Celebrate Christmas in Edinburgh, Scotland

If you’re traveling to Scotland this winter be sure and make a trip to Edinburgh to see the lights, attractions and throngs of other visitors. Although Edinburgh has only been doing its “Capital Christmas” for a few years it’s a major attraction in the area. The streets come alive with thousands of people and plenty of festive spirit.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy the endless entertainment during the Christmas holidays. The festival has grown in its few years to quite a spectacle with thousands of Christmas lights and even an outdoor ice skating rink – Britain’s largest. A giant tree, given to Edinburgh residents from the people of Hordaland, Norway, lights up the area and edges the breathtaking scenery.

Shoppers pack down Princes Street and George Street where a selection of huge Christmas trees line the sidewalks. Here they can browse and shop for unique jewelry and designer fashions. When in need of a break, they stop to enjoy entertainment at the Princes Street Gardens, where a herd of Santa’s reindeer stand in all their glory. There’s a letter box for kids to deposit their wish lists and the letters are collected twice daily. Young children can take a sleigh ride around the gardens – it’s magical.

Who ever heard of going to a circus for Christmas? Should you take a notion to, the circus is in town during the holidays at Edinburgh. Acrobatic acts and clowns highlight the show, where kids can get in out of the cold and enjoy the entertainment.

At the opposite end of Princess Street Gardens, beside the Scott Monument, is the largest Ferris Wheel in the UK. Kids of all ages will enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the wheel. Nearby is the German Market where visitors can sample local cuisine or shop in the wooden chalet stalls which sell everything from crafts to candies.

At the top of Royal Mile on Castlehill, and strictly for adults, the Whisky tasting festival is a unique attraction. The Scotch Whisky Heritage Center is an informative tour of the process used to produce the potent beverage. On two December evenings there’s the Mercat Tour Dickensian evening which is a nighttime walk through the underground vaults and High Street before it’s back to the Heritage Center for hot toddy’s, mince pies and chestnuts.

Around High Street there is a Ghost Hunt which includes the telling of ghost stories and a visitation of parts of the Castle that are usually closed to the public. Elsewhere on Castlehill is The Witchery, a popular gourmet restaurant with a romantic setting in a Gothic theme.

See a classic play at the King’s Theatre or watch the ballet performance of “The Nut Cracker” at the Festival Theatre. The Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre offers another variety of popular shows where crowds can get in from the cold and enjoy the performances. Usher Hall features many festive events like concerts and caroling. Boasting itself as the biggest winter festival in the world, Edinburgh is a great holiday vacation location.