Edinburgh is known as the UNESCO City of Literature. If you want that warm, fuzzy, cosy, nostalgic Christmas, it doesn’t get better than Edinburgh; it’s straight out of the Dickens novel! This short walking route will illuminate the best of the city. Thankfully, the city is highly walkable, too, so you are most likely to see all things Christmas at every corner! At the end of this article, we have listed even more Christmas things to do that are a little ways out of the city centre and not on this route.
For the little ones, why not have Santa send them a personalised letter with all their good deeds and special achievements? Don’t worry if you’re on holiday; Santa will know where to send it!
Ready, set, Ho Ho Ho!
Click here to populate this route on Google Maps
Route overview
What would Christmas be without meeting Santa? From 23 November, St Andrew Square will have its very own magical visitors, including its helpful elves. Not only can you meet Santa, receive a present, take photos and meet his elves, but you will also get to watch a 20-minute performance. You can pick a date and book your tickets here. Additionally, get lost in the Christmas Tree Maze, the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree trail. You can book your tickets here.
Santa’s Stories. Credit: EdWinter Fest
Leaving St. Andrew Square, walk straight down George Street to reach the ice rink.
Leaving the ice rink, turn right onto Castle Street and left onto Princes Street along the gardens to reach the entrance on your right at The Mound across from the Royal Scottish Academy.
To get to East Princes Street Gardens, exit where you entered, and walk around the Royal Scottish Academy.
Part 1 of the Family-friendly Christmas in Edinburgh Walk
Get ready to glide along George Street West’s alpine ice rink between Castle Street and Charlotte Square. The rink opens on 22 November and closes on the 4th of January 2025 and includes relaxed sessions, toddler sessions, and adults-only late skates. You can buy your tickets, book a slot, and find out more here.
George Street Ice Rink. Credit: Edinburgh Guide
Retrace your steps back to The Mound and turn left.
Part 2 of the Family-friendly Christmas in Edinburgh Walk
From 15 November to 4 January 2025, East and West Princess Gardens will host a variety of activities and markets, perfect for some Christmas shopping. East Princes Street will have around 70 stalls of all things clothing, jewellery, and handmade gifts. Of course, there will be numerous foody temptations, and the largest Ferris wheel in Scotland, the LNER Big Wheel, is 46 metres in height, providing great city views. If you’re feeling extra daring, try the Starflyer, which is 80 metres tall! West Princes Street Gardens is where the family funfair can be found, including rides, photos, and events on the Ross Bandstand.
Princes Street Gardens Market. Credit: Frasers Hospitality
Follow the curves of The Mound, then at the big intersection, turn right up the hill, Mound Place, curve to left, then turn right towards the castle.
Part 3 of the Family-friendly Christmas in Edinburgh Walk
For the fifth year in a row, you can visit Edinburgh Castle for the Castle of Light trail. This year, on the weekends from November to early January, there is so much more to see and do, including the chance to “fire” Mons Meg! If you or a family member has additional needs, the castle will be open for “Access Night” on 8 December and cater to the visually impaired with audio tours, BSL tours, and an allowance for an autism-friendly timeslot. Witness the wonder of one of Scotland’s largest projection shows with wall-to-wall lights and life-like characters. You can buy your tickets here. Additionally, you can get discounted tickets here if you are a Historic Scotland Member.
Edinburgh Castle of Light. Credit: Double Take Projections
Click here to populate this route on Google Maps
Not on this route:
Edinburgh Winter Festival events
Torchlight procession at the Hogmanay Festival
Out of the Blue Arts and Crafts Workshops – Open Studios days
Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our City of Literature Walk.
Remember to download our app here.