13 Things to Do in Edinburgh at Christmas

Edinburgh is well known as a city with a lively cultural life, always full of events and festivals throughout the year. Christmas is no exception. During this time of year, as elsewhere in Europe, exciting events take place.

If you're planning to visit the Scottish capital at Christmas, you'll be spoilt for choice. Music, fireworks, Scottish folklore, ice skating and so much more. I've brought you the best things to do to make the most of this vibrant time of year. All of them, of course, complement the list of what to see and do in Edinburgh at any time of the year.

Did you know that Edinburgh plays an important role in the Harry Potter saga? It was in the Scottish capital that J.K Rowling began writing her book and where she found great inspiration for her landscape, particularly in places like The Elephant House café.

If you 're travelling to the city with children or are a fan of the saga, taking a Harry Potter tour is a great way to not only find out where Rowling wrote and what inspired her, but also to get a taste of Edinburgh.

Plus, at Christmas time the city is filled with lights and beautiful decorations, so this tour will not only add a special Hogwarts-worthy magic, but it's also an original way to explore the streets of Scotland.

If you thought Christmas was a time of light, tranquillity and merriment, you were partly wrong. When night falls in Edinburgh, many mystery tours begin to uncover the city's spookiest myths and legends, both Christmas and any time of year.

For example, did you know that the name Ebenezer Scrooge, the protagonist of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, was chosen by the writer when he saw him on a gravestone in Edinburgh's Canongate Cemetery? Who would that man really be?

If you want to make the most of the dark hours, there's nothing better than a ghost tour of Edinburgh. The Scottish city is one of **Europe'**s capitals of mystery, where legends proliferate on every corner and in every building.

The start of the New Year in Edinburgh is celebrated in style with fireworks that can be seen from various points in the city, although the best is Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill.

Although the main event takes place at midnight (the so-called Midnight Moment), there are fireworks shows beforehand that you can enjoy from 22:00. All in all, an ideal plan to enjoy with the whole family and totally free of charge.

By the way, if you go there and are impressed by the Castle, you can't miss a more detailed exploration of this impressive monument. Here you can find out all the details about visiting Edinburgh Castle.

Few things bring more atmosphere to the streets at Christmas than Christmas markets. Edinburgh is no exception; in fact, the city is known for its interesting Christmas markets. You'll find them dotted around the city centre, but the main ones are as follows:

• East Princes East Gardens
• Around the Scott Monument
• St Andrew Swuare
• Scottish Market

You'll find all the usual things you'd expect to find at a market of this kind: local produce, Christmas sweets, food, drink and traditional crafts. The Children's Market in St Andrew Square deserves a special mention. It's the perfect place to stroll among stalls full of children's toys. And if you feel like getting to know the city, but don't want to lose all your energy to enjoy the markets, you can take a sightseeing bus tour of Edinburgh.

Find out more

• Date: The markets start at the end of November and run throughout December and end at the beginning of January.
• Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
• Price: Free except what you buy or consume.
• Location: in the historical area of the city.

Seeing Edinburgh city centre at Christmas time is a must, but there's so much more than just markets, lights, decorations and fireworks at this time of year. It's also a great time to take a trip to the Highlands from Edinburgh for two reasons: it's low season and you'll find the mountains covered in snow.

The Highlands are a mountainous region in the north of Scotland full of hills, greenery, waterfalls, castles and legends. In short, an absolutely magical place that is best enjoyed when there are no large crowds of people.

If you want to experience a typical but different Christmas, the Highlands are not to be missed on your itinerary.

You can't miss the ice rink in St Andrews Square, basically because it is considered to be one of the biggest ice rinks in Europe. It is very interesting because the rink is circular in shape and wraps around the square itself like a ring.

In addition, it is an area that from the second half of December onwards has an incredible atmosphere: Christmas lights, music and food and drink stalls where you can enjoy a good mulled wine.

It is also an activity of great architectural interest as St Andrews Square is surrounded by absolutely stunning 18th and 19th century buildings. Tickets are available from €9 for adults and €7 for children.

Saint Giles Cathedral, despite the name, is not really a proper cathedral as it is Protestant and therefore not the seat of a bishop. However, its appearance is as monumental as that of the most beautiful cathedrals.

