The Royal Mile’s attractions have decked the halls and come together this Christmas with coordinated opening throughout December weekends on the lead up to Christmas, to spread some festive cheer and give locals a well deserved magical day out.
The Royal Mile and Old Town’s leading attractions offer a festive day out as Edinburgh locals rediscover hidden gems and well loved attractions.
All the attractions are decked out with decorations, beautiful Christmas trees and a good deal of sparkle to bring a bit of festive joy. The traditionally busy Royal Mile offers a tranquil and magical experience this Christmas, taking you back to a bygone age and quieter times. From history and heritage to whisky and walking tours the ten attractions offer a wide range of interest to suit all.
A trail to take visitors on a gentle wander down Edinburgh’s most photogenic street has been created to suggest a route, with a competition on social channels for the most joyous and magical Christmas moment.
Magic Mile Moments - WIN!
From Tuesday 1st December - Wednesday 16 December we're offering you the chance to win the perfect festive day out in Edinburgh's magical Old Town. To be in with the chance of winning over £400 worth of prizes just snap a photo capturing your #MagicMileMoments. Include the hashtag and tag us and you’ll automatically be entered into our competition to win.
All of the Royal Mile's top attractions are offering prizes, which include tickets to Edinburgh Castle, a tour at Edinburgh Dungeon and a voucher for a Mimi’s Christmas Traybake Box.
We are looking for a photo that really captures the spirit of the magic and joy of this very special part of town and Christmas! Wander up the cobbles, explore the closes, snuggle up with loved ones under the glow of twinkling lights - there is no more beautiful place to explore this festive season.
Entries close on Wednesday 16 December at 12:00 midday.
Prizes
Edinburgh Castle - family ticket
The Scotch Whisky Experience - two adult tickets
The Camera Obscura - two adult tickets
The Real Mary King’s Close - family ticket
Mercat Tours - two adult tickets and souvenir guidebook
National Museums of Scotland - annual pass
City Art Centre - goodie bag which will include a voucher for a Mimi’s Christmas Traybake Box
Edinburgh Dungeon - two adult tickets
Our Dynamic Earth - family ticket
The Palace of Holyroodhouse - family ticket
Trail information
Edinburgh Castle
Begin your day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle – be sure to pop in to the Portcullis gift shop for a spot of retail therapy and to do some Christmas shopping; stop by the Great Hall to see the beautifully decorated Christmas tree; or book a deliciously festive Afternoon Tea* in the castle’s Jacobite room with breath-taking views over the city.
*available on selected dates in December – to book visit Christmas Afternoon Tea at Edinburgh Castle
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Open every day (apart from the 25th December) until late, with specially extended hours from 18-23 December 10am-9pm. Enjoy our building and exhibits specially decorated for Christmas, see the amazing views and Christmas lights of Edinburgh from our outdoor Rooftop Terrace and watch our festive themed laser light show on the outside of our building. We're offering all visitors 10% off tickets until 3 January 2021.
Mercat Tours
At the most enchanting time of year, your Edinburgh, your history and our storytelling is waiting for you! Stroll and soak in the atmosphere as you cross the cobbles, hearing tales tucked in the closes and wynds of the Old Town. Reconnect with your past with friends and family on your own private history walk or ghost tour, by day or evening, exploring deep underground or on the Mile. You'll find the warmest welcome at the Mercat Cross for your 5-star experience.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Stop at The Real Mary King’s Close and hear about how the people of the Old Town lived, worked and died on its closes. Step down onto Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th-century street and explore its hidden history on a 1h tour for the whole family. As you emerge from the underground guided tour, let the Christmas spirit enthral you. Festively decorated and lit up, our historic Burgh Courtroom will await with an authentic Victorian-style carousel for the kids, scrumptious hot chocolates and Brodies coffees, and a selection of locally-sourced gifts for last minute present shopping. Open from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays in December as well as on 28th, 29th and 30th December.