Another year has come and gone by. A lot was achieved, lots of memories made, and lots of love shared. But the best is yet to come – Christmas time. What could be more special than Christmas spent with your family? Well, Christmas spent with your family in Edinburgh, that’s what! From the old world charm to elegant new towns, the capital of Scotland is home to a plethora of tourist destinations and Christmassy attractions. Christmas in Edinburgh is a magical experience you’re bound to remember even after many many years have passed by.
Best Places To Spend Christmas in Edinburgh 2024
If you are planning to spend Christmas in Edinburgh, make sure you visit these places to witness the charms and celebrations of the festive season –
- Castle of Light
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Royal Botanic Garden
- St Giles Cathedral
- Santa’s Grotto
1. Castle of Light
Image Credit:Ad Meskens for Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh is an ancient city, celebrating its 900th anniversary this year, and as such this historic city is full of majestic forts and castles. Standing tall on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle was the seat of the Scotland Royals for centuries. Serving as a fortress, a prison, and military garrison, the castle walls speak many interesting tales. The castle is a UNESCO heritage site, and today, the most-visited place in Scotland. During Christmas, the place is lit up with decorative lights, making it even more beautiful than it already is. The sound and light show at Edinburgh Castle is quite spectacular. The Christmas at Edinburgh Castle features lights that highlight the fascinating history of the castle projecting the tapestry of tales on the walls of the castle.
Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh
Dates: Friday, November 22 to Saturday, January 4
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2. The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Image Credit: Saffron Blaze for Wikimedia Commons
Built between 1671 and 1678, The Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. Architecturally, Holyroodhouse is counted among one of the top 10 most stunning buildings in the United Kingdoms. During the festive season, the charm of the place is turned up another notch as the palace is decked out with decorations of flowers, green vines and Christmas lights draped around fireplaces and staircases. Enjoy a glass of wine and a bite of mince pie while enjoying Christmas carols at the in-house concert.
Location: Canongate, Edinburgh
Dates: Concerts are scheduled for Sunday, December 8 and Monday, December 9, 2024.
3. Royal Botanic Garden
Image Credit: Richard West for Wikimedia Commons
This one’s a perfect spot for nature-lovers and botany-enthusiasts. The RBGE or the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was founded in 1670 and is a reserve and conservation center for over 13,000 plant species. The gardens offer visitors a tranquil experience amongst 72 acres of stunning scenery no matter the time of year. This is a perfect place for Christmas nights out in Edinburgh since after dark the gardens light up with many horticulture-themed illuminations. Stunning art installations created by artists from all over the world have been included in the display. This is one of the places you must not miss while celebrating Christmas in Edinburgh 2024.
Location: 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh
Dates: Thursday, November 21 to Monday, December 30, 2024
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4. St Giles Cathedral
Image Credit: Carlos Delgado for Wikimedia Commons
St Giles Cathedral is the central parish church of the Church of Scotland. Dedicated to St Giles, the church was established in the 12th century, and is one of the most mesmerising Gothic buildings in the country. Christmas in Edinburgh is incomplete without a visit to St Giles and attending mass and carols there. Songbirds, the choir at the church, perform traditional & regional Christmas songs as well as songs from all over the world. The cathedral also hosts concerts by candlelights which include compositions by classical composers like Mozart and Handel, but also Christmassy songs from movies and pop-culture. Visiting the church is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh for Christmas.
Location: St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street, Edinburgh
Dates: All through December
5. Santa’s Grotto
Santa’s waiting for you in his little grotto wondering if you’ve been a good kid this year. In fact a lot of different Santas and Elves are manning the many Santa’s Grottos across the city. Take your children to a special brunch with Santa, and make sure to take lots of pictures with him. Kids are bound to be over the moon with this one. Visit for Christmas market buffets, toys & presents for every kid, and Christmas wishes from the Guardian of Wonder and Bringer of Toys. Enjoy sweet candy canes and spicy hot chocolate with your kids and make Christmas in Edinburgh 2024 unforgettable for them.
Location: Multiple locations, some of which are St Andrew Square, Edinburgh Zoo, and Scotsman Hotel.
Dates: Throughout December
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Christmas Markets in Edinburgh
Here are some of the Christmas markets and events to visit in Edinburgh which will give you that vibe of the festival.
- MnB Scotland Christmas Craft Market
- Jupiter Artland’s Christmas market
- George Street West
- East Princes Street Gardens
- St Andrew Square Winter Garden
1. MnB Scotland Christmas Craft Market
Image Credit:Ally Crockford for Wikimedia Commons
The Maker & Bakers Christmas Craft Market is being held for the first time this year and the anticipation is already intense. All Makers & Bakers events are some of the top-rated events in Edinburgh. You will be able to do much for your Christmas shopping done at the market. MnB is scheduled to host over 15 stalls consisting of vegan food and drinks. From artisanal jewellery to displays by local artists and artisans, the market is projected to be a stunning event.
