Looking for a different place to visit this Christmas?
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a great place to visit this coming holiday season.
It’s quite likely that you’ll experience a White Christmas in Edinburgh, and you’ll be entertained. From November 21 to January 4, Edinburgh hosts a broad range of events including concerts, festivals and this will attract many visitors from all around the world.
Video from UnderBellyLtd – Edinburgh’s Christmas
Some of the Free Events in Edinburgh this Christmas Season
European Christmas Market
The markets open on November 19, 2016, to January 7, 2017, but close on December 24, 8 PM to December 26.
You will experience unique shopping in the heart of Edinburgh along East Princess Street Gardens Terrace. The traditional and romantic Christmas Market will get you festive with its endless shopping and food trips.
Winter Windows
Opens November 19 to January 17, the windows form a magical pathway to Santa Land, designed by pupils from a local school in Edinburgh.
Street of Light
The Street of Light opens from November 20 to December 24, located at the west end of George Street. It has 60,000 beautiful light bulbs synchronized with music from the local choirs and bands.
The Scottish Market
Our Scottish Market in West George Street opens every November 26 to December 24 which offers some of the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer.
24 Doors of Advent
24 Doors of Advent will let you peep behind usually closed doors throughout the city during Advent. The event will start from December 1 to 24.
The 24 Doors are the following:
- Assembly Rooms
- Summerhall
- Chapel of St Albert the Great
- The Secret Herb Garden
- Augustine United Church
- St. Giles’ Cathedral
- Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
- Temperate Palm House at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- BT Murrayfield
- The Scottish Parliament
- Thomson’s Tower – Dr. Neil’s Garden
- Hermitage House
- Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory Tours
- Corstorphine Dower House
- Scottish Storytelling Centre
- Traverse Theatre
- Riddle’s Court
- Mansfield Traquair Centre
- National Library of Scotland
- The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
- St Andrews and St. Georges
- Dovecot Studios
- Canongate Kirk
- Church of St John the Evangelist
Santa Run
Santa Run is a fundraising event on with special Christmas wishes for children who have a life-threatening illness. It happens on December 11 and is a free event to watch.
As well as these and other seasonal events, there are many other things for visitors to do at this time of the year.
Rides and Attractions in Edinburgh during the Christmas Season
- Balloon Ride – A balloon ride for little kids.
- Big Wheel – Big Wheel has thirty-six enclosed, weather-proof pods, each seating six people and showing unrivaled views of Edinburgh.
- Carousel – A merry-go-round for all group of ages.
- Christmas Tree Maze – find your way in the Christmas Tree Maze and discover the Elves’ Workshop.
- Crazy Cars – For children in the driver’s seat.
- Helter Skelter – Go to the top of the tower to see the beautiful Edinburgh then slide your way down.
- Double-Carousel – A double-tiered, musical carousel.
- Ice Skating – Glide your way through the circular ice rink. Wheelchairs are welcome and double-bladed skates for small children.
- Ice Wall – Try to make your way up to the top of Santa Land’s climbing wall.
- Race-o-Rama – Themed from the movie “Cars” for all ages.
- Reindeer Ride – For children that want to feel like Santa’s little helper.
- Rollercoaster – For young kids who wants to be thrilled.
- Santa Train – travel around the Santa Land with Santa Train.
- Star Flyer – around 60 meters high you can dare to see the beauty of Edinburgh with 360-degree views.
- Santa’s Grotto – Meet Santa Clause inside his house and tell him your wishes, take pictures with him, meet his helpers and receive a gift.
- The Yeti – A new ride in Edinburgh where you will be flying up, down and around.
