Visiting Edinburgh at Christmastime is one of my favourite places to be. Twinkling lights, historic streets, superb shopping and a wonderful Christmas market make Scotland’s capital the perfect winter city break.
Arriving in Edinburgh by Train: Waverley Station
There’s something special about arriving in Edinburgh by train, as walking up the steps out of Waverley Station always makes me feel very happy. Surrounded by historic buildings with Princes Street Gardens below and the Old Town rising above, it’s one of the most atmospheric arrivals in the UK and set the tone once again for our festive break.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
No Christmas visit to Edinburgh is complete without experiencing the Christmas markets. Located around Princes Street Gardens, the markets were enchanting. The smell of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and festive treats filled the air as we wandered through the stalls looking for gift ideas and warming our hands on our hot drinks.
Walking the Royal Mile: Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace
We began our festive walk at Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city with its dramatic views and historic presence. From there, we wandered downhill along the Royal Mile, the cobbled heart of the Old Town which is always thronged with tourists creating a vibrant atmosphere. The street is lined with cafes, bars and gift shops – lots of them offering tartan and cashmere, with scarves, jumpers and bags popping up everywhere.
St. Giles Cathedral
Our stroll led us to St Giles’ Cathedral, where we stepped inside to admire its beautiful architecture and peaceful interior, which had been decorated for Christmas. With free admission, it offers a few minutes of calm amid the bustle of the Royal Mile outside.
Museum of Childhood
Slightly further down the Royal Mile stands the Museum of Childhood so we popped in for a look around. This charming museum is filled with nostalgic displays of games and childhood objects from over the centuries. With numerous toys and games on show from both my own and children’s childhood the museum evoked fond memories. (Admission free).
Museum of Edinburgh
A short way further down the hill and we had arrived at the Museum of Edinburgh which also offers free admission and provided us with an insight into the city’s social history. From decorative arts to stories of everyday life, the museum’s galleries are well worth a short visit.
Scottish Parliament
Moving on towards Holyrood we reached the strikingly modern Scottish Parliament building, which divides opinion as its bold design contrasts sharply with the historic buildings of the Royal Mile. The parliament offers free admission on days when the ministers are not in attendance.
Holyrood Palace
Directly across the road from the Scottish Parliament stands Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. It is steeped in history and with its position at the foot of Arthur’s Seat it marks the ceremonial end of the Royal Mile.
Shopping on Princes Street & George Street
Edinburgh is a fantastic city for shopping, and we split our time between Princes Street and George Street. Princes Street offers all the major high-street brands with unbeatable views of the castle, while George Street which runs parallel with it feels a little more refined with stylish boutiques, restaurants and elegant cafés. Both streets were beautifully decorated for Christmas, making shopping feel festive.
Exploring Edinburgh’s Neighbourhoods: Morningside & Stockbridge
While Edinburgh’s city centre is unmissable at Christmas, it’s also a good idea to explore a little further afield. Morningside and Stockbridge are two of Edinburgh’s most desirable neighbourhoods each offering a more relaxed, local perspective on the city. They can both easily be reached either on foot or by hopping on one of the frequent buses.
Taking the tram to Newhaven
Slightly further afield we took the tram to Newhaven enjoying a relaxed 25 minute journey out towards the coast. From there, we took a stroll along the waterfront to the Newhaven Lighthouse. Here we breathed in the fresh sea air whilst hearing the sounds of seagulls. Inviting cafes and fish restaurants line the quayside with outside terraces for warmer days.
Time Spent in Leith
We also spent time exploring nearby Leith, an area known for its maritime history. The mix of historic docks, modern developments, cobbled streets, independent shops and cafés gives the district a vibrant feel.
Where We Stayed: Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End
We stayed at Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End, which was an ideal base for our trip. The hotel was comfortable, modern, and well located, making it easy to get around the city while still feeling peaceful at the end of a busy day. The well equipped rooms coupled with a hearty breakfast set us up for our daily city sightseeing.
Final Thoughts: Edinburgh at Christmas
Edinburgh really puts on the glitz at Christmas. From the moment we arrived at Waverley Station to the festive markets, historic streets and charming neighbourhoods, we enjoyed it all soaking up the festive cheer.
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