Location: Leith Arches 6 Manderston Street, Edinburgh
Dates: Starting December 1st.
2. Jupiter Artland’s Christmas market
Jupiter is one of the best annual Christmas fairs in Edinburgh. Locals love visiting the Jupiter Artland Farms, which transforms into a winter wonderland for Christmas. They have many stalls which sell Christmas essentials. Buy artisan crafts and gifts for your relatives and friends, enjoy mulled wine prepared in-house, and deliciously warm hot chocolate. Edinburgh Scotland Christmas is perfect for a visit to the fair. They provide Christmas wreath making workshops for adults and Santa’s Grotto for children. Watch the nativity scene performed by them, and enjoy seasonal music and shop for souvenirs at the many stalls.
Location: Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh
Dates: Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024
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3. George Street West
Ice Skating at Christmas is one regional tradition you can’t go without. Enjoy a beautiful evening of ice skating with your friends, family, or your partner at George Street. The ice rink at George Street and Castle Street are famous for their Christmas events. While skating, visitors can see the scenic silhouette of the Edinburgh New Town skyline. Once you’re done skating, take a break from the excitement and relish hot drinks and food at nearby stalls. Christmas in Edinburgh is not complete without visiting the Christmas fair where one can go for carousel rides and do workshops learning Christmas decorations or ice carving. Polar Ice Bar is another super fun attraction in George Street where you can let loose a little.
Location: George Street, Edinburgh
Dates: November 15, 2024 to January 4, 2025
4. East Princes Street Gardens
Image Credit:Leandro Neumann Ciuffo for Wikimedia Commons
Lying in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, the Princes Street Gardens are accessible beautiful lush green stretches of space that are the beating heart of community activities and festivities in Edinburgh. The east garden hosts an annual traditional christmas market which features more than 70 stalls selling Christmassy goodies including handmade gifts, bespoke products, and yummy treats and tasty drinks. One of the prettiest Christmas markets in Edinburgh Scotland, the garden is also home to Scotland’s biggest ferris wheel – standing at 46 meters tall. Browsing the stalls for great decorative finds is an annual ritual for most people in Edinburgh.
Location: Princes St, Edinburgh
Dates: Friday 15th November 2024 to Saturday 4th January 2025
Related Post: Places To Visit In Edinburgh
5. St Andrew Square Winter Garden
Image Credit: Paul Gillett for Wikimedia Commons
St. Andrew Square Gardens offers one of the largest Christmas tree mazes in the entire UK providing a great occasion for fun and photos for the entire family with more than 500 trees being lit up. When the Christmas lights are set up in the garden, it looks as if Santa’s moved his North Pole kingdom to Edinburgh. Santa sets up his little nook in the garden with all his little elves providing a magical experience for children. Kids can hear stories from Santa and receive gifts. St Andrews Garden is truly one of the best Christmas fairs in Edinburgh.
Location: St Andrew Square, East end of George Street, Edinburgh
Dates: November 23 to December 24, 2024
How To Reach Edinburgh
By Air: The nearest air connectivity is the Edinburgh International Airport which connects Edinburgh to the major cities of the US and India like New York, Chicago, and Delhi along with other places in the world like Europe, Canada, and Australia. The airport serves more than 150 destinations worldwide.
By Train: Those who are traveling from nearby destinations in the United Kingdom like Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle or Manchester, reaching Edinburgh by train is the easiest and comfortable way.
By Road: You can get on a bus from Britain’s important cities which runs frequently and is a nice way to get to Edinburgh.
You May Also Like To Read: Best Places To Visit In India During Christmas
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set out to enjoy a thrilling Christmas in Scotland. Plan your trip to Edinburgh now and get ready to enjoy this joyous festival with your loved ones in this wonderful city.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Edinburgh
Does Edinburgh snow during Christmas?
It does snow in Edinburgh, but usually in the later winter months of January and February. It sometimes snows in Edinburgh in December, but the probability is not very great.
How much does it cost to go to the Edinburgh Christmas market?
There is usually no entry fee for Christmas markets in Edinburgh, and one can spend as much or as little as one wishes at the market. But the experience of visiting the market with bright twinkling lights and fascinating attractions in itself is a pleasure worth a lot.
Is Edinburgh worth visiting at Christmas?
Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit Edinburgh. Celebrating Christmas at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens or the Castle will be a memory to cherish for many years to come.
London or Edinburgh - which is better for Christmas?
While London of course has more options and many varied attractions for Christmas, Christmas in Edinburgh is quaint, cosy and less crowded in comparison.
How cold is it in Scotland at Christmas?
It is quite very cold during the Christmas season in Scotland. Temperatures remain between 10 degrees Celsius at the highest and go even below the freezing point sometimes.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
