Christmas in Edinburgh
Christmas has arrived in Edinburgh, and soon the man in the red suit will deliver presents worldwide. During the festive period, many tourists and locals will flock to the city centre. They'll come to experience the ultimate Christmas Magic Edinburgh has to offer.
That’s where we come in: we’ve curated the perfect itinerary to get you through this holiday season. Explore our guide to discover the best leisure, experiences, food, and gift shopping Edinburgh has to offer this Christmas—start planning your festive adventure today!
Christmas countdown in 3…2…1…
Festive decorations in the City of Edinburgh.
Ice Skating
Why not start your Christmas trip to the city on the right foot, and the left, and head to the Ice Skating rink located on George Street? The annual rink is a great way to test your skills and feel even more festive. Make sure to book your spot as it’s a popular destination for tourists during the festive season.
If Ice skating doesn’t take your fancy, not to worry. George Street is also home to an iconic Polar Ice Bar this Christmas, returning by popular demand. Grab yourself something warm and take in the unique atmosphere, but make sure to book.
Adventuring with your family? Discover the Family Ice Experience and step into the Ice Queen’s Castle, available during the family-friendly sessions at The Polar Ice Bar.
Discover The Polar Ice Bar:
A range of alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks
Beautiful winter atmosphere
Unique Ice sculptures
The Christmas Market
The best of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival can be found on the East and West sides of Princes Street. It is home to an assortment of rides, attractions, and, of course, the traditional Christmas Markets.
Feeling Hungry?
The West Princes Street Gardens are the best place to discover something tasty, as that’s where you’ll find the majority of the Christmas Markets.
The Markets are home to savouries, sweets and of course, mulled beverages, but here are some of our favourites:
Check out Festive fries for deliciously loaded fries inspired by the Christmas season.
Try something warm and sweet at Edinburgh Crumble with a great variety of different flavours.
Finish off with a warm hot chocolate at Hector and Harriet - Luxury Hot Chocolates & Coffee
Breath Taking Views
There is an abundance of fair ride attractions to choose from, but East Princes Street Gardens is the best place to try out the showstoppers.
The best way to see the skyline is, of course, the Around the World Star Flyer. Take your adventure to a new level and see the Scot Monument up close and personal.
Fancy a gentler experience? Take a seat and make your way around the iconic LNER Big Wheel. The best way to take in the castle in style.
The Perfect Hot Chocolate
There are lots of places to secure a delicious hot chocolate in Edinburgh, but here are some of our favourites.
The Milkman - Located on Cockburn Street, it’s the perfect aesthetic atmosphere to enjoy a cup.
Uplands Roast - Luxury hot chocolates located just off the Meadows. Loaded with Marshmallows and all things chocolate.
Hector and Harriet - Another mention of our favourite Christmas Market Spot.
Knoop’s - An easy on-the-go fix, with a sense of luxury. Choose your chocolate %, your milk and toppings and curate your perfect combination.
Gift Giving
In the wise words of Elf, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loudly for all to hear, but perhaps Elf didn’t take a wander down Victoria Street during December. Some of our favourite shops you can find are located on this gorgeous street, and we’re here to help!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, so don’t worry, there’s some wizardry too.
Our Favourite picks:
Museum Context, the officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise store! The best place to explore this time of year.
The Red Door Gallery, one of our favourite independent stores, is perfect for grabbing a memento or a unique gift for someone you love.
Isle of Skye Candle, a family-run business specialising in natural, home fragrance products, is inspired by the beautiful Isle of Skye.
Secure Your Winter Stay
Make the most of your break to the city by securing yourself some modern accommodation in the heart of Edinburgh:
Fancy staying in the hustle and bustle of Old Town, Edinburgh? Our Lady Stair Close accommodation is located just a stone’s throw away from the Writers Museum, home to some of the works of John Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
Discover the gorgeous Stockbridge Neighbourhood by staying at our Cumberland Street accommodation. Just a short walk away from Stockbridge, explore the picturesque Circus Lane and the wide range of independent stores that await you.
Stay in the vibrant West End of Edinburgh at our gorgeous refurbished Georgian apartments. Haymarket Apartments, located a short walk from Princes Street, is a great destination for families and friend getaways- with easy access to a variety of welcoming pubs, it’s a great destination to spread the Christmas cheer.
That’s it for this month’s blog post. We hope you enjoyed it. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an update.
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