These were just a few of the exciting Edinburgh festivities that took place over winter of 2011/2012. Check back in September for the top tips for Edinburgh Sparkles 2012/2013.
Love it or hate it, there’s no getting away from shopping over the Christmas months. Picking the perfect present for mum, or finding your little darlings’ must-have toy is easy to do in Edinburgh. Different shopping districts offer abundant variety, from independent to exciting international stores, all easily reached by foot, car or public transport.
Take part in our Treasure Hunt to win top prizes from Edinburgh retailers and check out our map (coming soon) for a handy guide of what’s to be found where. And visit our shop of the week page for more top picks!
And now you can shop even longer with extended opening hours in the city-centre.
Shop until 7pm to 4th December*, 8pm to 18th December* and 9pm in the week up to Christmas*
*individual shops may vary.
This winter you can vote for your favourite shop on George Street as they compete in a festive window dressing competition! All along George Street, retailers from Anthropologie to the White Company are pulling out the stops to make their window display's sparkle! Vote here for your favourite!
At the Gyle you can enjoy longer shopping hours on week days with shops open until 9pm from 5th December and 10pm from 12th December.
City Centre (George St, Thistle St, Rose St, Princes St)
Wind the streets of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre to discover the ultimate shopping experience. Set in the most beautiful location, and just steps away from the magical events of Edinburgh’s Christmas, hundreds of top quality-stores mean that you can shop til you drop whilst also soaking up one of the world’s best festive atmospheres.
High-street devotees can enjoy the likes of H&M, Topshop and Urban Outfitters on picturesque Princes Street or Jack Wills, Jo Malone, Whistles or Scotland’s only Anthropologie on sophisticated George Street. And tucked away either side of here in Thistle and Rose Street are some of the country’s best boutiques – check out Jane Davidson, honoured by fashion bible Vogue as one of Britain’s top 100 independent stores.
Just steps from here you'll also find Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols store, as well as Multrees Walk - a shopping haven for those lovers of designer luxury and forward-thinking fashion. Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Mulberry and Armani sit alongside the likes of Reiss (a Royal favourite, don’t you know), Kurt Geiger and Links of London.
And talking of jewellers, what better way to put the sparkle into Christmas? Lime Blue, Hamilton & Inches, Laing the Jeweller, Azendi, Rockcandy Gallery – prepare to be seriously dazzled by Edinburgh’s beautiful bling.
Christmas is a time of tradition, when the whole family gets together for Christmas Carols and roast turkey, there's nothing better than looking at the snowy picture outside the window and a home full of classic festive cheer. From traditional trimmings to trend inspired decorations, striking Christmas trees and the latest in seasonal fashion, Edinburgh's John Lewis has everything you need to ensure a very happy Christmas. For those who love something playful with a vivid hit of colour the Jazz range presents an abundance of vibrant brights and lights. Those who prefer that winter white look should seek out Pearl White, with sparkling frost detailing. For a more traditional Christmas, Established has everything you need, from realistic robins to red berry wreaths. Then there’s the Christmas Revisited theme, bringing in a modern twist to the classic Christmas, with paper lanterns and fun finishing touches.
Just steps away from Edinburgh's Waverley Station, Princes Mall couldn’t be more central. With everything under one roof you'll find three shopping levels bursting with stores for fashion-lovers including Warehouse, Lipsy, New Look, Oasis and CULT Clothing amongst others, ideal for finding your Christmas night out outfit! But it’s not just clothes – indulge in a wee dram at the Whisky Shop, pamper yourself at the Regis salon or grab a bite to eat in its family-friendly food court area.
Just ten minutes from the city-centre, Edinburgh's The Gyle shopping mall can be found. Offering a mammoth shopping experience, including M&S, Next, Thorntons, HMV and JD Sports, loads of family events take place here too, plus you can shop until 10pm from 12th December! See below for their christmas events and check out their website for the most up-to-date info.
Christmas fun begins on Wednesday the 16th November at 4pm with workshops, facepainting, stilt walkers and lots more. See Santa arriving with his Real Reindeers at 6pm to open the Gyle Grotto, Boogie and Dingo will be there with their Forth One Road Show from 5.30pm - 6.30pm plus three VIP kids will turn on the Christmas light they designed for The Gyle.
Take a stroll round the extraordinary Royal Mile and Grassmarket and not only will you discover more about Edinburgh's history, you'll also find amazing vintage clothing and one of a kind boutiques. The Old Town is linked to the city centre by the quirky Cockburn Street, home to all manner of fantastic counter-culture stores, including The Frayed Hem, the latest addition to the city's quality vintage shopping scene and Cookie, full of cotton dresses and unique prints.
Stockbridge
This little area, just 10 minutes’ walk north of the city centre, is a treasure trove of antiques stores and well-stocked charity shops including the Mary Portas store Mary's Living and Giving Shop for Save The Children. Perfect for finding unique pieces with a bit of a back-story.
The West End Village is one of Edinburgh's best kept shopping secrets; a glorious network of Georgian streets in the western New Town. Tucked away just behind Shandwick Place, the West End Village is home to some brilliant contemporary independent retailers, giving a bohemian feel to this part of Edinburgh. Check out The Cupboard with its understated designers such as Ischiko, Annette Gortz and Decollag and Paper Tiger which offers a beautiful collection of designer cards, stationery and small gifts.