A good way to get to know it from the inside is to attend one of the Christmas concerts that take place inside. There, surrounded by the music of its famous choir and its 4,000-pipe organ, you can enjoy its stained glass windows and the beauty of its Thistle Chapel.

More information

about the concerts

• Date: Throughout December, although the frequency increases from the second half of the month.
• Times: may vary, although the most frequent time is usually 6.30pm.
• Price: depends on the type of concert, but ranges from €10 to €20.
• For more information... Here you can consult the Saint Giles concert programme.

If you arrive in Edinburgh a few days before 25 December, you'll be able to see the stunning Giant Advent Calendar. It is a mapping on the façade of the General Register House, a beautiful 18th century neoclassical building which is included in the catalogue of UNESCO World Heritage charms.

It is very interesting especially because in southern European countries, such as Spain, we are not as accustomed to the importance that northern countries give to the Advent Calendar. In fact, it is also a very important tradition in countries such as Germany.

Until 24 December, its façade is illuminated with spectacular images of Christmas past, day by day, as the countdown to Christmas begins. This spectacle of light and colour takes place every day from 5pm to 10pm. Of course, it is completely free of charge.

The Edinburgh Christmas Fair takes place from mid-November to early January. An opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the attractions at some of the most significant points in the city. And all with a Christmas atmosphere full of lights. The places where you will find the attractions are:

• George Street
• Princes Street Gardens
• St Andrew Square

Ticket prices range from €1 to €6. There is a wide variety of rides and attractions ranging from the legendary Edinburgh Wheel to rides such as the Starflyer, an iconic attraction consisting of high-flying hanging chairs.

At Christmas time all of Edinburgh is decked out in colourful lights and the Botanic Gardens is probably one of the most spectacular places to see them. The Choir of the Trees and the Fire Garden stand out for the beauty of the lights (sometimes accompanied by music).

The Victorian glasshouses are also very interesting for the fantasy of their illumination.

Entry times are from 16:30 hours and the shifts are usually 15 minutes. The last entrance is at 20:00, although the Botanic Garden itself closes at 22:00. Tickets start at €15, although children up to the age of 3 are free.

A great plan if you are travelling to Edinburgh with children is to go to the Giant Lanterns. It takes place at Edinburgh Zoo and consists of a festival of Chinese lanterns. Many of the lanterns take the shape of animals and shine their light along the mile-long route that makes up the Giant Lanterns.

Just because they are Chinese lanterns does not mean they are small, quite the contrary. There are reproductions of animals that are quite large. They are sure to thrill the little ones.

I advise you to dress warmly as the show, in order to be more spectacular, takes place when there is no sunlight. It will therefore be colder. Also note that, although you are at the zoo, you will only be able to see this show, watching live animals is not included in the Giant Lanterns.

More information about the Giant Lanterns

• Duration: You can go through the show in about 1 hour and a half.
• Timetable: the show starts at 4.45pm and finishes at 9pm, although the last entrance is at 7.45pm.
• Price: from €16 for adults and from €10 for children.

As you will have seen, the Scots are always proud of their origins. That's why they have managed to combine their pagan Gaelic tradition with later customs. The fruit of this fusion is Hogmanay, the celebration of the Gaelic winter solstice, which in Edinburgh begins a little earlier with lots and lots of partying. The most colourful event is undoubtedly the Torchlight Parade.

This event takes place on 30 December and consists of a mass parade in which each participant carries a torch. The route runs along the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, where the closing ceremony takes place. All in all, an incredible atmosphere, lots of bagpipes and drums and, above all, lots of fun.

If you're interested in this event but your trip to Edinburgh can't be at Christmas, don't worry - there's a very similar celebration in the Shetland Islands, a great addition to your list of things to do in Edinburgh in March.

Boxing Day takes place on 26 December and is the kick-off to the UK sales. This date has its origins in the centuries-old custom of giving away items in boxes to employees. Today it is the perfect excuse to go shopping and take advantage of lower prices.

There are many places to do this in Edinburgh. I recommend the following:

• Princess Street: a street that forms part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also the artery where you will find the main fashion brands such as Zara or Primark. It is also home to the famous Waverley Mall shopping centre.
• George Street: the most suitable place for the most exclusive fashion and accessories. This is where the main luxury brands in Edinburgh are concentrated.
• Grass Market: the best place to find the latest and greatest in retro and vintage fashion.