Edinburgh's Christmas 2019

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Wed 11 Dec 2019 - Fri 03 Jan 2020

The festive season is here and Christmas is almost upon us – and where better to enjoy the festivities than here in Edinburgh? Dark, chilly evenings are certainly made better by the twinkling lights of the Christmas markets, not to mention the warming hot toddies.

Edinburgh's Christmas is a spectacle, and each year they seem to get bigger and better. Here's an itinerary on how to spend a magical evening soaking up all that Christmas in the city has to offer.



Grab a hot toddy, or two

It's certainly chilly out there, so why not warm your cockles by grabbing a hearty mug of hot toddy or mulled wine?

There are tons of bars around the markets but a personal favourite is the Johnny Walker Bothy Bar in which you'll find an upstairs balcony with amazing views over the markets. Perfect for soaking up the festivities and watching the world (or the rides) go by!



Go for a spin

Now this one's not for the light hearted. If you're local to Edinburgh you will have seen The Star Flyer ride standing high and mighty above the rest.

The Star Flyer ride spins you round and round, high in the sky, offering unbelievable 360 views over Edinburgh.

If being spun around 60 metres in the air isn't your thing, why not try the Forth One Big Wheel? Again, fab views across the city but at a slightly slower pace! Sit back in your enclosed pod and enjoy a stunning ride round.



Enjoy a bite to eat

There are tons of food stalls on offer at the Christmas Markets, from traditional German hot dogs to all the sweet treats you could shake a stick at. This year, I decided to try out one of the newbies.

I went for a warming portion of mac n' cheese from the Mac Shack. Think hearty potions of luxurious mac n cheese with all the trimmings - from sundried tomatoes to chorizo.

Another new kid on the block is The Caravan of Courage, who serve up feel good vegan junk food such as the likes of vegan pigs in blankets which I'll definitely be back for!

There's every type of food to choose from - from pizza to fish and chips - so whatever your tastes, you'll find something up your street.



Go for a wander

Another new feature of this year's Christmas Markets include the Night Walk for Edinburgh. Returning after a successful sell out run at the Edinburgh International Festival in August, the Night Walk is led by Canadian artists Janet Cardiff and George Burns Miller.

This intimate, one-to-one video experience takes its audience on a curated tour of the Old Town after dark. A treat for all the senses, the Night Walk guides audiences through the past and present of the city.

As well as the Night Walk, another new feature comes in the form of the Silent Disco Adventure Tour. Operating on weekdays only, this is a fun-filled silent disco that leads participants around the markets whilst enjoying a tune and a dance!



Spiral down the Heater Skelter

Head to the top of the Heater Skelter before flying back down to earth past the twinkling lights of Castle Street. This is a great ride for children (and grown ups too!)

You can even warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate once you're back on your feet.

Take a visit to see Santa

And whilst you're on Castle Street, why not pop in and see Santa Claus himself?

Again, this one's perfect for families. Hear a tale or two from the man himself before receiving a wee gift.

#christmas
#cultural_events
#fun_for_children
#fun_things_to_do
#markets
#december
!date 11/12/2019 -- 03/01/2020
%wnedinburgh