Whether you’re looking for a fully-fledged, festive mini break, a girls shopping trip or a family Christmas day out, Edinburgh offers something for everyone, great shopping and hotels for all budgets, lots of activities to keep the kids happy, delicious dining and of course, the theatre. The city is just a quick and easy train ride away…
With its stunning Gothic architecture twinkling under the lights of the Big Wheel, frosted views over Princes Street Gardens and festive glow of bustling restaurants, shops and markets, it’s easy to see why Edinburgh is a favourite winter destination for tourists the world over.
From this weekend, the Capital is expanding its reimagined winter programme, with an incredible array of winter activities spreading into stunning new central locations.
Well-loved traditions return once more, with the iconic ice rink in Princes Street Gardens gliding back to the city, overlooked by the Scott Monument and delicious foods of the world available to taste at a host of winter markets.
Brand new for 2013 is the Christmas Tree Maze, where Santa’s Elves await if you make it to the middle, but also the Star Flyer, which rewards those brave enough with breathtaking views of the city from 60m in the air from St Andrew Square.
For the first time, a sensational line up of performances will take over the spectacular Paradiso Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square, bringing international circus and cabaret extravaganza LIMBO to the stage to deliver awe-inspiring illusions, out-of-this-world dancing and thrilling live music from November 22. The venue will also offer delightful family entertainment from Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs and Little Red Riding Hood.
FIND THE PERFECT GIFT
Between stops for hot chocolate, take the stress out of sourcing gifts as you browse a terrific selection of independent, designer and high street shopping. The grandeur of George Street offers the likes of Jo Malone, Anthropologie and Cath Kidston, while St Andrew Square and the area surrounding is a haven for designer fans with Harvey Nichols and Multrees Walk mixing high end designers such as Mulberry and Louis Vuitton with younger brands like G-Star.
For the more discerning shopper is Edinburgh’s treasure trove of independent shops in Thistle Street, Stockbridge, Grassmarket and the West End. In the West End, Paper Tiger stocks a vibrant selection of unique cards and gift wrap, as well as beautifully designed stationery, perfect for stocking fillers.
Sarah Dallas Interiors in Stockbridge is packed with stylish gifts for the home, while Chic & Unique offers a delicious selection of vintage costume jewellery.
Should you need to escape rain, there are a number of indoor options. Department store Jenners is an Edinburgh institution and both St James Centre and the Princes Street Mall offer a wide range of high street shops under one roof, from New Look and The Body Shop, to John Lewis and Next.
BROWSE THE MARKETS
Not content with just one winter market, Edinburgh has several, so you are guaranteed to find a gift for even the fussiest of relatives. Little ones can enjoy festive crafts and gingerbread making while browsing the toys at the all new Children’s Market (22 November 22 to January 5) on St Andrew Square, but not before parents get a chance to indulge in some local cuisine at the Scottish Food Market.
Now an established favourite is the Ethical Market on Castle Street ( December 7 to 15) with a tempting range of jewellery, craft, homeware and food from fair trade, ethical and environmental traders.
The romantic European Christmas Market is back and it’s bigger than ever. For the first time in twenty years its offering of handmade gifts and delicious eats will expand to East Princess Street Gardens Terrace, around the Scott Monument and St Andrew Square, from its base below The Mound.
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
As home to restaurants like Martin Wishart and 21212, Michelin fine dining is a highlight of Edinburgh should you wish to indulge, but the city offers delicious options for all budgets. The Scran and Scallie is a newcomer worth a look, with Chef Tom Kitchin’s gastro pub menu enticing hungry guests with a mix of modern favourites and rediscovered classics. Sheep’s Heid Scotch Broth anyone? A glass of bubbly under the Christmas tree at The Dome is also a rather lovely way to celebrate the season between shops. A hearty winter warmer can be found at Thomson’s Bar, where you will most certainly get change from a £10 note after devouring a delicious steak pie and mash at lunchtime. All the more money for the market stalls!
REST UP
Come the end of a festive filled day you will be spoilt for choice for places to rest your head. For luxury the sumptuously decorated Missoni Hotel is strong contender, while Nira Caledonia offers bohemian opulence in its 28-room boutique townhouse in Stockbridge.
If the Christmas shopping budget doesn’t allow for an additional splurge on accommodation you needn’t sacrifice on style, a number of affordable, modern abodes have opened their doors over the last year, including Tune Hotels in Haymarket from as little as £25 a night and Motel One, a stone’s throw from the ice rink on Market Street, with prices starting at £69.
Plan your trip at winterinedinburgh.com