Enjoying Christmas in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is especially festive during the Christmas season, loaded with holiday-themed events and things to do. Some popular Christmas attractions in Edinburgh include the markets, which feature a wide variety of food, drinks, and handcrafted gifts, as well as the Christmas lights, which are turned on every year to illuminate the streets and most famous historic buildings. The many museums and galleries often have special Christmas exhibits and events, and the famous Edinburgh castle is also well worth a visit at this time of year - it really isn't hard at all to have a fantastic Christmas in Edinburgh!

Top 10 Things to do for Christmas in Edinburgh

Visit the Christmas Market

You'll be hard-pressed to take this all in over a single evening! Packed with amazing food stalls offering both local grub and wider European street cuisine, the Edinburgh Christmas Market has to be experienced to be believed. Ride the giant Ferris Wheel, peruse and shop the handicraft stalls, or just take in the festive atmosphere with a cup of mulled wine or piping hot cider. Be aware the queues can be enormous though, so wrap up warm and plan accordingly.

Take in the Botanics Light Trail

A visit to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is never more magical than when after dark during the festive season. With tunnels of light, sparkling reflections in the lake, real flames in the Fire Garden, a light show in the Laser Garden, and many more seasonal illuminations to gaze upon and follow through the light trail, this isn't one to miss. Make sure you book in advance as tickets often sell out fast.

Eat and Drink at the Dome

A historic building designed by architect Robert Adam and built in the late 18th century, the Dome is an Edinburgh institution and hugely recognisable part of the skyline. It's also a first class spot for some festive food and drink, from a champers lunch to an indulgent hot chocolate dessert, with extravagant decorations and lights to wow visitors inside and out. Be sure to book ahead as space is always at a premium.

Take in a Pantomime

Ah, the great British Christmas pasttime... oh no he didn't! The theatre scene in Edinburgh has always been solid, but for guaranteed family fun it's hard to beat the traditional ol' panto. There are some classics that run in the city every year at various theatres around Edinburgh - offerings for 2022 include Snow White & The Seven Dwarves at the Festival Theatre, Beauty and the Beast by the Forth Children's Theatre, Mother Goose at the Howden Park Centre or (for the grown-ups only) cheeky cabaret/burlesque-style panto Sindarella at The Three Sisters.

See a Christmas Show

If you fancy something with less audience participation or are just more discerning with your theatrical tastes, there's still plenty to see around Edinburgh's arts scene over Christmas. You can see The Christmas Carol at the Edinburgh Lyceum, there's a range of live seasonal music at Brewhemia, and the heartwarming tale of Once Upon A Snowstorm is playing in the Traverse.

Admire the Castle of Light

For the last three years Edinburgh Castle has made the most of its central position in the city by lighting up its historic edifices with a dazzling array of lights for everyone to take in, and 2022 is going to be no different. With wall projections and twinkling lights to guide you on visits through the castle itself, this one is a genuinely enchanting way to embrace the history of the season. 2022's theme is "a kingdom of colours," lending a rainbow flair to the festivities, so definitely not one to miss.

Visit Father Christmas at Santa Land

One for the kiddies or just the young at heart, Santa Land includes a Christmas Tree Maze, a ten-ride funfair (including our favourite, the festive Runaway Train), stained glass windows designed by local schoolchildren, and - the main event by far - Father Christmas (aka Santa Claus) himself, who is visiting along with some of his elves. You can pop in to see Santa and hear a Christmas story in a group session, but every child will get to meet him personally and receive a gift - just make sure you book in advance because (of course) he's very busy and popular!

Visit the Zoo

You might not think of visiting the zoo as a very Christmas-y activity, but Edinburgh Zoo actually has tons of festive fun to join in on. Pop in to see Santa and Mrs Claus at the Grotto or even book a whole day at the zoo to have breakfast with them - who could say no to delicious snowman pancakes? There's also a wreath making workshop, and if your days are going to be crammed you can even visit Santa in the evening with the Grotto Express, for when you're super-busy but still want your little ones to meet Father Christmas.

Enjoy Some Christmas Cinema

There are loads of special film screenings around Edinburgh during the festive season, so you can have a cinema-style experience while reliving one of many classic and timeless Christmas movies. See a stellar screening of The Muppets Christmas Carol in the planetarium of Dynamic Earth, indulge in a classy cocktail and film evening at Harvey Nichols on St Andrew Square, or bring the tissues to watch Love Actually with a live orchestra soundtrack at Usher Hall.

Explore the Bar Hütte Winter Wonderland

For something a little more intimate for the grown ups, and a lot more rustically-themed than the main Christmas markets, the Bar Hütte in St James Quarter is a fantastic spot to visit. This little alpine getaway in the city is loaded with cute decor, and you can book a private "hütte" for up to eight people or the party lodge for 10-20 guests to hang out in. There's also Christmas karaoke, wreath-making (with prosecco included), a chance to visit Santa, and the adorable Bark Hüttes for bringing your pooch along to the festivities... including "pawsecco" and Christmas treats for all.

make an offer and stay in the city

It's hard to believe that Christmas Day only became a public holiday in Scotland in 1958, but Edinburgh is definitely making up for lost time with all these amazing Christmas activities each year! Take a break from the more hardcore festive activities with a cuppa at one of Edinburgh's amazing indie coffee shops, and when you're looking for a place to stay remember you can get more bang for your Christmas buck if you make an offer and just hoo it.