{"id":40787,"date":"2019-12-16T08:01:17","date_gmt":"2019-12-16T16:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=40787"},"modified":"2025-08-22T12:11:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T19:11:31","slug":"edinburgh-christmas-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/edinburgh-christmas-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN EDINBURGH"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is nowhere in the world that does Christmas quite like Edinburgh. Whilst most people\u2019s yuletide vacation fantasies have them floating down the streets of New York amidst crowds of excited shoppers, Scotland\u2019s capital is often sadly overlooked.<\/p>\n

At any point of the year, Edinburgh is undeniably fantastical, magic seeming to ooze from the unique landscape and the dark, winding streets; but it’s at Christmas that the city really comes to life. From snug pubs with their roaring fires to the sparkling lights of its renowned Christmas Market, a few days in Edinburgh during December is enough to get you truly into the Christmas spirit.<\/p>\n

Read on for our ultimate guide to Edinburgh at Christmas time, from the best places to eat and drink to the most jaw-dropping Christmas trees.<\/p>\n

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Edinburgh’s Christmas Market<\/h3>\n

Princes Street Gardens East, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be right to kick off this guide with anything other than Edinburgh\u2019s beloved Christmas Markets<\/a>: a 6-week long winter extravaganza, located beneath the looming castle.<\/p>\n

Aside from its incredible setting, this market is renowned country-wide for its winding rows of stalls and rides, which begins by the Balmoral Hotel<\/a> and ends at the esplanade of the National Gallery<\/a>. With guaranteed Christmas music blaring at all hours, and its endless, glittering lights, it\u2019s almost impossible not to feel Christmassy here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Try out some of their Bailey\u2019s Hot Chocolate or their Mulled Wine from their Johnny Walker Bothy Bar<\/a>. A renovated shipping container sitting in the centre of the market, this bar will provide arguably the best view across the market, and boasts a cosy chalet-esque interior.<\/p>\n

If you get hungry, there are a number of stalls across the market serving both sweet and savoury treats, such as Eastern European \u201cK\u00fcrt\u0151skal\u00e1cs\u201d (or Chimney Cake).<\/p>\n

Thrill-seekers should make sure to jump onto the Star Flyer<\/a>: a 60-metre-tall ride which spins its passengers around at inconceivable speeds. If you dare to open your eyes, you\u2019ll see the city as you\u2019ve never seen it before. Tickets for this ride are \u00a38.50.<\/p>\n

At the bottom of the hill, there is a children\u2019s winter wonderland, with rides, games and even a Christmas tree maze<\/a> (which definitely isn\u2019t just<\/em> for children!). Families with young kids will love spending an entire afternoon here.<\/p>\n

Entry to the markets is free, and admission prices vary for each ride.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong><\/b>If you are looking for more fun places to visit during Christmas, then be sure to read about our Favorite European Christmas Markets<\/a>!<\/div>\n

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The Dome<\/h3>\n

14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

An Edinburgh landmark thanks to its regal, decadent architecture, The Dome<\/a> is a restaurant and bar located on George Street: one of the city\u2019s most refined areas. When it switches on its infamous, looping lights, which wrap around the marble pillars of the building\u2019s exterior, Edinburgh residents know that Christmas is truly on its way.<\/p>\n

Inside its grand entrance sits a huge Christmas tree, whose lights bounce off the chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. If you fancy feeling a little extravagant, then splash out on a festive cocktail in their ornate Grill Room.<\/p>\n

Ice Skating @ St Andrews Square<\/h3>\n

St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be Christmas without an ice-skating session: and the rink at St Andrew Square<\/a> is particularly picturesque.<\/p>\n

Wrapped around the square\u2019s imposing Melville Monument, this doughnut-shaped ice rink is suitable for people of all ages and is surrounded by twinkling lights. In the centre of the rink is a wooden bar, which serves a number of hot drinks and alcoholic beverages. So grab a mulled wine for some Dutch courage before getting out onto the ice!<\/p>\n

Ticket prices range from \u00a39 – \u00a312.50 per person for a half-hour slot.<\/p>\n

Royal Botanic Gardens<\/h3>\n

Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

Edinburgh\u2019s Royal Botanic Garden<\/a> is a lush green space in the centre of the city, which is home to a number of rotating exhibitions, as well as beautifully-curated gardens and flowerbeds. Whilst a visit to these gardens in the summer will leave you gawping at its pretty colours and abundant wildlife, it is arguably even more magical during the winter. This is due to their infamous light show, \u201cChristmas at the Botanics\u201d.<\/p>\n

Loaded with a million twinkling lights, the show incorporates a number of separate installations, such as their Cathedral of Light, which stretches for 70 metres and includes more than 100,000 pea lights. There is also a Santa Show for children, as well as food and drink to enjoy as you marvel at the decorations around you.<\/p>\n

Make sure to book your time slot early so as not to be disappointed. An advance adult ticket will cost \u00a317 while paying on the day will cost \u00a319.<\/p>\n

The Nutcracker Christmas Shop<\/h3>\n

52 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

Although this shop is open 365 days a year, it is \u2013 unsurprisingly \u2013 most popular in December. Located in the centre of the Royal Mile, this festive boutique will please even the biggest of Grinches out there.<\/p>\n

Filled with colour, light, and festive music, this is the perfect place to shop for decorations. With everything from traditional manger scenes and fake snow to gingerbread men and candy canes, The Nutcracker will have you decking the halls in no time.<\/p>\n

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Jenners Department Store<\/h3>\n

47\/48 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2YJ, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

The city\u2019s most famous department store, Jenners<\/a>, has lived in its exact location on Princes Street since 1838. The elegant stonework of the outside stretches also into the store\u2019s interior, with a grand hall framed by balconies, and a glass ceiling stretching out above you.<\/p>\n

