Christmas Things To Do In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city filled with history and culture, and during the Christmas period it is especially magical. From ice skating to shopping, there is something for everyone to enjoy and create a memorable experience! Whether you are travelling alone or with family and friends, there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh during the holiday season. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your Christmas holiday in Edinburgh.

1. Stroll Down the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the main street in Edinburgh, running from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. During the Christmas season, it is decorated with lights and festive decorations, making for a beautiful stroll. The Royal Mile is lined with restaurants, cafes, shops, and pubs, making it the perfect spot to grab a hot beverage or a bite to eat while taking in the festive atmosphere.

2. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most impressive and popular attractions of the city. During the Christmas season, the castle is lit up with festive lights, and there are often events to attend, such as carol singing and festive workshops. It is a great place to take in the holiday atmosphere of the city and get a glimpse of Edinburgh’s history.

3. Shop in the Christmas Markets

Edinburgh is home to many Christmas markets, where you can find unique gifts, decorations, and treats to bring home. Princes Street Gardens hosts a popular market, with stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, and food. The St. Andrew Square Christmas market is also a great place to pick up some festive gifts, with a selection of food, drinks and gifts.

4. Go Ice Skating

Nothing quite says Christmas like ice skating! Edinburgh boasts several ice rinks, including the St. Andrew Square Ice Rink, which is the largest outdoor rink in Scotland. It is the perfect spot for families and friends to have fun and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

5. Visit Santa’s Grotto

For children, visiting Santa is a highlight of the Christmas season. Edinburgh offers several Santa’s Grottos, which are filled with Christmas decorations, festive music, and of course, Santa himself! The Santa’s Grotto at the Royal Botanic Garden is especially popular, with a selection of activities and events to keep the whole family entertained.

6. Take a Christmas Tour

Edinburgh is a city filled with history, and a great way to explore is by taking a Christmas tour. Many companies offer tours of the city’s Christmas markets and festive lights, as well as historical tours of the city centre. It is a great way to learn more about Edinburgh and its culture while taking in the Christmas spirit.

7. See the Christmas Lights

One of the best things about Christmas in Edinburgh is the festive lights. Every year, the city is lit up with beautiful displays, making for a magical atmosphere. From Princes Street Gardens to the Botanic Gardens, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy the lights.

8. Eat Traditional Christmas Food

No Christmas celebration is complete without festive food! Edinburgh has a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs with traditional Christmas dishes. Whether you are looking for a traditional Christmas dinner or a festive afternoon tea, there is something for everyone.

9. Attend a Christmas Concert

Edinburgh is home to a number of churches and cathedrals, and during the Christmas period, they often host festive concerts. From carol singing to classical music, there is something for every taste. It is a great way to enjoy a festive atmosphere while listening to some festive music.

10. Take a Ghost Tour

If you are looking for something a little different, then why not take a ghost tour? Edinburgh has a long history of hauntings, making it the perfect place for a spooky tour. There are many companies that offer ghost tours, so you can explore the dark side of the city while learning about its history.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a city filled with Christmas spirit and festive cheer, making it the perfect place to spend the holidays. From ice skating to ghost tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is a great place to explore and create a memorable experience with family and friends. Whether you are visiting for the first time or looking for something different, there is no shortage of Christmas things to do in Edinburgh.

An Insider’s Guide to Christmas Things To Do In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city layered in history, variety, and traditions, especially during Christmas. It’s quite enchanting to see the city all lit up in twinkling lights and decorations, bringing with it a sense of festivity and cheer. As someone who has lived and breathed Edinburgh for years, here’s an insider’s guide to Christmas things to do in Edinburgh that aren’t your usual tourist traps.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

Sure, every visitor to Edinburgh must visit the Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Botanic Garden. But, let me introduce you to the hidden gems that locals hold dear and are still under the radar of most tourists.

If you need a break from the winter cold, visit the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, which is part of the Edinburgh University School of Physics and Astronomy. They have a Telescope Dome that offers stargazing and astronomy experiences.

The Georgian House, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, is the perfect place to witness the lives of Edinburgh’s wealthy in the 18th century. The House has an enormous Christmas tree in its grand entrance hall, which fits in perfectly with the holiday vibe.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine

Edinburgh’s cuisine has a plethora of dishes that tell a story of the city’s past. Of course, there’s haggis, but you must also try the Cullen Skink – a traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream. Another must-try is smoked salmon from the nearby Scottish coast.

Beware of restaurants that serve only haggis-based dishes because there’s more to Scottish gastronomy than haggis. Locals favor the No. 1 The Grange, new town’s fine dining restaurant, and the Holyrood 9A pub, which serves artisan burgers made with Scottish beef.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals and Traditions

Scotland and its people are fervently devoted to their traditions and customs, especially during Christmas. The Torchlight Processions, organized by The Beltane Fire Society, is an annual event to welcome the New Year. The procession involves hundreds of people walking down the Royal Mile to the sound of drums, bagpipes, and fire torches.

On Christmas Eve, people head to St. Giles Cathedral for the annual Carol Service. The church is adorned with vibrant Christmas decorations, and the choir performances and readings are enchanting. You can also check out the European Christmas Market in the city center, which opens its doors in the early weeks of December.

Local History

Edinburgh’s streets and buildings are full of history, and during Christmas, that history is brought to life. The Palace of Holyroodhouse has an elaborate display of Christmas trees and decorations that speak about Scottish royal history and traditions. You can also walk down the medieval Close, Old Town’s network of narrow streets that dates back to the 16th century.

Another must-visit historical place is the Mary King’s Close, which reveals the dark and sad tale of the bubonic plague in Edinburgh. The site is a 16th-century street that was buried under buildings and was only opened to the public in 2001 as an underground attraction.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Want to escape the city’s clustered streets and crowds? Climb up the Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that sits high above Edinburgh and offers panoramic views of the city. The climb is tough, but the view is worth it.

For some peace and quiet, visit Dean Village, a small neighborhood with 19th-century cobbled streets and old buildings with colorful doors and flower boxes. It’s like travelling back in time and away from the hustle-bustle of the city center.

In Conclusion, I hope this insider’s guide has given you an insight into Edinburgh’s hidden gems during Christmas. Edinburgh might be small, but it is bursting with charm, warmth, and a unique atmosphere that is perfect during the holiday season.