Edinburgh is a fantastic place to visit all year round, boasting incredible entertainment, history and architecture. During the festive period, the city adopts a fairytale-like setting, adding to its charm. From its market to its Christmas decorations, Edinburgh is a one-of-a-kind city for a winter staycation.
Things to do in Edinburgh this season include:
Read on for our guide to the best places to visit in Edinburgh at Christmas.
This winter, get in the festive spirit by visiting Edinburgh’s world-renowned markets. Open from the 19th of November 2022 until the 3rd of January 2023, they’re the best place for delicious food and unique gifts.
While the markets are spread across the city, the main event is held at East Princes Street Gardens and George Street. Here you can flit between stalls and enjoy special attractions, such as funfair rides and an ice rink.
Visiting with the kids? Make sure to stop off at Santa Land, where little ones will have the chance to meet Father Christmas.
Looking for Christmas things to do in Edinburgh? Head to Edinburgh Castle for the spectacular light display, Castle of Light. Back for its third year, this show will see the castle lit up with immersive illuminations and colours. Spend time with loved ones, watch incredible projections dance along the castle walls and hear stories about Scotland’s history.
Castle of Light will take place on selected dates from the 18th of November until the 30th of December 2022. Tickets are £20.00 for adults and £12.00 for children.
This Christmas, enjoy a winter walk along the Water of Leith, Edinburgh’s main river. The 12-mile walking trail begins in Balerno to the west of the city and finishes in Leith in the north east. It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, featuring plenty of lovely scenery. Some of the highlights include:
When you reach Leith at the end of the route, you’ll find plenty of pubs to relax and refuel at, some of which boast river views.
Don’t miss An Edinburgh Christmas Carolat The Lyceum this season. According to folklore, inspiration for the original A Christmas Carol struck Charles Dickens while he was visiting Edinburgh on a reading tour. Now you can see this much-loved story brought to life through this fabulous festive comedy!
Written and directed by Tony Cownie, An Edinburgh Christmas Carol will run from the 24th of November until the 31st of December 2022.
Searching for Christmas activities in Edinburgh? If you want to schedule some shopping during your visit, there’s no better place to do so than Princes Street. This is the city’s central street, home to flagship stores such as Primark and Marks & Spencer. If you need an energy boost, there are also plenty of cafés lining the street where you can stop for a drink.
Princes Street is one of the most picturesque locations across Edinburgh, featuring green parkland and several monuments.
If you’re searching for things to do in Edinburgh in December, you don’t want to miss Christmas at the Botanics. Enjoy the city’s beautiful Royal Botanic Garden after dark and be mesmerised by its light displays. There’s lots to discover, from lakeside reflections to the Fire Garden. At the end of the trail, indulge in a festive treat, such as a hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows.
Christmas at the Botanics will take place on selected evenings from the 17th of November until the 30th of December 2022. If you book in advance, ticket prices are £21.50 for adults and £15.00 for children aged 4 to 16.
A trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without visiting The Dome. This is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, home to a restaurant, bar and nightclub. At Christmastime, The Dome is completely transformed with stunning decorations, from a gigantic Yuletide tree to twinkling lights. It’s the perfect place to capture those fun, festive photos.
Whether you fancy a glass of champagne or a warming hot chocolate, The Dome provides a lovely setting for a festive drink. The venue also offers Afternoon Tea in its Georgian Tea Room, complete with sandwiches, scones and cakes.
Wondering where to stay during a festive trip to Edinburgh? Here at Leonardo Hotels, we have several luxury hotels close to the city centre. These include:
With comfortable rooms and onsite dining facilities, our city-centre hotels offer a great place to stay in Edinburgh. Plus, they’re only a short distance from East Princes Street Gardens, where you’ll find Edinburgh’s winter market.
If you’d like to stay just outside the city, the Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield might be the right option. Here, you’ll benefit from both the peaceful countryside and the excitement of the city only 20 minutes away. And located just a short drive from Edinburgh Zoo and the Castle, you won’t have to travel far to reach the city’s best attractions.
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