During the winter season, this hall is home to one of Edinburgh\u2019s biggest Christmas trees, with twinkling streams of lights dangling from the wooden beams bordering it. This is the perfect spot to do any Christmas shopping, with departments covering all interests and tastes!<\/p>\n

Afternoon Tea @ The Caledonian <\/h3>\n

Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 2AB, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

A Waldorf Astoria hotel, the Caledonian<\/a> is an Edinburgh landmark, which signals the beginning of the city\u2019s charming West End.<\/p>\n

Its rusty, red-brick exterior stretches all the way down onto Lothian Road, with one side of the building looking over the castle. Stepping inside the hotel will leave you breathless; you are greeted by a palace-like marble staircase, which wouldn\u2019t look out-of-place in a Disney Princess movie.<\/p>\n

At Christmas, the Caledonian doesn\u2019t take its decorations lightly, known in the past to have erected giant candy canes and a life-sized gingerbread house in its lobby lounge. It seems like the perfect location, then, to have a traditional Afternoon Tea, complete with scones, pastries, and sandwiches.<\/p>\n

The cost of this Afternoon Tea is \u00a349 per person, or \u00a359 if you\u2019d like to include a festive Christmas cocktail. Or you can book a room<\/a> at the hotel!<\/p>\n

Carol Service @ St Giles<\/h3>\n

High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

Edinburgh\u2019s St Giles Cathedral<\/a> is arguably one of the most impressive buildings in the city. With its unique skeletal tower and its impressively high archways, tourists from all over flock to experience this astounding piece of architecture.<\/p>\n

In December, St Giles is home to a series of carol services and Christmas concerts: most notably their Evening Concert Series. A full run-down of events and ticket prices can be found on the St Giles Cathedral website, with admission fees varying for each event. Attending one of their candlelit concerts will leave you feeling peaceful and inexplicably filled with magic.<\/p>\n

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Christmas Dinner @ Howie’s<\/h3>\n

10-14 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HG, United Kingdom \/ 29 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

A small, family-run Scottish restaurant chain, Howie\u2019s<\/a> has two locations in central Edinburgh: one in Old Town, and one in New Town.<\/p>\n

Known for its modern take on Scottish cuisine, and its locally-sourced fish and meat dishes. Their flagship restaurant, at the foot of Calton Hill, manages to marry traditional with modern, its interior framed by exposed stone walls and dotted with sleek wooden furnishings.<\/p>\n

At Christmas, Howie\u2019s offer a special festive menu, for both small celebrations and huge, hundred-person parties. Their Christmas Day menu includes the classic roast turkey, as well as vegetarian and fish options for anyone looking for something a little different.<\/p>\n

Old College @ Edinburgh University <\/h3>\n

South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

Although not an obvious choice for visitors to the city, this ancient building houses Edinburgh University\u2019s law school, and is recognised mainly by its turquoise dome and typical dark stone walls.<\/p>\n

At Christmas, an enormous, glittering tree sits in the college\u2019s ample courtyard. In November, when the lights are switched on, there are performances from the University Choir and the Edinburgh Salvation Army Band, getting everyone into the Christmas spirit a little early.<\/p>\n

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Where To Stay In Edinburgh During Christmas<\/h3>\n

The Budget Option: Kick-Ass Greyfriar’s Hostel<\/h4>\n

37-39 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

Starting from roughly \u00a318 per night, the Kick Ass Hostel<\/a> is located in the depths of Edinburgh\u2019s Old Town. The perfect place for young people to stay, the hostel is found near some of the city\u2019s best bars, pubs and nightclubs, and offers a pretty spectacular view of the castle.<\/p>\n

The Mid-Range Option: Apex Hotel Grassmarket<\/h4>\n

31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HS, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

Grassmarket is one of Edinburgh\u2019s most well-loved streets; at Christmas, it is illuminated by row upon row of glinting lights. The Apex Hotel<\/a> is located at the centre of this street, looking up towards the castle. A modern building with a cosy indoor pool and a restaurant with unbeatable castle views, a night at this hotel will cost you only around \u00a390.<\/p>\n

The Luxury Option: Old Town Chambers<\/h4>\n

Roxburgh’s Court, 323 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1LW, United Kingdom<\/em><\/p>\n

Tucked into a dark stone alley, branching away from the Royal Mile, lies Edinburgh\u2019s Old Town Chambers<\/a>: a boutique collection of serviced apartments.<\/p>\n

Its shiny, modern d\u00e9cor contrasts that of the ancient buildings which surround it, making you feel as if you\u2019ve been dropped straight into a JK Rowling novel. Some rooms boast a view out across Princes Street and, of course, the Christmas Market, with others looking out across Calton Hill.<\/p>\n

A one-bedroom apartment<\/a> in December will cost you around \u00a3205 per night.<\/p>\n

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What To Know For Visiting Scotland<\/h3>\n

Scotland Visas<\/h4>\n

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom<\/strong>, which typically provides a free stay of up to 180 days in the entire UK<\/strong> to visitors from many countries. This means you can enter Scotland and stay for up to 6 months on each entry.<\/p>\n

However, as of publication Brexit may change the visa policy. Be sure to check the official United Kingdom Immigration Website<\/a> for the latest information.<\/p>\n

Currency<\/h4>\n

The currency used in Scotland is the Great British Pound (GBP)<\/strong>. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 GBP to 1.30 USD. You can check the latest EUR exchange rate on Google<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card<\/a> which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate.<\/p>\n

Best Tours In Edinburgh<\/h4>\n

Some of the best tours and things to do in Edinburgh are:<\/p>\n