.It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…sorry to be so clichéd haha. But isn’t it? December is here and I’m all about the mulled wine, mince pies, terrible festive jumpers and Christmas songs. I think I actually prefer the pre-Christmas build up to the actual day its self! To get fully into the festive spirit this year I wanted to head up to Edinburgh for a cheeky little get away, it’s such a stunning city anyway but at Christmas time I think it becomes extra magical. There are so many festive things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas, they really go all out, I mean this is the city that celebrates New Year (Hogmanay) for 2 whole days and has more festivals than you can shake a stick at, they blimmin’ love a good celebration. And they certainly didn’t disappoint, Edinburgh celebrations seem to get bigger and better year after year. If you’re also thinking of going to Edinburgh at Christmas I have a few suggestions to get you well into the festive spirit too.
Visit the Princes’ Street Garden Christmas market
Voted the best Christmas market in the UK, this German style market is so much fun. You can’t miss the giant flashing Ferris wheel as soon as you step out of the train station. The gardens are filled with food and drink stalls, hand made crafts, fairground rides, Santa’s’ grotto, Christmas tree maze and live entertainment.
If you love cheese (and honestly who doesn’t?!) I can highly recommend the cheese fondue in bread, proper tasty comfort food on a cold day. And a cup of mulled cider from the Bothy bar, a pop up 2 story wooden lodge with sofas, blankets, music and some of the best views of the markets.
Cocktails at The Dome – George Street
I pretty much always recommend people to have a drink in The Dome when they’re in Edinburgh because it’s just such a gorgeous building, but it becomes extra magical at Christmas with all the fabulous decorations and giant tree above the bar in The Grill Room.
This place is veeeerrry popular though so be prepared to queue or if that doesn’t appeal, just sneak in for a cheeky photo *wink wink*
This is a brand-new event for Edinburgh this Christmas. A huge arch of lights that span down a whole block on George Street and combine a light & projection show with a festive themed silent disco. The show lasts about 30 minutes and they have a couple of bars under the arches, to get you in the party mood.
Ice Skating at St Andrews Square
Classic winter activity made even better by the ice rink wrapping around the Rekorderlig cider lodge and the beautiful Edinburgh new town setting. See if you can lap your friends on the rink then chill out in the cider lodge with some yummy liquid refreshments.
Warming up with a Hot Toddy at Waverley Festival Village.
Yes, I know most of these activities have involved a hot/alcoholic beverage, or three (well it is silly season) but if you’re tired from shopping, skating, dancing or site seeing, then Waverley Festival Village is the perfect place to chill out with a warming whisky. They have loads of comfy sofas, food and live music all day PLUS the perfect Instagram spot… a giant star light with Edinburgh old town as a back drop. Perfect!
Edinburgh at Christmas time is my absolute fave as you can see, I’m actually tempted to head back up before all the markets close at the beginning of January, because, well why not. It’s CHRIIIIISTMAAAAAAS.
