There’s lots of things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas!

As usual, there are many great attractions and things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas.

If you ever find yourself in Edinburgh at this time of year, be sure to check out the ice-skating rink in St. Andrews Square or, if you are walking along Princes Street Gardens, the Edinburgh Christmas markets.  The Gardens remain the key feature for many families.

If you decide to get the train to Edinburgh, you’ll get off at Waverley Station and see yourself at the Rekorderlig Cider pop-up stand and Reindeer Land.  If you continue forward, you will see the familiar Edinburgh Winter Wonderland. It is a most beautiful and idyllic place at Christmas; filled with fairy lights, the smell of mulled cider and sweets.

You’ll come across the European Christmas market where there are these gingerbread cookies that are sold every year. You’ll find them by the stand closest to last exit beside the museum.  The Scottish market comes to Edinburgh on the 26th of November, selling beautiful homemade crafts and goods. Mulled cider is available from majority of the food stalls,. Sipping on it and holding it is a great way to keep your hands warm!  The lights are mesmerizing and you might be stunned by everyone taking photos, but you’ll probably find yourself being one of them, taking that picture of the beautiful Christmas tree for your Instagram feed.

There is also a plethora of activities:

  • Santa’s Grotto
  • the Christmas Tree Maze
  • The iconic Big Wheel
  • Star Flyer
  • The Street of Light (George Street)
  • Ice Skating
  • The Yetti (new addition for 2016)
  • and many more 

The Ice Rink did move to St Andrews Square this year, and it now has a bridge for people to watch from as well as a bar. It’s a great place to relax and have a laugh your friends and family.

The Street of Light will be opened in the West End of George Square this year rather than the Royal Mile.

There is festive choral singing from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Junior Chorus. There was over 12,500 people who showed up on opening night when local Olympian, Callum Skinner, switched the lights to mark the beginning of the festivities. The Street of Light is sponsored by Virgin Money – it has 60,000 lights and stretches an amazing 97 meters. The lights themselves are atune with the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union, Edinburgh Police Choir and the Edinburgh Gay Mens’ Chorus.

You can have an ‘a-maze-ing’ time at the Christmas tree maze in Santa Land, East Princes Street Garden’s, it’s about £4.50.

You can enjoy the smell of Christmas and the beautiful tree maze while you wonder around with your loved ones. The maze may not be too challenging for adults – if you haven’t had a couple mulled ciders by this point – but nonetheless its great fun for the family, you will find yourself immersed in the Christmas spirit, taking lots of photographs.

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This year there is countless shows in Edinburgh this Christmas. When I got off the train I automatically saw a poster for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which is playing at The Lyceum (there is a 20% discount for anyone who resides in the Edinburgh area). Why not see this classic literary nonsense novel come to life this Christmas. There is also Five Guys Named Moe playing at the Festival Theatre, a story about self-discovery, with inspirational music. It’s recommended for anyone who is looking for a good night out, filled with theatre and music.

The Edinburgh Playhouse welcomes one of the bestselling musicals of all time on Tuesday the 29th of November to January 20th – Mamma Mia is the must see feel-good musical. Based on ABBA’s greatest hits, it’s a story about identity, friendship and love at the same time all being on a Greek island. The Traverse brings with it the children’s classic: Black Beauty. The Traverse and Red Bridge are working together to bring a best-selling book to life.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 1-99 you have seen a panto at some point in your life. This year at the Kings Theatre, brings Jack and The Beanstalk from the 26th of November; marking the beginning of panto season. Tickets range from £16 and up and there’s both an afternoon matinée as well as evening shows to get everyone in the Christmas spirit (Oh no they didn’t, oh yes, they did!). With Allan Stewart and Grant Stott leading the cast in a panto you’ve BEAN waiting to see!

With all the Edinburgh theatre tickets, it is recommended that you do book in advanced to avoid disappointment at the happiest time of year!

With so much to do, you may feel the need to top up on some food and drink to continue the evening.  The Dome on George Street, sees many people wandering in and out it’s doors as they take pictures of the beautiful tree and decorations inside. Afternoon tea in The Georgian Tea Room ranges from £16 up. You can also walk along to the chic Multrees Walk nearby where you’ll find luxury brands (from Nespresso to Louis Vuitton) and dining.

If you fancy something absolutely fabulous you can go visit Saint (Harvey) Nic. Harvey Nichols, is home to the Forth Floor; a restaurant and bar. Once you’ve finished making your Christmas wish list for good old Saint Nic, you can put your feet up after that hectic day of Christmas shopping or before the panto; they also offer a variety of different alcoholic drinks and wonderful cocktails. So, champagne anyone? 

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!

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  1. […] I wouldn’t have the opportunity to expand myself as a writer without this blog. I began freelance writing in a way to build a portfolio of work for applying to university, with it came experiences I’ll forever cherish. It’s not every day that you find yourself traveling to Edinburgh to do something you truly enjoy – I do actually like writing. I got to work with Edinburgh247 in writing an article that was then adapted to fit their site, you can read it here. […]

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  1. Let’s talk: Where have I been? | Chai Lattes and Me, November 30, 2016 1:23 am - There’s lots of things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas!

    […] I wouldn’t have the opportunity to expand myself as a writer without this blog. I began freelance writing in a way to build a portfolio of work for applying to university, with it came experiences I’ll forever cherish. It’s not every day that you find yourself traveling to Edinburgh to do something you truly enjoy – I do actually like writing. I got to work with Edinburgh247 in writing an article that was then adapted to fit their site, you can read it here. […]

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