Things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas

Edinburgh is a lively city and around christmas time there are some special events planned. There is a short overview of things to do below. For more information visit the Edinburgh Christmas Website

Take part in the Great Scottish Santa Run, a 1.5-kilometre charity run around West Princes Street Gardens. December 10th at starting at 11:00.

Enjoy the festive sounds at Christmas concerts including a children’s classic concert on December 3rd and a Christmas concert on December 22nd, both at the Usher Hall.

Ride the Edinburgh Wheel, the Christmas and Flying Carousel and the Bungydome, open from November 23rd to January 7th.

Visit Santa at in West Princes Street Gardens or in the Gyle, or at Santa’s Grotto at Jenners.

Head to one of the six story telling events around Edinburgh, including the Festival of Light on December 2nd at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and Christmas Tales in the Grotto on December 8th and 15th at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Shop at the one of the seven markets across the city, including the French market from November 23 to 26th on Castle Street, the traditional German market from November 23rd to December 24th on the Mound Precinct and a Christmas market from November 23rd to January 7th on Princes Street Gardens.

See Christmas shows including Pinocchio, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Cinderella, The Snowman, Green Whale and Puss in Boots.

Find a Christmas gift at craft events including Paper Parade on November 24th at Lauriston Castle, the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine on November 26th and the Ethical Christmas Craft Workshop on December 7th at Bristo Place.

See the reindeers at the Santa Garden on December 9th, which will be opened by Santa himself.