Are you planning on visiting Edinburgh this Christmas? Read This for the Best Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas!

Best Things to Do in Edinburgh this Christmas

The Christmas season is almost here, and holiday festivities will soon take place all over the world. If you're looking for a more unique time of the year to visit Edinburgh, this post is perfect for you. To make this Christmas truly special, there are many ways to experience Edinburgh's festive spirit in style and comfort.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city that is full of Christmas cheer. It’s the perfect setting to spend the holidays with your loved ones and enjoy some of the best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

This year, we are bringing you a list of some of the best things to do in Edinburgh over Christmas. From festive walks and tours to festive markets and events, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during this festive time of year!

We hope this guide helps you plan your trip over the festive period and make sure you get the most out of it!

.Not sure which walking tours are the best? Check out this article too

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Here we have listed 13 top places where you can enjoy an unforgettable holiday:

Table of Contents

1. Winterfest at Edinburgh Christmas Market

If you want to get away from everything then why not try out the famous Edinburgh Christmas Market. Here are just a glimpse of things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas and what will happen from November 25, 2022 and January 3, 2023

  • East Princes Street will host market stalls selling arts and crafts and festive food and drinks and the Christmas Market
  • Artisan markets also at Parliament Square and Castle Street 
  • West Princes Street will include Santa Land, featuring the magical Santa’s Grotto and family-friendly attractions.
  • An icon of Edinburgh’s Christmas, the Forth 1 Big Wheel with 36 enclosed, weather-proof pods
  • Nativity Carol Concert 28 November in St Andrew Square at 3pm.
  • Ice Skating on famous George Street 
  • The Nativity Scene at St Andrew Square.
Best Things to Do in Edinburgh this Christmas_Christmas market
Best Things to Do in Edinburgh this Christmas_Christmas market

Looking for a gift from Scotland? Check out our guides

Winter Lights are back this year – see what’s happening when it gets dark outside.

 

Christmas at Botanic Garden 

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a botanical world, immersed in the joy of Christmas?

Join Christmas Lights at The Botanics where you can experience all the festive cheer. Christmas Cathedral, Digital Rain, Laser Garden, Santa, there are just a few sparkling illuminations.

A delicious twist of tasty treats is also available. Toasted marshmallows for anyone?

Starting  17th November 2022 – 30th December 2022. Trail times start from 4:15 pm with the last entry at 8 pm. See the booking page for details

PHOTO CREDIT_Edinburgh Castle _Castle of Light
PHOTO CREDIT_Edinburgh Castle _Castle of Light

Castle of the Light: Hidden Treasures

The festive season is the perfect time to visit Edinburgh Castle. The castle, which has been at the very centre of Scottish history for over 1000 years, will be filled with state-of-the-art lighting installations.

It will illuminate the iconic landmark walls with holograms to make it even more enchanted.

Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour this festive season as Edinburgh Castle, the defender of the nation, becomes an indoor winter wonderland.

18-20 & 25-27 November. 2-4, 8-11, 16-23 & 27-30 December 2022

TIMES

4.30pm to 9pm (last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm)

See the booking page for details

Check the price and available dates for the guided tours here!

3. Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The must thing to do in Edinburgh at Christmas is to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Great Gallery will display a 15 foot, glittering Christmas tree adorned with decorations of all sorts.

There will also be lights, making the entire palace seem to shine even brighter this time of year.

They will decorate apartments and the Royal Dining Room with flowers, wreaths and spires of faux candied sugared fruits.

Palace of Holyroodhouse will offer festive events for adults and children through November and December. You can find here the details of the events. 

Do not forget their gift shop offers a wide range of exclusive gifts inspired by the royal palaces and the works of art in the Royal Collection.

Insider tip: Complete your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse or The Queen’s Gallery with homemade cakes and tea.

Every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday; Tuesday and Wednesday closed.

PHOTO CREDIT_Palace of Holyroddhouse _Christmas at Palace
PHOTO CREDIT_Palace of Holyroddhouse _Christmas at Palace

4. Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

The best way to get around Edinburgh is by foot, but if you don’t have time or the Edinburgh weather is not what you like, then opt for a tour on the vintage 1966 Routemaster Bus.

We found what might be the coolest way to do afternoon tea in Edinburgh on a double-decker bus! So whilst you take in the stunning sights of Edinburgh, you can indulge in first-class traditional afternoon teas. 

