Exploring the city at Christmas

The snow is falling, the smell of mulled wine is in the air, and we're filled with excitement on the lead up to Christmas. If you're anything like us, you're craving a merry day out with loved ones that leaves you feeling cosy and festive.

Not to worry, we've got you covered! We've compiled a list of some of our favourite things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas.

Christmas Potion Making at The Cauldron

The Cauldron bar and restuarant on Frederick Street offers visitors the opportunity to brew their very own Christmas cocktail potions. Take part in an immersive cocktail class where you use molecular mixology to brew drinkable elixirs with a festive twist! The class includes a mug of mulled wine, a drink poured by magic wand, 2 Brew-your-own drinks and of course your magic wand & robe rental. Click here for more info and to book!

Credit: The Cauldron Edinburgh

Ice Skating at George Street

Get your skates on and glide all the way up and down Edinburgh’s famous George Street on the magnificent alpine ice rink! Wrap up warm and soar along the ice with your loved ones. Show off your tricks or shuffle along the hand rail, this festive activity is for all abilities. You can warm up afterwards with some pigs in blankets (they even have vegan options). Click here for more info and to book.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Celebrate this festive season with a day out filled with wonder and surprise at Britain’s most fun visitor experience. Festive frolics wait around every corner, with themed decorations and seasonal projections. Make sure to stop by the upside-down Christmas tree, how does it do that? Have you ever been inside a seasonal snow globe? Now is your chance with our frosty new Severed Head exhibit. All in-keeping with the holiday season! Click here for more info and to book.

Uplands Roast Hot Chocolate

We've all had a hot chocolate, but the new Festive Hot Chocolate by Uplands Roast is on a whole new level. Treat yourself to this gingerbread hot chocolate covered in biscoff crumb and topped with mini marshmallows, chocolate, cinnamon and finished with a toasted marshmallow and chocolate stick. They even have vegan version! If you're not a hot chocolate fan, we're judging you but you can get a rich vietnamese coffee instead. Go here for their website or find more photos of their amazing creations on their Instagram.

Credit: Uplands Roast

Castle of Light

Our neighbour Edinburgh Castle transforms into a “Kingdom of Colours” over the festive period! The all-new show creates truly unmissable moments as extraordinary projections dance from the castle walls and immersive illuminations guide you throughout the castle in a sea of twinkling lights and colourful displays. Enjoy spending time with friends and family as you take in the kaleidoscope of colours and discover the mesmerising stories of Scotland and the castle along the way. Click here for more info and to book!

Credit: Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Christmas Markets

The world-renowned Edinburgh Christmas Markets are back again! There's lots of traditional festive stalls selling tasty treats such as chimney cakes, crepes, mulled wine and hot chocolate. You can also tick off some Christmas shopping with the range of handcrafted decorations and gifts to puchase. Grab a hot drink and ride the big wheel to see breath-taking views of Edinburgh all lit up for the holiday season. Click here for more info.

Credit: VisitScotland

Christmas at the Botanics

Enjoy the Royal Botanic Garden after dark and be captivated by awe-inspiring light installations and seasonal sounds which fill the air with festive fun. Discover sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections, immerse yourself within bouncing lines of light in the Laser Garden, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Enjoy a meal from one of the independent street food vendors or treat yourself to delicious hot chocolate. Click here for more info and to book.