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Edinburgh Christmas Celebrations

a choir during a carol service outside St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh

a Christmas carol service

stalls and the Edinburgh Wheel at the German Christmas Market

the German Christmas Market, Edinburgh

Christmas decorations on the pillars outside The Dome, George Street

The Dome bar's Christmas decorations

the Winter Wonderland in Prince’s Street Gardens

Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland

Experience Edinburgh’s fabulous Christmas celebrations this winter. Glittering lights, fairground rides, an ice skating rink and the famous German Christmas Market combine to create a party atmosphere like no other.

Explore Edinburgh’s renowned German Christmas Market for unusual gift ideas such as handmade decorations and unique craft items. Warm up with a mug of Glühwein, red wine that is heated with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, citrus and sugar, and try some delicious German fare including biscuits, sweets and venison burgers.

During winter in Edinburgh, you can strap on your skates and glide around Europe’s largest open air ice rink in the city’s Winter Wonderland in Princes Street Gardens. Or you can enjoy unique views of stunning Edinburgh Castle, which is built on an extinct volcano, from the top of a ferris wheel that is over 100 ft tall.

Enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping in December and take advantage of the fantastic festive late night shopping hours as you browse high-street favourites on Edinburgh’s bustling Prince’s Street and unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds under the glow of the city’s fairy lights.

After your shopping spree, relax with a luxurious cocktail at The Dome on George Street, a restaurant and bar bedecked with beautiful decorations including a magnificent Christmas tree. With an abundance of fabulous bars and restaurants offering festive food and drink options you will be spoilt for choice in Edinburgh this festive season.

Head to the Royal Mile to pick up perfect Christmas gifts and exquisite decorations to add to your tree. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe and the Nutcracker Christmas Shop bring the festive spirit to the city all year round.

Absorb captivating music at one of the city’s carol services such as the Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers’ annual Christmas concert or the St Giles’ Cathedral Choir’s yearly concert in Parliament Square outside the cathedral.

With a multitude of fantastic festive events during the renowned Winter Festivals programme, Edinburgh is the perfect city to soak up some Christmas cheer this winter.