Edinburgh was just voted the best city to visit in Great Britain and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a stunning city that I’m proud to call home and the perfect destination every month of the year.
But there is one time of year more magical than all the rest to visit Scotland’s capital city, Christmas. In the month of December Edinburgh comes alive with Christmas spirit and so many wonderful things to see and do. Here are some of the reasons to visit Edinburgh during the winter.
Note: the weather isn’t included on this list because it’s pretty damn cold, bring a big jacket!
Visit The Christmas Markets
The main event of Edinburgh’s Christmas, is the Christmas market. Over the years I have watched these grow from a cluster of cabins selling mulled wine and Hot Chocolate, to rows and rows of independent artists and food stalls. Spend an evening (or a day) wandering in and out the market stalls throughout Princes Street Gardens.
Enjoy The Fair Ground
If you have kids, or if you’re just a big kid yourself, check out the fairground beside the Christmas markets. They have everything from a helter-skelter to dodgems. There is also a Christmas tree maze, where you can get lost (literally) in the Edinburgh Christmas spirit.
Brave the Sky-Flyer
Worthy of a mention in addition to the fairground, is the icon of Edinburgh’s Christmas skyline. The sky flyer is a terrifying ride that offers views of the entire city and an adrenaline rush all in one.
Ride The Big Wheel
For those seeking the Edinburgh Christmas views without losing their lunch. The sealed bubbles Make it a perfect winter activity. I remember in previous years they used to have windowless cabins on the wheel and it was mighty cold at the top!
Try Iceskating
Bambi on ice or Torvill and Dean? Either way you can show off your skills (or lack of) at Edinburgh Christmas ice rinks. The ice rink is located on Saint Andrew Square, and circles a cider bar. Even if you are not planning on skating, the bridges over the rink are the perfect spot for people watching with a drink.
Do Your Christmas shopping
The centre of Edinburgh is the perfect spot for doing your Christmas shopping as well as exploring the city. Princes Street is the main hub of High Street retailers and George street parallel to it has all the designer brands. If you fancy some late night shopping, head out of town to Fort Kinnaird where shops are open until 10 PM on weekdays.
Climb Arthur’s Seat
Perhaps not traditionally a Christmas activity, but it wouldn’t be a trip to Edinburgh without climbing Arthur’s Seat in the middle of the city to see the views. Edinburgh can be cold in the winter but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still beautiful on a sunny day. Wrap up warm and burn off some of the Edinburgh Christmas market food with a daytime hike.
See A Show
Edinburgh has a number of different shows during the month of winter. Check out the Lyceum Theatre and the Playhouse webistes for up to date show listings. The most famous is the ‘Panto’ at the Kings Theatre, a family friendly show that is always a great laugh. A truly Edinburgh Christmas tradition.
Eat Everything
Among the Edinburgh Christmas market stalls are countless food vendors from around the world. Try everything from mac and cheese to mini French pancakes, and German sausages to Belgian crêpes. Definitely don’t eat before you attend the Edinburgh Christmas markets because when you arrive, you’ll want to eat everything.
Grab A Mulled Something
Traditionally the Edinburgh Christmas market sold mulled wine. Now the range has truly expanded. Try mulled cider, mulled beer… and many more! If a hot alcoholic drink isn’t what you fancy, there is also a large Baileys cabin for a cream liqueur on ice.
Have Drinks At The Dome
An Edinburgh Christmas special is the Dome on George Street. Every year the whole street is lit up and decorated but none are as special as this majestic building. It can be expensive to stay for long, but hopping into the Dome to enjoy the Christmas decorations and a drink out of the winter cold is really special.
Walk George Street
Whilst on George Street at The Dome, check out the silent light display. A large structure of lights fills the width of the street and for £4.50 you can get headphones for a silent disco experience. The lights move in time to the music as you listen and soak up the Christmas fun.
Celebrate Hogmanay
If you’re lucky enough to time your trip to last over New Year, you’ve really hit jackpot in Edinburgh. Often voted one of the best places in the world to celebrate bring in the New Year, Edinburgh comes to life for Hogmanay. With a street party in Princes Street Gardens and live music, bar crawls through the grass market, or watching the fireworks from almost every hill in the city the atmosphere is electric. Start the new year right surrounded by the most incredible atmosphere (and quite a bit of alcohol)
