Top Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas

Edinburgh is *always* a good idea and even more so during the festive season. Edinburgh at Christmas time is truly magical. The whole town comes to life, the streets are decked in lights, the Christmas market is in full swing and there is a truly wonderful atmosphere in the town. There are free events including the Night Light switch-on, nativity Carol Concert and more. Edinburgh’s Christmas kicks off mid-November so there’s plenty of time to get into the spirit of things! Read on for some of our favourite things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

Have a mulled wine at the Christmas Market

There aren’t one but TWO Christmas markets in Edinburgh! There’s the German Christmas market and the Scottish Christmas market that are set up in East Princes Street Gardens. You’ll find all kinds of crafts, gifts, food and drink.  Stop off for a warming mulled wine or a hot chocolate. The markets are open daily from 10am – 10pm but note that they’re closed on Christmas day.

Tip: If you can, try to visit the Edinburgh Christmas Market on a weekday rather than the week-end as it is getting incredibly popular. Evenings also get very busy so mornings or early afternoons  are recommended and why not visit at the start of the festive season (it kicks off mid-November!)

Have a glass of fizz at the Dome

So magical!

Nothing says Christmas quite like the Dome in Edinburgh! A hot chocolate, a glass of bubbles🥂… the Dome is the place to go to and is most definitely something of an institution in Edinburgh. You will be blown away by the lights and Christmas decorations. It’s our go-to place to mark the beginning of the festive period in Edinburgh. It definitely need to feature on your Edinburgh bucket list!

>> Are you looking for quirky and unique bars to visit in Edinburgh? Check out this post!<<

Go to a Panto!

He’s behind you!

Christmas isn’t complete without a trip to the Panto! The Pantomime is a quintessentially British stage-show that everyone should experience once in their life – whether you have kids or not! There are goodies and there are villains and before you know it, you’ll find yourself booing the baddies and shouting ‘he’s behind you!’. We have been known to go several times before our children were even a twinkle in our eye. It’s great fun – laughter and good times guaranteed. We recommend the acclaimed yearly Panto that takes place at the Kings Theatre.

Go ice-skating

Get your skates on and enjoy a trip down memory lane. There’s a fantastic elliptical icerink that’s set up at St Andrews Square. If you’re tired from the exertion of skating, you can finish off the event with a stop off at the Cider Lodge just next to the rink. The price of skate hire is included in the entry fee and you’ll be allocated a specific time slot.

>> Tip for locals: you get 20% discount if you live in an EH postcode (proof of address required) <<

Go on the rides at the Christmas market

Not for the faint-hearted!

Find your inner child and take a ride on the thrilling star flyer, helter skelter, the big wheel or a carousel. You can buy tickets online or directly that the booths.

Check out the Christmas tree at Jenners

How do they get it into their store?

Jenners is something of an institution and every year they erect a giant Christmas tree in their store on Princes Street. Pop in to check it out!

Go on the big wheel at the Christmas market

For a fantastic panoramic view of Edinburgh, jump on the big wheel.

Go to see Santa and his reindeers in Princes Street Gardens

If you’ve got little ones, be sure to visit Santa and his reindeers! It’ll be a truly memorable experience for them.

>> Are you visiting Edinburgh with kids? You need to read this guide! <<

This is definitely on our bucket list! How fun does this look? Every year in December, hundreds of keen adults, kids and even dogs take part in the Santa Fun Run and Walk in Princes Street Gardens. This 2.5 km run is open to everyone and the money raised from the event helps the charity ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’. This is a charity that works at granting special wishes for children who are living with a life threatening illness. There is an entry fee and adults are asked to commit to raising £25 for the charity.

Check out the Winter Light Trail Evenings at the Botanics

The Botanical Gardens have launched a magical event during the festive period – the Winter Light Trail. You’ll be mesmerised by the decorations, lights and magical atmosphere.  Highlights include the Cathedral of Light, the Scented Fire Garden and visiting Santa and his Elves

Booking ahead is essential – check out their website for details.

Go Christmas shopping

Pretty brooch

This might seem obvious but why not take the time to get ahead with some of your Christmas shopping. You can head to the main shopping area (Princes Street and George Street) or alternatively find some quirky, unique gifts at the Christmas market.

>> Check out our 35+ fun Christmas gifts from Scotland in this post! <<

Light Night

If you’re visiting Edinburgh in November fear not as the Christmas market actually kicks off mid-November so you’ll get a chance to enjoy the start of the festive celebrations before it gets too busy. And if you time your visit, you’ll get to enjoy ‘Light Night’ – the night when they switch on the Christmas lights. Can it get any more magical? The event includes the light switch-on (obviously), choirs singing and spectacular fireworks. It gets busy so leave plenty of time to get there and travel by public transport.

Final Word

We hope you’ve enjoyed our round-up of 13 best things to do to celebrate Christmas in Edinburgh. We’re very excited about spending Christmas in the capital this year and have many of the above activities planned for the festive season.

>> Final Tip: Check out the official Edinburgh’s Christmas website for up-to-date information on what’s on, free events and more. <<