From the end of November, the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh transforms into a magical land of light. As well as illuminations, there’s music, food and bonfires to keep you warm on a frosty evening. Don’t forget your camera: there are plenty of atmospheric shots to be taken. And if you do get cold, check out The Marshmallow Lady cafe next to the garden for hot chocolate and specialty marshmallows in strawberry, rum or nutmeg flavors. More details and tickets.
Princes Street Fair is the hallmark of Edinburgh’s Christmas season. In December, there are 70 stalls with handmade gifts, unique souvenirs and treats. The Ross Bandstand stage hosts choir concerts and a light show. For the more adventurous, take a ride on The Starflyer, an 80-meter high carousel that offers fantastic views of the entire city. Read more about the fair and light show.
For those who like a chamber atmosphere, there are candlelight piano recitals all December and January. The event is held at various locations, but most often at St. Giles Cathedral. Not only classical music is played, but also variations on contemporary pieces of music such as Coldplay or Taylor Swift. Concert tickets.
Every December the immersive show Castle of Light takes place on the walls of Edinburgh Castle. The pictures are not simple – through a kaleidoscope of illuminations the history of Scotland, its legends and legends are told. It’s not without scares, either! Dress warmly: the show takes place only outside, mostly on the front wall of the castle. This year the organizers have updated the program: the spectators will be guided also on the famous staircase and for the first time since XVII century will be given to “set fire” to the cannon Mons Meg. Read more about Castle of Light.
If you, too, are revisiting the Harry saga this December, hurry out to look for Hogwarts relics! It was in Edinburgh’s The Elephant House cafe that J.K. Rowling worked on the first book – it’s where the route begins, which continues on Diagon Alley (aka Victoria Street), leads to Voldemort’s tomb and the chessboard at the National Museum of Scotland. If you don’t want to google the places yourself, book a tour with professional guides.
The Whisky Experience is a great way to warm up after your walk. There are options to suit every wallet, such as a £20 ticket for a Holyrood tasting, a Johnnie Walker tasting of four whiskies with chocolate (£45) or an exclusive tour that includes lunch with panoramic views of the city and a trip to the distillery itself (£450). Even if you’ve never tasted whisky, an introduction like this can’t help but be the start of a beautiful friendship. Book tickets.
The real Polar Express train leaves Waverley station, just like in the cartoon of the same name. You’ll be allowed on board in pyjamas, treated to hot chocolate, entertained with songs and gifts from Santa. The trip, like the show itself, lasts two hours – perfect for keeping the kids entertained on a December evening. Read more about the trip.
For those who are frosty this year, a Christmas bar with an internal temperature of -8 C has been opened. Everything inside is made of ice: sculpted wolves, owls and bears, a throne for photos and even the glasses themselves. You have to buy a ticket in advance, special gloves and a jacket are given at the entrance, and the session lasts no longer than 30 minutes so that no one catches cold.
The Dome is a famous restaurant in the center of Edinburgh. The building was built in 1840 as the head office of the national bank and has retained its intended grandeur. The festive menu here is similar to that of any major restaurant (buratta, turkey roll, Christmas pudding) – that’s not why you come to The Dome. The restaurant is incredibly decorated, and the Christmas tree is eight meters high! It is located in The Grill Room, so we recommend booking a table in this area.
Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the last day of the year, and it’s also a street party with torchlight parades, live music, open-air bars and fireworks. If New Year’s Eve is still the highlight of December, then Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is not to be missed. The atmosphere here is incredible and you’ll feel all the energy of the festivities along with thousands of people. It lasts 3-4 days and the program includes activities to suit all tastes – from Bach concerts or workshops on Scottish ceili dancing to river swims on the first of January and rock’n’roll discos.
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