So, you’ve wrapped up warm, put on your comfy shoes and headed to Scotland’s sparkly capital city for a couple of days to enjoy the festive experience. But, with so much on offer during the winter months, how will you decide what to do? No need to worry, we’ve listed some suggestions for your 48 hour experience.
All locations are numbered and correspond with positions on our Christmas Map below...
Time your arrival to coincide with what promises to be Edinburgh’s most spectacular (1) Light Night yet on the 24th of November. The event starts at 4pm on George Street before moving to the Mound for a Frost Fairy light-filled experience and then a stage show in St Andrew’s Square.
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Day 1
Start (or finish if you’re an organised type!) your (2) Christmas shopping at John Lewis in the East End of the city centre, you can stock up on all the latest in sparkly Christmas decorations as well as peruse their exclusive ranges of fashion and toys. Suitably laden, head out through (3) St James Centre, to enjoy a variety of high-street brands and walk along the Paris fashion haven, Champs Elysees….. of course, we really mean (4) Multrees Walk! Here you can find exclusive designers such as Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Emporio Armani. Visit (5) Harvey Nichols where you should enjoy a coffee (and mince pie) break in the Forth Floor Restaurant overlooking the whole of Edinburgh and right across the Forth to Fife.
After your caffeine injection, head into (6) St Andrew Square where you can enjoy the thought-provoking Nativity Scene . After this reflective time – it’s time to play at the (7) Christmas Fair!. Fun for adults and children - head towards Princes Street and the Scott Monument where you can enjoy the best views of the city from the iconic Edinburgh Wheel , then head to the Christmas Fair to remind yourself of your childhood with a quick whizz down the classic Helter Skelter and a ride on the Flying Carousel.
Time for lunch! Head to (8) The Dome – famous in Edinburgh not only for it's delcious lunches but also the award-winning Christmas decorations go up in mid-October! Frequently featuring an upside down Christmas tree suspended from its dome namesake – this is an exclusive to Edinburgh treat that everybody must admire.
A trip to Edinburgh, especially if it’s your first, just isn’t complete without a visit to the city’s most iconic landmark – (9) Edinburgh Castle. Towering over the city, perched on top of a volcanic outcrop, you can see if from miles around. Aim for late afternoon, because that’s arguably the best time to enjoy what the Castle has to offer, as it’s usually quieter, and offers the chance to look out over the city below as dusk falls.
No trip to Edinburgh in winter is complete without a visit to (10) Edinburgh’s Ice Rink , set in a stunning setting underneath the majestic Edinburgh Castle, but first you might need a little warming glass of Glühwien from the Traditional (11) German Christmas Market - don’t stop at the wine though – there is a range of food, drink and crafts which should all be discovered.
Day 2
Start your day with a visit to either the (12) Real Scottish Christmas Fair or the Ethical Christmas Fair which are both alternately located on Castle Street and Princes Street during December. Then blow those cobwebs away with a ride along Princes Street on the (13) Santa Express!
Hop off at (14) Princes Mall and visit the huge flagship store for Cult Clothing as well as The Whisky Shop where you can pick up a bottle of our famous national drink.
For a real lunch treat, head to the magnificent Royal Mile – the High Street which runs between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace (where you will also find Scottish Parliament) and sink into a table at (15) Angels With Bagpipes. Boasting the finest Scottish produce in Edinburgh and featuring an exceptional Christmas menu, you can enjoy a fine lunch in luxurious surroundings.
To entertain the family (and yourself) for a couple of hours in the afternoon, you have the opportunity to visit two of our most impressive newly refurbished attractions.The superb (16) National Museum of Scotland recently opened after a £46 million refurbishment and it now houses collections celebrating the nation’s culture, history and people. Entry’s free (although some special exhibitions carry a cover charge).
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To visit the home of Scottish Portraiture, a visit to the (17) Scottish National Portrait Gallery – opens 1st December – is essential. After an £18 million investment, it promises to show more painting, photography, sculpture and film than ever before and in much improved and modernised surroundings. The new exhibitions are much more interactive and definitely worth a visit.
Now that you have worked up an appetite, a visit to Edinburgh’s first gourmet steak (18) - Kyloe Restaurant is essential. Only opening in November 2011 and offering another stunning angle of Edinburgh Castle – you can enjoy some of the finest cuts in the city with some festive cocktails.
After this amazing weekend, you might be sad to leave, but on the way back to the airport, jump off the bus at The (19) Gyle Shopping Centre – boasting a wide range of high-street shops – this will be your final opportunity to purchase those last minute Christmas presents as well as another excuse to see Santa in his grotto. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Gyle elf!
View all the locations numbered above on our 'Sparkle this Christmas Itinerary Map'
