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Edinburgh, Scotland, might be one of my favorite cities in the world. With its long history, magical architecture, the sound of bagpipes and the aroma of whiskey wafting through the streets, Edinburgh really is like no other place you’ve ever been. And this is true any time of the year!
I’ve been to Edinburgh at least 9 times (but possibly more – I’ve honestly lost count), visiting every season. And while I love Edinburgh during the long summer days, I also love it during the holidays, when the city transforms into a twinkling wonderland.
In the past I have celebrated New Year in Edinburghwhich takes place in raucous Hogmanay celebrations over several days. But last year I decided that I also wanted to see the city in the slightly less crazy pre-Christmas season. So I took the train from London to spend a few days of Christmas magic in Scotland.
Things to do at Christmas in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a much smaller city than, say, London. So you can’t compare Edinburgh at Christmas with Christmas in London. But Edinburgh still has plenty of charm on holiday, and plenty to do!
Edinburgh at Christmas is just as beautiful as I imagined, and these are my favorite things to do there during the festive season.
1. Explore the Edinburgh Christmas Market
The city of Edinburgh becomes “Christmas in Edinburgh“Every year, it covers many of the things on this list. The most popular aspect of this Christmas take on Edinburgh city center is the traditional Christmas market they set up in Princes Street Gardens.
Actually, this market has two parts; part in East Princes Street Gardens and part in West Princes Street Gardens.
The market in East Princes Street Gardens has over 70 stalls selling food, drinks, gifts and more, along with iconic attractions such as the LNER Big Wheel and Starflyer set up next to the imposing Scott Monument.
In West Princes Street Gardens, just below Edinburgh Castle, you’ll find the festive family fair with children’s rides, illuminations and even a station where you can write and send a letter to Santa.
This market area opens every year in mid-November and runs until the first week of January.
2. Go ice skating on George Street.
George Street in New Town is transformed into your own winter wonderland, complete with an ice rink where you can rent skates and hit the ice. This rink requires admission and offers sessions for kids, as well as adult-only evening skates.
3. Visit a pop-up Christmas bar
Right next to the ice rink on George Street, you can find the pop-up Polar Ice Barwhere the tables, chairs and even glasses are carved entirely from ice. This place IS a bar, but they also offer some family sessions that you can bring the kids to. Inside they serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and upon entering coats and gloves are provided so you don’t get too cold.
Elsewhere in Edinburgh, there are also some other pop-up Christmas bars. Last year I went to tiger lilythat transforms your restaurant and bar into a Christmas explosion of decorations and sparkles. Add a Christmas cocktail menu and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. This year, they’re also adding festive afternoon teas to the calendar!
4. Have a festive afternoon tea
Speaking of festive afternoon teas… there’s no shortage of them in Edinburgh! (Just be sure to book in advance.)
Places to try them include:
- colonnades at the Signet Library – This is the prettiest place to have afternoon tea in Edinburgh.
- Festive tea in witchcraft – Enjoy the dark literary tea of your dreams in this festive afternoon tea enjoyed by candlelight.
- tiger lily – Have a beautiful Christmas themed tea or even have tea with Santa on select dates!
- tea in The Scottish hotel – Their delicious afternoon tea is updated every winter season.
- He Tea Rooms at Edinburgh Castle – Enjoy tea in the castle grounds, which has a festive feel throughout December.
- tea in Prestonfield House – Just beyond Holyrood Park, Prestonfield House offers a delicious festive afternoon tea in its decorated historic rooms.
- Fingal Hotel – This floating hotel inside a historic ship in Leith goes all out with its festive afternoon tea; It’s absolutely stunning.
Looking for non-holiday attractions? Check out this post for the best. things to do in Edinburghor this one for a 3-day Edinburgh itinerary.
5. Dine at The Dome
The restaurant called The Dome is famous in Edinburgh. They also offer a festive afternoon tea here, but if you’re making a reservation at the dome During the holidays, I really think it should be for dinner.
The Dome is located within a stunning 1775 Georgian building with imposing columns both inside and out, marble bars and intricate chandeliers. At Christmas, they decorate the exterior columns with lights and place a huge Christmas tree in the center of the Grill Room, under the dome that gives the place its name.
You *can* come here for lunch or afternoon tea, but I personally think it seems more magical at night.
And if you want to guarantee a table with a view, you’ll want to reserve the Grill Room for dinner. They have both a set menu and an a la carte menu, plus some special festive drinks each year.
I was able to reserve a table for early dinner just a couple of days in advance, so if it’s all booked up when you first look, keep checking. (You can also try walking in for a walk-in drink, but you may have to wait a while in line outside to get in.)
6. Take a hot chocolate tour
Okay, so this one isn’t *technically* holiday-themed, but Christmas is definitely the time of year. Am you will most likely enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. And Edinburgh has some really great hot chocolate options! You could easily take a little walk for hot chocolate.
Must-visit hot chocolate places in Edinburgh include:
- Chocolate Café Choir – Enjoy a cozy cup of special hot chocolate along with other delicious desserts.
- Moo Cake Ice Cream – This little ice cream shop just off the Royal Mile serves excellent hot chocolate.
- Basement Gelato Co – Not far from the Johnnie Walker Experience, this place uses a completely homemade recipe and has vegan options.
- The Marshmallow Lady – Close to the Royal Botanic Gardens, this place is known for its huge hand-made marshmallows that top your hot chocolate.
- Highland BBQ – This coffee trailer near The Meadows makes super delicious hot chocolate.
7. See Holyroodhouse decorated for the holidays.
Edinburgh is actually home to two castles: Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile (more of a military fortress) and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom of the Royal Mile (the real palace-feeling palace that the royal family still uses).
Holyrood shows off its Christmas decorations during the holidays, including large Christmas trees, garlands and more. They also host several festive events and have a Christmas-inspired menu inside the cafe.
If you are only going to visit one castle in Edinburgh during the Christmas season, I would Holyrood House.
8. Enjoy immersive light shows
There are two here worth mentioning in Edinburgh:
First of all, the Royal Botanical Garden makes a “Christmas at the Botanical” each winter, which is made up of illuminated trails, twinkling tunnels, and all kinds of pretty light displays. This is a specific nighttime event, and there are a few vendors along the way selling things like hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast.
The other is the “Castle of Light” at Edinburgh Castle, which is a light projection experience on the castle walls. Along with the light show, there are also food vendors and bonfires to enjoy. Many people say that the nighttime experience is more geared toward kids and families.
It should be noted that you can see many light projections over the castle from Princes Street Gardens, which might be enough for some people who don’t want to head to the castle after dark.
9. Tour the city with bright lights
Lastly, there are many charming light displays and decorations to enjoy in Edinburgh. Some of my favorites include:
- Snowflakes and garlands hanging over Victoria Street
- A light show projected onto the exterior of The Johnnie Walker Experience
- Light display at the Huxley Building
- The exterior of the dome
- You will also find Christmas trees inside most hotels, and even inside St. Giles Cathedral.
And of course you can also enjoy all the normal things to do in Edinburgh, such as walking along the Royal Mile, taking a tour of Harry Pottervisiting museums, taking in the views from places like Calton Hill and Dean Village, taking a ghost tour and more.
I like Edinburgh at any time of the year.but it certainly has an extra charm at Christmas.
READ NEXT: What to wear to Christmas markets in Europe + Packing list for the Christmas market
Would you like to visit Edinburgh at Christmas?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. He has traveled to over 60 countries on 6 continents from his base in Ohio, specializing in reflective and experiential travel across the US, Europe, and the rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she’s actually traveled to!
