Five things to do, see and savour
Winter always finds Edinburgh at its most lovely. The streets are burnished with festive colours and elegant decorations; steaming mugs of hot chocolate and mulled wine breathe life into cold hands; the majestic mounds of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat loom with wintry grace.
While the temperature drops, a joyful warmth infuses the city. Your reward for braving the outdoors ranges from sensational snaps of the endarkened streets and scenery, to taking part in the myriad activities and festivities spread that light up the city.
To help whittle down your Edinburgh Christmas List, here are our top five recommendations for things to do and places to see this winter.
Lighten up at the Botanic Gardens
Nothing brightens a winter evening like strolling through the Botanic Gardens’ acclaimed after-dark adventure trail. Prepare for an extraordinary kaleidoscope of colours – webs of stringed light between trees, Harry Potter-inspired candles floating in the sky, and illuminated trees and arches and fantastical patterns radiating from the lawns.
A returning highlight are the Gardens’ signature Firework Trees, with vibrant bursts of light shooting through tree branches to an atmospheric winter soundtrack. And don’t worry – you’ll stop off at Inverleith House halfway round to stock up on hot drinks, cinnamon-coated snacks and a little central heating.
With limited capacity and timed entry, it’s strongly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance on the Royal Botanic Gardens website.
An a-mazing festive experience
A new attraction for 2024 is a delightful maze, made up of 450 beautifully lit Nordman Firs in St Andrew Square. This magical, interactive experience will entrance the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents.
As well as navigating to the labyrinth’s centre beneath a canopy of fairy lights, visitors can enjoy festive music, warming mulled drinks and stalls of freshly roasted treats. It’s an impressive and unique experience, with enough movement to keep the life in your toes!
Step-free ramps make it fully accessible and there are iconic photo ops throughout – including a backdrop of the city’s famous Big Wheel. While tickets can be purchased on-site, we recommend booking ahead to secure your spot on the Edinburgh Winter Festival website.
Glide into action
Wrap up warm, lace your boots and brace your knees – it’s time to hit the ice.
Every Christmas sees the west end of George Street transformed into an alpine-style ice rink, flanked by the area’s famous Georgian architecture. Think joyous festive music, twinkling lights and thick blankets when you need a sit down.
And if you’re the Bambi of the family, don’t worry – the area is lined with boutique shops, bars and restaurants to visit while everyone else masters their triple axels and layback spins. Book your time slot online to guarantee entry, and good luck!
Fill your pockets at the Christmas markets
The crown jewel of Edinburgh’s winter festivities is typically the Christmas markets. This year, beneath the colossi of Edinburgh Castle and Scott Monument, you can weave your way through 70+ stalls purveying artisan gifts and handmade treats from across Edinburgh, Scotland and the world.
And if you’re feeling courageous (perhaps bolstered by a few mugs of glühwein or spiced apple cider) the best views of all are reserved for the 46-metre-tall LNER Big Wheel. At its apex, the entire lit-up city is at your feet.
The markets are open from November 16th to January 4th 2025 and are completely free to enter.
The coolest bar in the city
Tired after a long day exploring the city? The Polar Ice Bar is as chilled out as it gets, maintained at a balmy -8°C!
Everything from the patterned walls to the winter forest and wildlife sculptures is carved from ice. The bar, tables, chairs and glasses themselves are hewn from frozen water! Don’t worry, every visitor gets a thick jacket, gloves and paradoxically warming complimentary drink on entry.
While some tickets may be available on the day, we recommend booking in advance, on the Edinburgh Winter Festival website, to guarantee your place.
After a strenuous day of exploring and filling up on festive food and drink, you’ll need a comfy bed to lay your head – and a hearty breakfast to do it all again tomorrow. But where should you go?
Press pause at Prestonfield
Set in 20 acres of private parkland near the city centre, Prestonfield House is a five-star hotel known for opulence, theatre and unbridled luxury. With a 2 AA Rosette restaurant and a Michelin Key for 2024, a superlative stay is guaranteed.
Hop aboard Fingal
This exquisite 22-cabin boutique hotel, moored on the Water of Leith just outside the city’s historic centre, is an ‘AA Hotel of the Year Scotland’-winner and quite unlike anything else in the country. Full of old-world elegance, Fingal’s Festive Afternoon Tea is a must-scoff. Learn more.
Spoil yourself at the Sheraton
Just a step from Edinburgh’s most iconic Christmas attractions, the Sheraton Grand is a unique urban getaway that always offers that bit more. The renowned thermal experience, One Spa, is the perfect antidote to a day of chilly city exploration.