Red Bus Tour Departing at 12 pm or 3 pm, Tuesday to Sunday 

Below, you can find the best ticket prices during your holiday

5. Guided tour and whisky tasting

Winter is perfect for enjoying a dram or two of the finest whisky. This guided tour will introduce you to the aromas of the drink while walking you through the production stages.

A ride in a whisky barrel? Oh man, you can’t wait to see the World’s biggest collection of Scotch whisky!

PHOTO CREDIT_ Scotch Whisky Experience_Guided Whisky Tasting
PHOTO CREDIT_ Scotch Whisky Experience_Guided Whisky Tasting

6. Chocolatarium Tour, Tasting & Chocolate Making

Edinburgh’s winter visit could not be completed without tasting and making chocolate.

This tour is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas. 

This unique tour allows you to make your chocolates using various chocolate moulds.

In the Chocolate Kitchen, you can choose your bar design, select your favourite flavours and create your personalized bar.

The entire experience is very interactive for both children and adults, whilst you learn a lot about the history of chocolate from the Aztecs to the first chocolate bar and the newest inventions.

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st Things to Do in Edinburgh this Christmas _Christmas shop Nutcracker at Royal Mile
Best Things to Do in Edinburgh this Christmas _Christmas shop Nutcracker at Royal Mile

7. Royal attractions with Hop On Hop Off

Have a limited time in Edinburgh? Then the Royal Edinburgh ticket is a perfect solution. For the 48h, you can use all three City Tours (Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour and CitySightseeing Edinburgh) plus entry to Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Royal Yacht Britannia.

8. Hogmanay New Year's Eve Fireworks

Edinburgh Cityscape with fireworks over The Castle
Edinburgh Cityscape with fireworks over The Castle

Oh, New Year’s Eve celebrations – the event takes place every year on December 31st and has become something of a symbol for the city.

You get to enjoy spectacular fireworks displays over the castle and other historic venues in town. It doesn’t get more exciting than this! 

Check the info here

You can watch the fireworks for free (they are visible all over the city) but if you like to join the street party you need to buy the tickets

9. Take a history class with a professional comedian

Engaging, informative and entertaining comedy-meet-history walking tour that set up a great mood for the entire day!

The cultural experience of meeting a real Scot, born and bred in the Highlands you’ll never forgot. 

 

10. See Scottish Opera & Ballet

Enjoying opera and ballet performances during the holidays is something everyone should do once in their lifetime. And what better way than watching them live from the magnificent stage of the Usher Hall?

Check available shows and tickets here

11. An Edinburgh Christmas Carol

From the novel by Charles Dickens

The idea for A Christmas Carol might have been inspired by one of Edinburgh’s most famous residents. Charles Dickens visited the city in 1844 and whilst out walking, he came across the gravestone of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is thought to be the character on which Scrooge was based

Buy your tickets here

24th November 2022 – 31st December 2022

12. JK Rowling's Edinburgh and the Writing of Harry Potter Tour

This tour is not like the others. You get to see areas tucked away from main tourist areas and items relevant to Harry Potter. The guide is a ‘Harry Potter’ fan who shares fascinating details about the wizarding world in Edinburgh.

It takes 4 h of listening and walking, so come prepared for 5 km of up-and-down walking through Edinburgh’s hilly old town. You’ll see the inspiration for many locations in the Wizarding World, including Old College and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

13. Pickering's Gin Jolly with Gin Tastings

Explore Edinburgh on foot, tasting local beers with a narrative tour that tells the history of Scotland while you drink

Where to stay in Edinburgh this Christmas

As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t matter what your budget is; whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or simply want to enjoy a few days off work, Edinburgh offers everything that makes a holiday memorable. For a taste of home away from home, book now one of Edinburgh hotels with the best festive decorations.

Below, you can find the best prices during your holiday

Booking.com

Looking for gift guides?

Check the prices and available dates for the guided tours in Edinburgh!

Are you planning on visiting Edinburgh this Christmas? Read This for the Best Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas!
About me
Scotland Itinerary planning

My name is Kate and I created Scotland Itinerary Planning to give you those life-changing experiences right in the beautiful country I call home.

I’m proud to live in Edinburgh, Scotland, one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities. Living in Edinburgh has provided me a base to explore extensively around this magical little country.

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