The beautiful, hilly capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is an enchanting holiday destination visited by numerous travelers every year. From the elegant Edinburgh Christmas Market, the interesting 24 Doors of Advent, the wonderful Santa’s Grotto, and the magical Christmas attractions at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to the thrilling Star Flyer, Edinburgh offers you countless incredible attractions and festive events to make your Christmas holidays extra special. Additionally, tourists don’t need to worry about accommodations because there are a lot of Airbnb vacation rentals around the city. There are also hotels with family rooms in Edinburgh if ever you are with your loved ones. So, if you plan to spend your upcoming winter vacation in this magnificent European city, learning about some great Christmas festivities will make your stay more charming. Scroll down to find the best things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas.
1. Experience Edinburgh Christmas Tour with a Local (from USD 128.93)
Be sure to dress snugly when you travel with one of our local guides as you explore Edinburgh’s enchanted winter wonderland. Along with merry Christmas trees, you may find the enchanted Scottish Christmas markets and the historic, glitteringly lit cobblestone lanes of Old Town. Discover the beauty of winter in Princes Street Gardens, then enjoy a drink in a local pub.
Your guide will contact you directly to offer itinerary recommendations, so you can discover more about the city’s unique features.
Edinburgh Christmas Tour with a Local
Duration: 3.0 hour
2. Get your favorite goodies at Edinburgh Christmas Market
The Christmas Markets are open this year from 22 November - 5 January. For the past 20 years in the heart of Edinburgh,...
Posted by Edinburgh's Christmas on Tuesday, 5 November 2013
For an iconic thing to do in Edinburgh this December, make sure you visit the Edinburgh Christmas Market, located at the East Princes Street Gardens in the heart of Scotland’s capital city. The traditional market has something for everyone. Enhance your shopping experience by buying some local crafts, Christmas tree ornaments, baked goodies, and other products from the stalls here. You can also purchase bespoke items and wonderful gifts for your loved ones back home. Don’t forget to please your taste buds by sampling the delicious treats on offer.
Edinburgh Christmas Market - East Princes Street Gardens
Address: East Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG, United Kingdom
Website: Edinburgh’s Christmas
Takes place: November to January
3. Participate in Santa Fun Run and Walk
Posted by This is Edinburgh on Sunday, 13 December 2015
Take part in Santa Fun Run & Walk this Christmas and help raise funds for When You Wish Upon A Star, a charity for kids who are suffering from life-threatening ailments. Hundreds of people in Santa costumes run or walk over a circuit of 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles). This is a great way to spend time with family and friends while contributing to a good cause. No matter even if you are not a runner, you can still take part in this festive and charitable event.
Santa Fun Run and Walk - West Princes Street Gardens
Address: West Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG, United Kingdom
Website: Santa Fun Run and Walk
Takes place: December
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4. Enjoy ice skating at Murrayfield Ice Rink
Enhance your winter holiday experience in Edinburgh by going ice skating at the famous Murrayfield Ice Rink this Christmas. This venue also hosts Racers Christmas Cracker, a hockey event, during the holiday season. Buying the event’s ticket lets you watch the Racers’ home games. If you’d rather be on the rink, you can put on your skating gear and have fun gliding on the ice.
Murrayfield Ice Rink
Address: Riversdale Cres, Edinburgh EH12 5XN, United Kingdom
Website: Murrayfield Ice Rink
5. Soar at Star Flyer Edinburgh
If you have an adventurous spirit, soar up in the sky and get a view above the rooftops by booking a ticket to Star Flyer Edinburgh when vacationing in Scotland this Christmas. This thrilling ride located at East Princes Street Gardens takes you about 60 meters (196.85 feet) high and gives you jaw-dropping views of the city. If you can’t get enough of heights, you can also view the nearby Scott Monument, which is 200 feet and 6 inches (60.96 meters and 15.24 centimeters) tall.
Star Flyer Edinburgh
Address: East Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2HG, United Kingdom
Website: Star Flyer Edinburgh
Takes place: November to January
6. Discover great destinations at 24 Doors of Advent
Have fun exploring the hidden gems of the capital of Scotland during your Christmas holidays with 24 Doors of Advent. In this 24-day event, a particular location in bustling Edinburgh opens its doors to the public. Discover these 24 locations and have a great time sightseeing and learning about the city. Anatomical Museum, Bookmarket by The Fruitmarket Gallery, Mansfield Traquair, Riddles Court, and National Library of Scotland are some of the locations you will be visiting. Be sure to check the schedule, as some changes may occur and other venues require advanced booking.
24 Doors of Advent
Address: Edinburgh, Scotland
Website: 24 Doors of Advent
Takes place: December
7. Relish a delicious dinner at The Dome
Are you a foodie who’s holidaying in Edinburgh this Christmas? If you are, you should not miss the opportunity to enjoy a festive meal at The Dome, an outstanding restaurant in the city. Please your taste buds by eating traditional Christmas pudding, Scottish salmon fillet, butternut squash and sage linguine, mushroom and hazelnut Wellington, poached pear, and other delicious dishes.
The Dome
Address: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, United Kingdom
Website: The Dome
Takes place: November to January
8. Join traditional caroling at The Mound
If you are looking forward to listening to carolers during your winter break in Edinburgh, attend the annual Nativity Carol Concert at The Mound this yuletide season. Begin your evening with traditional caroling and enjoy singing classic Christmas tunes with the performing choir. Enjoy the Christmas spirit at this event on the first day of December.
Nativity Carol Concert
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Takes place: December
9. Immerse in the festive spirit at Christmas at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from everyone at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh The Garden is closed...
Posted by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on Tuesday, 25 December 2018
Explore one of the most spectacular and magical places in Edinburgh by visiting Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh this Christmas. Tour through awe-inspiring attractions, such as Laser Garden, Scented Fire Garden, Tunnel of Light, and Festive Finale. Be amazed to see beams of light hop across the tree branches at Laser Garden. Watch brightly-hued projections dance to the tunes of Christmas classics at Festive Finale. Experience the holiday spirit with these incredible, illuminated displays.
Christmas at the Botanics
Address: Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, United Kingdom
Website: Christmas at the Botanics
Takes place: November to January
10. Visit Santa's Grotto
Your Christmas in Edinburgh won’t be complete without paying a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Meet Santa Claus, listen to his interesting, magical tales, experience the festive spirit, and receive a gift. Enjoy a ride on Helter Skelter and sip on some delicious hot chocolate. A ticket will buy you a visit that lasts for 25 minutes.
Santa's Grotto
Address: West Princes Street Gardens, Princes Street, Edinburgh, UK
Website: Santa’s Grotto
Takes place: November to December
11. Marvel at the magnificent Christmas Tree at Jenners [CLOSED]
The Christmas Tree at Jenners
Posted by This is Edinburgh on Friday, 21 December 2018
House of Fraser Jenners Edinburgh is a posh and grand department store located in Edinburgh, selling a variety of items such as designer outfits and cosmetics. It is famous for lighting a huge and splendid Christmas tree each year. The sight of this gigantic tree will surely amaze you, so plan to visit this amazing store to shop and to view the spectacular, impressively decorated Christmas tree during your winter break in Edinburgh.
House of Fraser Jenners Edinburgh
Address: 48 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2YJ, United Kingdom
[CLOSED]
Experience the festive spirit in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is full of attractions and exciting activities to enjoy at any time of the year, but Christmas is undoubtedly more special here. So plan to visit this marvelous capital during your upcoming winter holidays. Experience the best places to stay in Edinburgh at Christmas, admire beautiful decorations, and have fun enjoying these best things to do with your family.
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