10 Things To Do In Edinburgh At Christmas

Activities To Do In Edinburgh At Christmas

1. Ice Skating at George Street
2. Enjoy the Christmas illumination in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden

3. Walk up Calton Hill

4. Hike Arthur’s Seat

5. Come upon Royal Yacht Britannia

6. Walk On The Pentland Hills

7. Explore the Edinburgh Christmas Markets

8. Visit The Dome

9. Enjoy a Christmas concert at the Cathedral

10. Dazzle with the giant lantern show at Edinburgh Zoo

You will find loads of things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas if you select this beautiful city, the hilly capital of Scotland as your winter holiday destination. During this time the streets are laced with vibrant Christmas markets, and everywhere you go, you will feel the festivity in the air with the tantalizing aroma of traditional delicacies and others, filling the air. Visit the Dome to grab a drink under the bar-to-ceiling tree in The Grill Room to follow the city’s tradition or go for a Christmas Concert at St Giles' Cathedral to lose yourself to the melody of music.

During Christmas, you will find various parts of the city illuminated with vibrant colors. To enjoy a breathtaking view, visit the illuminated Botanical Garden, and lantern show at Zoo, or take a look at the festive decorations on the five captivating decks on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Here are some of the best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas:

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01

Come Upon Royal Yacht Britannia

Get a majestic experience by taking a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

One of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas, the tour on this royal yacht will enchant you while you explore the sea home of the royals and feel awe-struck looking at the festive decorations on the five captivating decks.

Take a look at the Queen's favorite room and also the drawing room that can hold a celebration for more than 250 guests.

Learn about the royal history during your tour.

Location: The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, United Kingdom.

Timing: 9:30 am - 4 pm

Entry Fee: Adult: £18.00 per person; Child: £9.00 per child between age of 5 to 17 years; Child Under 5 years: Free

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02

Dazzle With The Giant Lantern Show At Edinburgh Zoo

One of the things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas is to visit the Edinburgh Zoo where the amazing The Giant Lanterns of China show has returned.

Escape into a world of fantasy and folktales and embark on an exciting journey through ancient Chinese legends and Scottish myths, and watch astounding creatures such as unicorns, kelpies, Loch Ness Monster, etc. come to life.

Feel spellbound as you watch over 450 beautifully crafted lanterns lightening a magical trail for you as you walk into the zoo.

Location: 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS Scotland

Timing: 16th November to 17th February: 10 am- 4 pm(Closed on Christmas)

Entry Fee: Adult: £19.95 per person; Child (3-15 yrs): £ 12.50

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03

Ice Skating At George Street

One of the best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas is to go Ice Skating on George Street, which has been a part of the Christmas celebration for twenty years now.

You can go to George Street and try skating on the alpine-style ice rink, which is open to kids and adults.

Even those in a wheelchair can have their share of fun skating in this rink.

Reach the large portion of George Street that is between Charlotte Square and Castle Street and enjoy skating through the long and winding arena indulging in one of the most popular Christmas things to do in Edinburgh.

Location: 115-141 George Street; Postcode EH2 Edinburgh Area New Town

Timing: Monday to Friday: 12.30pm to 9.15pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10.15am to 9.15pm.

Entry Fee: £9.50 per adult; £24 for a family of 4 with 2 adults

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04

Enjoy The Christmas Illumination In The Edinburgh Botanic Garden

If you are on your winter holidays between November 25 to January 2, one of the things to do in Edinburgh in December is to enjoy Christmas at the Botanics.

The Botanic Garden is captivating to look at, whenever you visit, but during Christmas time the illuminations make it even more breathtaking, making visiting it one of the must things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

The entire garden becomes magical with sparkling tunnels of light, with reflections dancing in the water and trees illuminated in jewel-like color.

Walk into the tunnels of light and pause in front of the flickering flames in the fire garden.

