Planning a Christmas escape? Discover what makes Edinburgh so special.
When winter wraps its icy embrace, few places twinkle quite like Edinburgh.
With gothic beauty, candlelight, festive markets and streets paved in frost, the city offers something magical for every kind of Christmas seeker. Whether here for romance, with family or for festive fun, Edinburgh at Christmas is timeless and beautiful – and the ultimate Christmas bolthole.
A fairy tale city in winter
Edinburgh in December looks like it leapt from the pages of a storybook. The turrets of Edinburgh Castle loom against pink-tinged skies, and Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park, looks as pretty as a picture with its dusting of early morning frost.
Wander along Victoria Street, with its colourful buildings and curling architecture, or pause in Dean Village, where the babbling Water of Leith winds through cottages and quiet lanes, making it perfect for a winter stroll.
Or trade sleigh bells for the sound of lapping waves. Portobello beach may not have snow, but the coastal beauty makes it a peaceful place for a festive walk. Wrap up warm and watch the late afternoon sun melt into the water.
Unmissable festive markets
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market isn’t just picturesque, it’s immersive. Set across East Princes Street Gardens, you’ll find stalls laded with festive goodies, Alpine-inspired bars, carousel rides, and the smell of mulled wine in the air. Soar above the rooftops on the Big Wheel or Star Flyer; follow your nose and feast on seasonal delights from the many food and drink stalls, or browse and buy one-of-a-kind gifts for all the family from craft stalls. And don’t miss the Children’s Market in the neighbouring West Princes Street Gardens, filled with family-friendly rides.
With the majestic Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop, Castle Street Market has a stunning location. This popular market is filled with an abundance of delicious food and drinks, jewellery, clothing and home gifts. Or how about a visit to a 17th century stately home? Each winter, Hopetoun House in South Queensferry opens its doors for its Christmas Shopping Fair, featuring over 50 exhibitors, showcasing a wide range of exceptional Christmas gifts.
The city’s regular neighbourhood markets will also be decked-out in all their festive finery. A great place to pick up seasonal and local produce, handmade gifts and delicious plates of street food made right in front of you, visit them at Stockbridge, Leith and the Grassmarket.
Cosy hotels and winter retreats
If ever there was a city made for cosy boltholes, it’s Edinburgh. Think fireplace lounges, deep bathtubs and dazzling views. For a touch of 5-star luxury, The Witchery by the Castle has sumptuous bedrooms, with four-poster beds, roll-top baths and views of the city’s Old Town. If you fancy a more countryside feel, Prestonfield House has all the elements of a grand rural manor, yet just a short distance from the city centre.
Boutique and beautifully understated, The Raeburn Hotel in Stockbridge has just 10 bedrooms, so you’ll feel more like a member of the family, rather than a guest. While nearby Nira Caledonia offers all the elegance of an elegant Georgian townhouse, with today’s modern comforts.
If you prefer a coastal outlook, Fingal is Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel, while Malmaison Edinburgh has a range of rooms and suites, all carefully designed to offer a relaxing stay. For more ideas on places to rest your head see accommodation in Edinburgh.
Seasonal events for all ages
In Edinburgh, there’s no shortage of winter wonderment for any age. Get ahead of the game and tell Santa what you’d really like for Christmas this year. His grottos pop up across the city, including St Andrew Square, Edinburgh Zoo and Craigies Farm. Or add some sparkle with an after-dark light trail – both The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle put on dazzling shows.
From laugh-out-loud panto to festive music and fantasy tales, check out upcoming shows at the city’s theatres and music venues, such as Edinburgh Playhouse, Festival Theatre, Usher Hall and The Queen’s Hall. The magnificent St Giles’ Cathedral is also worth visiting for its seasonal programme of candlelight concerts.
Fancy perfecting your skills on the ice? The city centre undercover ice rink offers fun for everyone, including toddler skating sessions and relaxed sessions (with softer lighting and sound).
And let’s not forget Hogmanay. If you’re staying throughout New Year, the city offers a bumper programme of new year revelry – from ceilidhs and music to the world-famous Torchlight Procession and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party.
Seasonal food and drink
Edinburgh’s winter menus are rich, warming and comforting. Local restaurants bring you the best of nature’s larder, combined with flair and creativity.
Home to some of Scotland’s best chefs, restaurants and street food kitchens, Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace serves up dishes for all tastes and palates, while at Badger & Co (the former home of Kenneth Grahame, author of Wind in the Willows), their seasonal dishes perfectly compliment the stunning interior.
For dishes that expertly pair Scotland’s national drink with seasonal menus, don’t miss a visit to Whiski Rooms, Amber Restaurant or The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which have venues in both Queen Street and Leith.
And for the cherry on the top of the Christmas cake, keep an eye open for festive afternoon tea menus, offered by several of the city’s cafés and restaurants. Think seasonal treats of gingerbread, stollen and cinnamon scones, accompanied by a glass of fizz.
For more tasty ideas, explore food and drink in Edinburgh.
Seasonal shopping
For bags of choice, no matter who you’re buying for, Edinburgh offers plenty of shopping choice.
With five floors of shops, dining, entertainment and accommodation, St James Quarter is your go-to for some of the world’s most well known retail brands. For luxury fashion and designer sparkle, head to Multrees Walk, home to Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols store.
Curving like a brightly coloured ribbon through the heart of the Old Town, Victoria Street is adorned with a lovely selection of independent shops and boutiques or follow the twinkle of fair lights and discover the array of gift and homeware shops on Broughton Street.
The charming neighbourhood of Stockbridge is where you’ll find food, craft, clothes, book and homeware shops, as well as an excellent selection of charity shops. Or take one of the regular Edinburgh Trams to Leith and browse the eclectic range of shops on offer.
From luxury brands to high street stores, Edinburgh is a shopper’s paradise. Discover more in shopping in Edinburgh.
So this year, skip the stress and embrace the wonder. Let Edinburgh be your Christmas bolthole – a place you’ll want to return to year, after year, after year……..
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
