EDINBURGH AT CHRISTMAS

The capital attracts visitors from across the world throughout the year but December has a little bit of extra charm. From strolling down the historic Royal Mile, exploring the lively Christmas markets, sipping mulled wine in Stockbridge or escaping the city centre for a traditional organic farm cooked meal, Edinburgh offers a perfect mix of tradition, culture, and celebration at this time of year.

 

The Royal Mile, home of Kiltane’s flagship store, is undoubtedly one of Edinburgh's most famous streets, and during the Christmas season, it becomes magical, offering a fascinating journey through Scotland's past.

One of the highlights of the Royal Mile during the festive season is the St Giles' Cathedral, which hosts special Christmas services throughout December. If you are walking up the famous street don't miss the opportunity to step inside and feel the warmth and peace of the Cathedral during the busy, and occasionally chilly, season.

 

If you wander down the Royal Mile, you can follow the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and festive treats wafting through the air, follow this and it will lead you to the Christmas Market, offering everything from ice-skating rinks to hand-crafted gifts and delicious food to carnival rides and live entertainment. It has become a growing Edinburgh tradition for families to spend an afternoon at the markets.

 

If you are looking for something a little bit different, you could grab a ticket for a very British tradition, 'the panto’. A fun variety stage show that has been a Christmas tradition across the country for generations and Edinburgh always offers up an extra special capital version of it, head to The Festival Theatre, with a cast of Scottish theatre royalty you will have a great day enjoying family tradition in Scotland.

 

If you are looking to get a break from the hustle of the centre of town, take a wander down to Stockbridge, here you can fill your basket with Artisan Scottish cheese at I.J. Mellis or get out of the cold in one of the many local bars, we recommend a glass of something special in Smith & Gertrude.

 

Loads of local’s also take a drive out of the city centre during this busy time, and one of the best places to go is the famous Free Company, a family farm that grows and serves seasonal produce at the bottom of the rolling Pentland Hills. 

 

Or in the opposite direction you can head out to the beautiful coastal area of East Lothian to Beanston Farm, a magical family run Christmas tree farm, you can pick a really beautiful tree to take home. You could also swing past Archerfield, a walled garden and coffee shop where you will also meet the REAL Santa, he is there we have seen him! Be sure to book in advance, he is a busy man.

 

Christmas in Edinburgh. Magical.