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Things To Do In Edinburgh In December
Edinburgh is the capital and second most populous city in Scotland, filled with a rich and vibrant history, culture and tradition. Located in the heart of Scotland, Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, boasting stunning architecture, lush greenery and a wealth of attractions. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a seasoned local, Edinburgh will surprise you with its array of activities and sights.
December is a great time to visit Edinburgh, as the city is filled with festive cheer and Christmas markets. The city streets are alive with carollers and Christmas lights, while the shops and cafés offer seasonal treats and hot drinks. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a cosy coffee shop, Edinburgh has something for everyone in December. Here are some of our top things to do in Edinburgh in December.
Explore Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets
One of the best things to do in Edinburgh in December is to explore the city’s many Christmas markets. From the traditional Victorian Christmas market at East Princes Street Gardens to the open-air market at St Andrew Square, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find a range of stalls selling handmade crafts, festive decorations, food and drink, as well as street performers and carollers. The markets are a great way to get into the festive spirit and explore some of Edinburgh’s most popular sites.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Located on Castle Rock overlooking the city, this historic fortress dates back to the 12th Century and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The castle is home to a number of museums and attractions, including the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum and the National War Museum of Scotland. It’s also home to the famous Stone of Destiny, a stone used in coronation ceremonies since 843 AD. Edinburgh Castle is open year-round and offers tours of the castle grounds and interior, as well as access to the Royal Palace.
Visit Arthur’s Seat
For those looking for an outdoor adventure, Arthur’s Seat is a must-visit. The hill stands 251 metres high in Holyrood Park and offers stunning views of Edinburgh. You can take a short hike up to the top of the hill or take a guided tour around the park and learn more about its history. Arthur’s Seat is open year-round but it can be particularly scenic during winter, so don’t forget your camera!
Go Ice Skating
Edinburgh has some great outdoor ice rinks during winter months, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. There are two main rinks in the city: The Christmas Ice Rink at George Square and The Christmas Ice Rink at St Andrew Square. Both rinks offer open-air skating sessions throughout December and offer skate hire for those without their own skates. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, so don’t miss out!
Take a Tour of Edinburgh
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Edinburgh, why not take a tour? Edinburgh Bus Tours offer an open-top bus tour of the city, taking in all the top attractions from the comfort of your seat. The tours are offered throughout December and are a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture. You can also take a ghost tour of Edinburgh’s underground vaults or a whisky tasting tour of Scotland’s distilleries. There are plenty of tour options to choose from!
Book a Haunted Tour Of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities, so why not book a tour of its most famous ghost spots? The Real Mary King’s Close is one of the city’s most popular attractions and offers guided tours of the underground vaults. The tours take you through centuries-old streets and hidden passageways, teaching you about Edinburgh’s dark past along the way. If you’re brave enough, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Experience The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every year in August at the Castle Esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular shows, featuring military bands from across the globe, highland dancers, and acrobats. The show usually takes place in December, so don’t miss out on this amazing performance!
Book A Traditional Scottish Pub Crawl Tour
What better way to experience some local culture than by booking an evening pub crawl tour? The Traditional Scottish Pub Crawl Tour takes you on a journey through some of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs and bars, exploring local stories along the way. You’ll get to sample some local beer, whisky and cider and even learn some traditional Scottish pub songs!
Visit The National Museum Of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is one of the country’s most popular attractions, offering a wealth of exhibits on history, culture, art and science. The museum offers free entry throughout December, so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore Scotland’s rich heritage.
See A Show At The Festival Theatre
The Festival Theatre is one of Scotland’s most popular venues for theatre and music shows. Throughout December there are plenty of shows on offer, including operas, ballets and musicals. It’s a great way to spend an evening in Edinburgh and an experience you won’t forget!
Tours
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
The City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is one of the best ways to explore this incredible city at your own pace! On this tour, you can hop on and off at over 20 stops throughout downtown Edinburgh, with each route taking about 90 minutes to complete. You’ll get to explore some of Edinburgh’s top sights from the comfort of an open-top bus including Calton Hill, the Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens and much more! Along the way you’ll also get audio commentary about each sight so you can learn more about this fascinating city. Book your City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour here.
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Walking Tour
Explore two of Scotland’s most iconic sites during this guided walking tour! You’ll get to visit both Edinburgh Castle and Old Town while learning more about their fascinating histories from your guide. During your tour you’ll get to explore some hidden gems in Old Town including underground vaults, historic graveyards and much more! You’ll also get to explore inside Edinburgh Castle learning about its ancient walls and monuments along the way. Book your Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Walking Tour here.
