10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in December

Posted by Maris on 14th Nov 2023

10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in December

If you visit the magnificent city of Edinburgh in December, prepare to be overwhelmed by the festive spirit. What's going on this month? Here are all the specifics!

At Edinburgh Castle, enjoy the icy scenery.

Although Edinburgh is rarely buried with snow in December, the first snowfall of the season normally falls during this month. If you are in town for this major event, I recommend that you visit Edinburgh Castle, which looks even more magnificent beneath a blanket of fine white snow.

The hilltop setting of the castle gives off a lovely medieval fairytale radiance, especially when combined with the enchanting Christmas markets and winding alleyways of the Royal Mile.

Keep in mind that, while Edinburgh Castle is the most well-known and possibly the most beautiful, it is only one of many castles in the city. So, if you enjoy photography, architecture, and winter landscapes, take advantage of this opportunity to capture some stunning images of the city's most recognizable monuments!

December is the greatest month for a Scotch Whisky Tour.

Fine whisky enthusiasts will feel quite at home in Edinburgh. If you're one of them, don't miss out on the popular whisky tours, which take a group of tourists to some of Edinburgh's finest distilleries before concluding with a whisky tasting in a sumptuous oak hall.

The winter months are ideal for this excursion, as they allow you to warm yourself while learning about the history of Scotch whisky and the complex process of manufacturing it. If you don't speak English, the experience is available in a variety of languages, including Spanish.

Visit Loch Ness to view the breathtaking winter beauty.

Beautiful frozen landscapes, towering snow-capped summits, and mountains with a lovely wintry aura… If you spend enough time in Edinburgh, you might wish to venture out of the city and explore the stunning beauty of the Highlands, the Scottish Highlands, which look even more breathtaking at this time of year.

This 12-hour tour also includes visits to Loch Ness and Stirling Castle, as well as free time to warm up in a traditional Scottish pub. A one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience that will live long in your memories.

Take a tour of the city to see the Christmas lights and decorations.

Fans of Christmas lights and decorations will enjoy visiting Edinburgh in December since the city and business owners (of all sizes) work hard to create a memorable holiday ambiance for tourists and locals alike. Spend some time roaming the streets and viewing the Christmas lights while sipping a great hot drink, in my opinion.

Visit the historic Christmas markets in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh's Christmas market season runs from November until early January. It's probably the best time to go shopping for family Christmas gifts, buy decorations for your home, find a one-of-a-kind handmade artwork, or simply relax with a warm drink and a delicious meal in the festive environment.

If you visit Edinburgh in December, you will notice that there are various Christmas markets, and while some are more larger and more popular than others, they all have their own distinct charm.

Have a good time at Santa's Charity Run.

Every year in early December, Edinburgh holds the Santa Fun Run & Walk, a charity event aimed at raising funds. It is one of the most entertaining things to do if you are visiting Edinburgh with children during the holiday season.

What's the reason? This event is entertaining and exciting for children for two reasons: first, it is a race accessible to the public, and even youngsters can join; second, a mandatory prerequisite to participate in the race is to dress up as Father Christmas.

Ride the Princes Street Mechanical Ferris Wheel.

This is a gigantic red and white Ferris wheel that is placed in the city just twice a year: in the summer during the festival season in August (make a note of this if you're traveling in August) and in the winter.

The attraction is open from late November until early January, but check the official website for updated information.

The Big Wheel, as it is known locally, rises above the surrounding buildings to provide stunning views of Edinburgh's medieval city core, as well as vistas across the Firth of Forth to the Kingdom of Fife when the weather permits. Don't pass it up!

Learn about the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens Light Trail.

The Royal Botanic Gardens' path of lights is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh in December.

This light park is installed at the end of November and is open to the public until the beginning of January.

Flowers, dancing reflections, lit trees, colored lights, and music effects are carefully set in a wonderful winter trail across the many regions of the garden.

The George Street Ice Rink should