Location: Edinburgh Botanic Garden, Arboretum Place

Timing: 4.15 pm - 8.00 pm

Entry Fee: Adult: £20 per person; Children: £14 per person, Carers and Infants: free.

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05

Walk Up Calton Hill

If festive seasons and decorations hold a special attraction for you, one of the best Christmas things to do in Edinburgh is to take a look at the magical view of the city being illuminated with festive lights and decorations.

You can walk up Calton Hill to reach one of the highest points near the city center of Edinburg, close to Princess Street to get a view of the amazing city.

Be prepared to add some more enjoyment to one of the popular Christmas things to do in Edinburgh as you get to see snow on the hills.

Location: Calton Hill Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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06

Hike Arthur’s Seat

Those on the lookout for adventurous things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas can enjoy a hike up the Arthur's Seat's rocky summit towers over Edinburgh.

Located in Edinburgh's vast Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is a popular destination with hiking and cycling enthusiasts as an amazing outdoor experience.

Go for the hike and once you reach the top, enjoy the captivating view of the entire city along with its parklands, all decorated with Christmas festivities.

If you are visiting during the winter, this adventure activity must be a part of your list of things to do in Edinburgh in December.

Location: Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland

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07

Walk On The Pentland Hills

Adventure seekers might include a walk on the Pentland Hills to be one of the exciting things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

The outdoor adventure will appeal to people of all ages, so you have the option to take your family along or go on a friend’s outing.

You can access many of the walks of the hills with rolling tops and reddish scree slopes by public transport and then carry on your exploration of the place on foot.

As you progress through the woodland paths and spectacular reservoirs, you will be able to get a view of the edge of the Highlands to the north and also Lothians along with its Border hills in the southwest.

Location: Pentland Hills Regional Park, Hermitage of Braid, 69a Braid Road, Edinburgh, EH10 6JF

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08

Explore The Edinburgh Christmas Markets

One of the exciting things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas to get into the holiday spirit is to explore the vibrant Christmas markets.

You can start off at the top of the East Princes Street Gardens and explore the entire market stretching over East Princes Street Gardens and George Street.

Indulge in Christmas shopping and stroll by strollers selling festive nick-nacks, handmade decorations, warm cashmere scarves etc.

Stopping by to try some of the traditional European holiday delicacies such as schnitzel, German bratwurst, and others and sipping in mulled wine, hot cider or hot chocolate is one of the must Christmas things to do in Edinburgh.

Children can have their share of fun at Santa Land and enjoy rides and entertainment.

Location: Santa Land, East Princes Street Gardens.

Timing: November 19 –January 3: 10 am to 10 pm every day.

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09

Visit The Dome

One of the traditional things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas is to visit The Dome and grab a cocktail under the bar-to-ceiling tree in The Grill Room.

Known to be one of the most iconic landmarks of Edinburgh, the Dome will enchant you with its interior decor of Graeco-Roman façade pillars, Marble bars and palms.

Visit one of its rooms designated for fine dining, light lunches or teas and feel the festive season as you feast on a delicious meal.

Head towards the bar to enjoy a cocktail, beer or wine and feel tantalized at the Christmas scent filling the bar.

Location: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, United Kingdom

Timing: Monday - Sunday: Club Room from 10 am; Georgian Tea Room from 12 pm; Grill Room from 12 pm. Closes at 12 am.

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10

Enjoy A Christmas Concert At The Cathedral

Feel the magic of Christmas as you attend a Christmas concert at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.

An evening spent listening to classical music in the beautiful candlelit settings of the church is sure to make you feel enchanted, which makes it one of the best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

Watch the outstanding musicians of Piccadilly perform the epic Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Christmas and feel drifted away with the sound of music as you listen to Chopin and Corelli.

Location:St Giles' Cathedral,High Street,Edinburgh,EH1 1RE,Scotland

Timing: Concert: Wednesday 14th December 2022 to 7:30 PM

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am- 5:00 pm; Sunday 1:00pm-5.00pm

Entry Fee: Starts from £19

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