Things to do in Edinburgh this winter that isn't just the Christmas markets - including hot chocolate hunting and cosy pubs
Edinburgh’s Christmas attracts millions of visitors every year - but here’s how you can still enjoy the city while avoiding the festive crowds.
Christmas in Edinburgh can be an exciting time. Stalls and attractions take over Princes Street Gardens and George Street, lighting up the skyline as visitors come streaming into the city.
The Christmas markets in the city do offer up some unique festive experiences for visitors, but the sheer volume of people making their their way through the stalls (and some of the eye-watering prices) can be overwhelming for some.
So whether you’re looking for an alternative to the Christmas markets or looking for somewhere to head after exploring the attractions, here are some ideas to enjoy Edinburgh this winter.
Hot chocolate hunting
Edinburgh boasts some stunning cafes filled with Instagram-worthy drinks. If you're drink of choice is hot chocolate (who’s isn’t at this time of year?), there are plenty of options with bells and whistles added.
Moo Pie Gelato, located on St Mary’s Street near the bottom of the Royal Mile, has become a staple to visit in the city. Their hot chocolate creations have been a big hit on social media, and if you’re not cold enough from the weather, give their delicious and unique gelato flavours a try!
You can also give Mimi’s Bakehouse a try, with multiple shops located across the city including in Leith, Comely Bank, and in the City Art Centre behind Waverley station. Mimi’s Bakehouse in Leith also has some Christmas kudos, having been a filming location for the Netflix festive flick The Princess Switch: Switched Again starring Vanessa Hudgens.
Other cafes worth a visit to try their hot chocolate during your time in the city include The Marshmallow Lady in Canonmills and Upland Roast near The Meadows.
Explore the city
Edinburgh’s famous gothic and neoclassical architecture undoubtedly adds to wintery feel, so why not take your hot chocolate on a walkabout around the city and take in the atmosphere?
Old Town is the place to hit, with historic University of Edinburgh buildings and other notable landmarks such as St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirk located there. Explore the closes adjacent to the Royal Mile and transport back in time.
You can visit the picturesque Victoria Street (and even do some Christmas shopping in the independent stores). Heading in the other direction, Dean Village is a hotspot for visitors looking to get some Instagram-worthy snaps of their trip to Edinburgh with fairytale-esque architecture and views of the Water of Leith.
Find a cosy pub to settle down in
Pubs are dime a dozen in Edinburgh, so there’s no trouble in finding a corner to cosy up in. Grassmarket is lined with historic pubs to find a perch, including The White Hart Inn, The Last Drop, and The Beehive Inn. Elsewhere in Old Town, you visit Cloisters Bar, The Jolly Judge, and The Waverley Bar among many, many others.
If you’re wanting to head out of the city centre, travel down to wards Leith and The Shore for a pint or two in boozers such as The Brass Monkey, Teuchters Landing, and The Finch. Out in Portobello there is Foresters Guild, where you can cosy up beside the seaside. Or alternatively, you could towards Stockbridge for pubs such as Stockbridge Tap, The Antiquary Bar, or Kay’s Bar.
Christmas At The Botanics
If you’re looking for a festive activity to do outside of the Christmas market, head to the Royal Botanic Garden for ‘Christmas at the Botanics’. The attraction features a sparkling Christmas light trail through the gardens with installations from international artists, as well as hot chocolate and marshmallow stalls.
Ticket prices vary from £19 off-peak for adults to £25 at peak times if booked in advance. This rises to £21 and £27 respectively if you buy tickets on the day, so it’s worth booking in advance. Children’s off-peak tickets are priced at £14 if booked in advance and £18 at peak times. This rises to £16 and £20.50 for one the day tickets. Family tickets, for two adults and two children, are also available. The full pricing list and peak-time timetable can be found here.