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WHERE: Edinburgh, Scotland.
WHEN: from 24 November 2023 to 03 January 2024
Events. Concerts. Exhibition. Shows. Attractions … and the inevitable markets. Who should think that Christmas in Edinburgh does not fully represent the magic and the suggestion of this period, will have a chance to change his mind.
The Scottish capital, with its wonderful old town, is the ideal destination for families, couples and friends.
A truly beautiful place that, little or nothing, has to envy the other famous Christmas destinations. You can discover the symbolic sites, such as Princess Street, George Street, the Royal Mile and, of course, Edinburgh Castle. Everywhere you can breathe the magic and Christmas atmosphere.
On the 24 November, with LIGHT NIGHT, will be the official inauguration of Christmas in Edinburgh 2023. Throughout the month there will be shows and extraordinary initiatives in the program. Events that will last throughout December, before the farewell to 2023. The New Year’s Eve is an event very popular among the Scotsmen and, above all, by the tourists who come, more and more numerous, around here. Hogmanay, as it is called around here, is an extraordinary event in the event not to be missed, celebrated throughout Scotland.
Prepare your suitcases and discover a fantastic city. We are sure that you will be pleasantly impressed by Christmas Edinburgh.
LIGHT NIGHT
Literally, the Night of Lights. Appointment on 24 November at 15:30 on George Street, with one of the most anticipated shows, hosted again this year by Forth Radio’s Arlene Stuart. Turning on the lights and fireworks display.
The show is free, but, like every year, incredibly crowded. It is preferable to arrive at lunch time.
THE PLACES OF CHRISTMAS IN EDINBURGH 2023
EAST PRINCES STREET GARDEN
Photo, 2010 Tony Austin
The traditional, romantic, street market in the heart of the city. East Princes Street Garden is one of the most loved and busy street markets in Edinburgh.
You can untangle yourself among the classic markets, inspired by the Christmas tradition. You can go shopping and buy handicrafts, souvenirs and decorations of all kinds.
Great protagonist is, of course, the gastronomy, with typical products and many sweets. To warm up, hot wine is what it takes.
The traditional market is open every day, from 24 November 2023 to 03 January 2023, from 10:00 to 22:00. On November 25, inauguration at 13:00. On December 24th and January 1st, closing at 20:00. Closed on December 25th.
There are also numerous attractions present. with prices, on average, of £6.50 per person. You can take a ride on the bumper cars, rotating cups…
And what would Christmas Edinburgh be without the mythical Ferris Wheel? Every day, from 10:00 in the morning, you can get on one of the 25 spacecraft of the brand new FORTH 1 BIG WHEEL. Resistant to bad weather and rain, the spacecraft can accommodate up to 6 people each, offering a spectacular view of the city. Not to be missed. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The price is £7.50 per person.
SANTA LAND
The city’s Christmas amusement park. In the beautiful green lung of East Princes Street Garden, have fun with the classic attractions.
Santa Land is a true paradise for adults and, above all, children, with games, rides and attractions. The Christmas Tree Labyrinth, Santa’s Grotto, and dulcis infundo await you… Santa Train, Santa’s little train; the latter will allow you to walk around the park, admiring the lights, colors, decorations and many attractions.
We are sure that your children will be thrilled to play in Santa Land, for an Edinburgh Christmas…. absolutely unforgettable.
There is no subscription to access the rides. You will have to pay a ticket for each single attraction. To access the Christmas tree labyrinth, where you can visit the house of the Elves, the ticket costs about £4.50. Helter Skelter, which allows you to climb a tower, having a fantastic view over the city, costs about £3.00 per person. On most rides, children under one meter in height must always be accompanied by an adult.
THE CASTLE STREET MARKET
Since 2007, Castle Street Market has been one of Christmas in Edinburgh events not to be missed. The location is truly scenic, dominated by Princess Street and the silhouette of Edinburgh Castle.
The lively stalls, beautifully colored and decorated, offer top quality products. Between art objects, crafts, jewelry, woodworking, household items, fashion items, soaps, candles, wellness gifts or delicious food… you will be spoiled for choice.
Open every day, from November 25th to December 23rd 2023, from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 18:00. Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
SANTA FUN & RUN
Imagine hundreds of thousands of Santa Clauses, ready to march along West Princess Street Gardens. Appointment on 03 December 2023 (to be confirmed), at 09:30 for the Santa Fun & Ride. A path of over 2.5km, where everyone is welcome. Even parents with strollers, adults and children with dogs on a leash …
By participating, you pay a fee which will be donated to charity. Children aged 12 and over and adults pay £15. Children from 5 to 11 years, of 5 pounds. Two adults and two children can access with the FAMILY TICKET, at a cost of £35
When finished, the best dressed dog and stroller will also be announced!
GEORGE STREET
This is the second major Christmas market in Edinburgh. You will have the opportunity to spend a few hours among the typical houses, looking for the best deals. You will find souvenirs, handicrafts and all sorts of gifts, as well as many gastronomic proposals. Prices are not extremely cheap.
ICE RINK
To experience your magical Christmas in Edinburgh, you can’t miss a trip to the Ice Rink. This year George Street hosts a fascinating track for the whole family. It is open from November 24th 2022 to January 3rd 2023. Hours vary according to the day.
The ticket to access costs from £9.50 to £13 (depending on the day) per person and includes the rental of skates. Children under the age of 11 must always be accompanied by an adult. The family ticket (4 people) costs £24.
Photo, 2014 MJ Richardson
SHOWS AND OTHER EVENTS
Christmas in Edinburgh program is really rich. You will be spoiled for choice. In Castle Street, at Santa’s Grotto, Santa Claus himself awaits you, ready to delight children with a series of fairy tales and stories. The show lasts just under 30 minutes, for a maximum of 20 minutes per session, with a final gift. Tickets from £8.50.
The fascinating “Castle of Light” is back, an extraordinary show of lights, colors and settings at Edinburgh Castle. Appointment for 6 weekends, from November 24th to December 30th, from 16:30 to 21:00. You can access it by purchasing the entrance ticket for the Castle (20£ for adults and 14£ reduced). Reservation recommended.
Another must-see illuminated path is installed at the Royal Botanic Garden. Here, too, spectacular plays of light await you, from 16 November to 30 December 2023.
For a truly spectacular view of Edinburgh, all lit up, we recommend heading to Arthur’s Seat. It is a spectacular promontory, located in Holyrood Park, from which you can admire the city all sparkling and illuminated. Really great. We only recommend that you pay attention to the wind that blows quite strongly in these parts.
*All contents are purely indicative. Before attending the event, please check the official website.
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