelchair accessible. Some elements of Edinburgh's Christmas within the square may have a small step up or ramp. We will provide more information soon.

The Piccolo hosting Santa's Stories is fully wheelchair accessible and holds space for 2 wheelchair users per performance.

Accessible Parking

Full details and locations of street Blue Badge parking bays can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk.

ASSEMBLY HALL 

Accessible Entrance

Level access to Assembly Hall and our internal venues, Main Hall and Rainy Hall, is via the rear Accessible Entry door on the Lawnmarket. The door is located adjacent to the Johnston Terrace roundabout. Upon arrival at the Accessible Entry, press the doorbell next to the door.Staff will attend the door and assist.

CLICK HERE to download the instructions on how to arrive at the venue. 

Accessible Toilet

Assembly Hall has accessible toilets; please ask a member of staff for further advice. 

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair space is available in the venue. Please email [email protected] for further assistance. 

Accessible Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome at our shows, but admission may be subject to variation depending on the specific show. Please consult with our Access team prior to booking your tickets to ensure that suitable arrangements can be made. 

Strobe Lighting

Certain performances at our venue incorporate strobe light effects. For your safety and wellbeing, we recommend referring to the warning section of the event listing prior to attending any such show.