10 Top Things To Do And See In Edinburgh At Christmas

The Christmas Market, which has been running in the city centre for the past 20 years, is an Edinburgh classic. Selling anything and everything from hot toddies to woolly hats and Christmas trinkets, the market serves as the perfect place to indulge in some festive shopping. It also includes a 60-metre-high ‘Star Flyer’ offering a 360-degree view over Edinburgh (if you can keep your eyes open whilst up in the air). Or for those who would prefer to take in the city at a slower pace, the big wheel has 36 enclosed pods that offer a more leisurely way to view the Edinburgh skyline.
Get into the festive spirit on your trip to Edinburgh with these Christmas tours and experiences.

For something more unique to Edinburgh, visitors can also go to the Scottish Market at St Andrew Square. The market offers a range of Scottish goods from locally produced sausages to Edinburgh-distilled gin and Scottish-brewed craft beer. The market also plays a range of classic Christmas tunes to get you in the Christmas mood.

The Witchery, set just behind the castle, is an Edinburgh institution. Named for the hundreds of women burnt in the 17th century on Castlehill, the owners have created a distinctly historical ambiance. The dining room is oak panelled and tapestries line the walls while exposed beams run across the ceiling. Diners eat by candlelight in the mock Jacobean Tavern. Expect a top quality roast made to satisfy even the most traditional Christmas enthusiast.
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The Edinburgh Christmas ice rink is set up round the Melville Monument in St Andrew Square. Set in the heart of the Christmas market, enjoy a whip around the rink to some classic Christmas tunes before grabbing a hot toddy or a beer from the surrounding stalls.

The Dome is well worth a visit, even just to take a look at their Christmas decorations. The fairy-light and ivy-clad Corinthian columns that stand at the entrance to the venue are probably the most Instagrammed Christmas feature in Edinburgh. The inside is no let down either; expect to find oversized Christmas wreaths, Christmas lights hanging from every available space and a monumental Christmas tree. Enjoy a festive drink with mulled wine with wild winterberry and apple crumble martinis on the cocktail menu.
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For a bit of festive singing, it’s well worth going to the University Carol Service, hosted this year at St Giles’ Cathedral. The concert will include a range of performances from the Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Renaissance Singers as well as opportunities for belting out your favourite carols in the congregation. It gets busy, so make sure to arrive early in order to get a seat.

A true pride and joy, the festive season truly begins when the Jenners Christmas Tree graces Edinburgh’s favourite department store. Admiring this gloriously festooned tree from every floor has long been a tradition amongst locals for generations.

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Looking to fall off the radar and get lost? There is something so liberating about venturing into the enchanting Christmas Tree Maze and meandering your way along in search of Santa’s little helpers. A perfect moment to catch that epiphany.

Ever wondered where the Scottish elves congregate? From Santa’s Grotto and the big wheel to the Santa train, double carousel, helter skelter, and balloon ride, enter into a true wonderland. One second in this place will leave the grinchiest Grinch and coldest Scrooge dancing for joy. Those brave enough to endure heights can catch a fabulous view of the city from the star flyer too.

As if the hypnotic lights wrapped around The Dome’s pillars aren’t enough! Verging on indescribable, The Street of Light is nothing short of picturesque. Watching those dancing incandescent bulbs is a truly magical experience sure to fill you with sheer happiness.

Extra reporting from Tori Chalmers,