Is it just me, or does Britain get more into Christmas every year? When I first moved to London, there were a few stray markets and some lights. Today the whole country has embraced the season in spectacular style. And this year I’ve seen it most clearly in Edinburgh. After a day of exploring the highlights, today I bring you A Lady in London’s 5 things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas

Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas

I’ve traveled to the Scottish capital for a day to soak up the Christmas spirit. I’m excited to see how the city’s Christmas offerings compare with Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s legendary, multi-day New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Given more markets and spectacles are opening every day, I anticipate they’ll rise to the occasion. And they do. They make Edinburgh one of the best places to visit in the UK at Christmas.

Edinburgh Christmas Decorations

1. Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens

I start and end my day at the Christmas markets in Edinburgh. Visiting them is one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas, and for good reason.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Santa Land and the adjacent Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens are enormous, and every inch of ground around the Scott Monument is packed with gift-laden chalets, fun fair rides, and vendors of comfort food.

Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens

As I walk through the market, my senses go on overload with the sight of colorful candles, the scent of sizzling bratwurst, and the sound of Christmas music.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

A giant tree maze lights up the area in front of the Scottish National Gallery and a miniature train trundles around the gardens.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Up the steps, rows of chalets display gifts from around the world. I pass by hand-drawn vintage maps wrapped in marbled paper, rustic wooden toys, and sweet tartan reindeer waiting to be placed under a tree.

Gifts at Edinburgh Christmas Market

2. Edinburgh Christmas Market on George Street

Just down the road I visit the other main Christmas market in Edinburgh. Taking up the west end of George Street, this one is also full of chalets and rides.

From a tall tower hosting free-falling riders to an ice adventure and a Santa’s grotto, there’s no shortage of fun to be had here.

Edinburgh Christmas Market on George Street

And given my kind of fun involves Christmas food, I stick to the market stalls selling colorful cheese wheels, sugary crepes, and festive drinks.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

3. Ice Skating in Edinburgh

But it’s not all markets. There are a lot of other things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas, including ice skating.

St Andrew Square has been transformed into a circular ice skating rink surrounding the Melville Monument. Skaters whirl around while I and my fellow onlookers enjoy the festive bar and food trucks.

Ice Skating in Edinburgh

4. Christmas Shopping in Edinburgh

When Scotland’s cold starts to sink in, I take a break in the shops. From department stores to bookshops, home interior boutiques, and gift shops, there are a lot of places to love here.

I seek out the Christmas sections with everything from ornaments to Scottish gifts, soaking up the atmosphere and getting ideas for presents.

By the time I’m done, I’ve decided this is one of my favorite things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

Edinburgh Christmas Decorations

5. Christmas Decorations in Edinburgh

Back outside, I spend the rest of the day taking in Edinburgh’s Christmas decorations. Everywhere from shops to restaurants is decked with lights, trees, baubles, and bunting.

Christmas Trees in Edinburgh

Even West Parliament Square on the Royal Mile has gone all-out with its Winter Windows display, which features art designed by young people from Edinburgh schools. Just walking down the street puts me in a festive mood.

Winter Windows Edinburgh

Best Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas

By the time my day in Edinburgh is over, I’m fully in the seasonal spirit and completely convinced that Christmas in Edinburgh is getting as big as Hogmanay.

Which is fitting given Christmas seems to be asserting its presence everywhere across the country these days.

I’m heading off to explore another city with a growing reputation for Christmas cheer next week, so stay tuned for more…

How about you? What are your favorite things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas?

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Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas

14 Comments on Lady’s 5 Festive Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas

  1. What beautiful photographs and I really like how much you admire Edinburgh. Scotland is one of my most fave places!

    The UK and London, has always celebrated Xmas brilliantly, but different to Germany (where I now live) and the US! I used to live in London, before moving to Berlin, and Christmas was ace. We used to go carol singing in the city, there was ice-skating, decorating the Christmas tree and lots and lots of parties. In fact, my social diary was constantly booked from the first week in November to the New Year!

    Christmas in the UK? Same-same as in every English-speaking country, but very, very different! 😀

  2. I was studying abroad in Scotland last year (I am french) and Edinburgh was such a lovely city their Christmas market is so cool !

  3. It looks absolutely beautiful! Do you also have tips for Christmas markets/decorations/lights in London? I’ll be in London for a day shortly before Christimas and I’m really looking forward to it.
    And I could use some tips for taking pictures of holiday lights. Your photos always look amazing!

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