You’ve heard enough about Edinburgh’s Christmas. Haven’t you? Its one of the best places to go for Christmas. Christmas in Edinburgh is famous for the popular Edinburgh Christmas Markets in East Princes St Gardens, spectacular musical concerts, adventurous Children’s rides, ice skating at the only elliptical outdoor ice rink in all of UK – The St. Andrew Square Ice Rink and everything in between. This Christmas plan a trip to Scotland and let the beautiful festive ambiance embrace you. Here are some of the best things to do at Christmas in Edinburgh.
Also Read: Best Places to Spend Christmas in Europe
Top Things to do in Edinburgh during Christmas
#1. Feel the Festive Spirits at Edinburgh Christmas Market:
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market along East Princes St. Gardens is truly the best thing that I have ever been to in my entire life.
Picture courtesy: Edinburgh’s Christmas
- Edinburgh Christmas Market remains open from 10 am to 10 pm from 19th November to 7th January.
- The Scottish Market at George Street is also a stunning place to spend Christmas. It will be open from 26th November to 24th December.
- You’ll have a gala time shopping the best homemade gifts, chocolates, wallets, Christmas Ornaments, mementos and walking amidst the aromatic smell of delicious food.
- You have to stop by Johnnie Walker Bothy Bar on the mound and indulge in some festive drinks.
Also Read: Cheap Places to visit in Europe
#2. Sip on Warm Coffee or Better a Cup of Tea:
It is a popular belief that a holiday afternoon tea is the best way to cozy yourself up and get yourself prepared for the festivities and enjoyment lined up.
picture courtesy: Mint Notion
- Make Reservations before hand and head towards The Dome to sip on the Special Christmas Time Afternoon Tea.
- You might also head towards other popular spots like the Sheraton Edinburgh or The Caledion but my personal recommendation would be the The Hilton Edinbugh Carlton Hotel and the Tea room at Edinburgh Castle.
#3. Groove to the music of your soul at Silent Light:
This recent addition of Stunning Street Light along with silent disco headphones is really cool.
picture courtesy: Edinburgh.org
- Now you can have an ultimate street party while grooving underneath an array of 60,000 lights and music that can be heard only though your own headphones.
- Not just that, you also get to choose from three tracks namely Santa’s Sparkles (best for families), Christmas Crackers (popular festive songs) and Disco Delights (for the Party animal in you)
- You can be a part of Silent light from 19th November to 1st January.
#4. Take Instagrammable Photos at Edinburgh’s popular attractions:
Popular tourist places of Edinburgh such as the Edinburgh Zoo or the Museum of Scotland looks like a newly-wed bride during Christmas.
picture courtesy Edinburgh Castle
- Take some cool picture of Christmas decorations at these popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh.
- Be a part of Christmas celebrations at St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Edinburgh Castle.
#5. Indulge in Christmas Meals at The Witchery:
The Witchery has a historical significance. And, the owners don’t fail to recognize it. They have created a charming historical setting.
picture courtesy: Scotsman food drink
- Dining amidst the oak paneled walls is an absolute delight.
- Enjoy a festive meal and satiate your Christmas hunger pangs in this iconic location by the candlelight.
#6. Go Ice Skating at St. Andrew Square
Around the Melville Monument at St. Andrew Square, you can actually have loads of fun ice-skating.
picture courtesy: Deadline News
- I suggest that you shouldn’t leave Edinburgh without a trip to this fantastic elliptical outdoor rink.
- Also sip some festive coffee or tea.
#7. Marvel at the biblical family in St. Andrew Square Gardens:
Marvel at the native scene in St. Andrew Square Garden.
picture courtesy: Edinburgh Spotlight’s Twitter
- You’ll find Mary tightly clutching baby Jesus, some Shepherds and Joseph holding a blanket.
- Also be a part of the free concert and sing some traditional Christmas carols.
#8. Ride on the Ferry Wheels at the Princes Gardens
Make your Christmas Holidays warmer with the thrill of sitting on the top!
picture courtesy: The Scottish Sun
- Get cozy and munch on some delicacies while you enjoy the stunning views from the top of the ferry.
#9. Experience a rush of adrenaline in the Santa land
Going to Santa Land will make you literally taste the exuberance and excitement of Christmas.
picture courtesy: Joe Gilhooley Photograhy
- Take a rollercoaster ride, shreak out loud while riding the Helter-Skelter, feel scared while moving in the fast-paced meandering train and behold the breath-taking views from Star Flyer and Big Wheel.
#12. Get Lost in the Magical and Mesmerizing Christmas Tree Maze
Not far from the Big wheel is the Christmas Tree Maze that will leave you all confused.
picture courtesy: I News
- If you want to get lost, then come here and get lost in the cheerful festive spirits and vibrantly lighted Christmas trees.
#11. Meet Santa at the Santa’s Grotto
Christmas is incomplete without a trip to Santa Clauses winter home in Scotland.
Picture courtesy: Families
- Meet your Childhood hero one-on-one and make your Christmas even more memorable.
- You must also try some lip-smacking delicacies and sip some festive drinks from the street while you’re there.
#12. Get dressed and Join the Santa Fun Run
On 11th December from 11 is you can witness a sea of Santa running for Charity around the West Princes Street Gardens.
picture courtesy: Voice of America
- Be a Part of this Charity run and get to know how it feels to dress, walk, run, or talk like Santa.
- Or just watch and click cool photographs to get your friends jealous.
#13. Witness Festive Entertainment at Theaters
Your Christmas vacation in Edinburgh will be properly punctuated when you witness the stunning La Clique Noël – Part Deux.
picture courtesy: list.co.uk
- Also, catch some spectacular shows at the Traverse Theatre or watch Peter Pan at the Royal Lyceum Theatre.
- Watch spell-binding shows at the Gilded Ballon or The Pleasance.
#14. Unleash your creativity at the Winter Windows
If you have a creative inner child within you then don’t keep him starving. Be a part of Winter Windows and allow your creative skills to get the recognition and appreciation it deserves.
picture courtesy: edinburghchristmas
- You can be a part of Winter Windows in St. Patrick Square or Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, North Street, St. Giles’ Cathedral and Great Micheal Rise.
Hence these were the Top 14 things that you must do experience Edinburgh’s Christmas in full swing. Though Edinburgh Christmas Market gets all the attention, as you can see there are so many things that you can do in Edinburgh during Christmas. If you think this article is helpful then please share it through the buttons mentioned below. Also, like my page on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest for regular updates on travel, food, fashion, and home decor ideas and tips. Until next time..
Happy Travel to you!!
Merry Christmas!