For us, December is the time to get festive so this year we have gone to Scotland to see how the cities north rock the holiday season…Edinburgh you are Christmas !!

Christmas Everywhere

When we say Christmas is everywhere, we mean it as per the map in the above photo, all within walking distance of each other. The main strip as it were is right next to the station, a massive Christmas extravaganza from fairground rides to places to quench all appetites, along with the handmade decorations to the woollen hats and scarfs, there literally is something for everyone!

Christmas Market

The main rides and market are based in Princes Gardens with Edinburgh Castle supplying the backdrop. The bright gleam of thousands and thousands of fairy light and bulbs adorn the gardens and give you the festive feeling. Then another of your senses is alight with the old fashioned Christmas aroma of cloves, orange and cinnamon as you pass the stalls. Then you get the smoked smell of brockwurst ( the German Xmas market sensation) playing with your taste buds. At the same time the sound of Christmas songs playing to get you in the seasonal swing. With several bars scattered around …Christmas is here!! With the Johnny Walker ‘bothy’ bar which is like drinking in a Christmas lodge from alcohol to hot chocolate. Then on a lower level is Santa land. There really is something for everyone.

Edinburgh Zoo

The zoo hosted ‘the giant lanterns of China, themed this year as myths and legends , which were really good. We went to the zoo in the day and at night, if you are going for the lanterns you definitely need to see them at night.
The lanterns were designed into the the myths and legends themes, and a lot looked like Pokemon’s! So if you have a fan in your group, they would find in particularly fun.
Even in the pouring rain we enjoyed this trip, it was something different to check out and was a great opportunity for some amazing pictures.
We thought the cost was quite reasonable and we managed to find a discount code of 20% on groupon which made it even better!
Getting there – from Edinburgh centre to the zoo , we got an über which cost around £5. You can also catch a bus from Princes street which drops you right outside the zoo or get the train to Haymarket station which is a 15/20 minute walk away.

Silent Light Disco

The ultimate street party- singing and dancing under a spectacular array of 60,000 lights synchronised to music heard only through the headphones.
The tickets costs £4.50 with 50p going to charities
There are 5 shows a day which run for 20 minutes, you need to get there 30 minutes before the start.
Good fun for all ages
Something else that is really different from the normal Christmas things to do
Central Edinburgh, George street

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens do Christmas by light show, they have a cathedral of light, different areas of lights and music, it is branded where fairytale meets magical, and it definitely has the feel, you have the opportunity to buy hot chocolate and toast marshmallows on your way, to make it even better
If you buy your tickets online before the day, you are able to get a discounted price.
Again we travelled via Uber around £7 from Edinburgh zoo and around £5 from Princes street.

Ice skating rink

So this is based in Andrews square, so within walking distance from Princes Gardens.
Skate around the Rekorderlig cider lodge and stop to indulge.
Tickets costs from £5 with the stipulation to get their 30 minutes early, skates are included in the price
Good fun for the skaters among us, if you can stay on your feet!

Other Things to Know

Currency – Pound
Travel- we travelled by train, if you look a month in advance for tickets you can get some absolute bargains I think we paid one way for adults £80 including two together card
Hotels – like normal they are all levels for easy hotel and up. Book early because it does get very busy around this time of year.
Cost – the Christmas markets are free to enter
Weather – cold -hats, gloves and scarfs needed due to the cold weather!
Tickets – check out the websites for the attraction before you travel to make sure there is availability

Don’t forget to hashtag your photos

#traveltaggers

If you would like any further help please email or leave a comment on the post and we will help as much as we can!