Edinburgh’s Christmas is back, with the Christmas Market and family-friendly Santa Land returning for the first time in three years, plus the new under cover Alpine ice rink, Lidl on Ice. Spread across West and East Princes Street Gardens, and George St in the west end of Edinburgh’s New Town, there’s plenty to see and enjoy to get you into the festive spirit.

We’re picked out some sparkling highlights to make the most of your visit to Edinburgh’s Christmas this year.

Helter Skelter Bar – East Princes Street Gardens

No visit to the Christmas Market is complete without a festive Mulled Wine and host of other delicious Hot Serves, or Hot Chocolate, and the Helter Skelter bar is one of the best spots to picks yours up. Nestled at the foot of the Scott Monument with a view along to the Forth 1 Big Wheel, there’s no better place to take a pause from shopping and soak in the market atmosphere. Prices start at £6 for alcoholic warmers, and just £3 for Hot Chocolate.

EH Resident Discount – Various locations

Local residents can enjoy a 20% discount on all attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas with an EH postcode. The deal can be used buying tickets on the day and when booking ahead online.

There’s plenty of rides to enjoy at all three Edinburgh’s Christmas locations, including: the Forth 1 Big Wheel, which offers a family ticket for up to two adults and two children for £30 (£24 with EH discount); a visit to Santa in West Princes Street Gardens with Santa Stories just £10 per child and accompanying adult (£8 with EH discount); and the new under cover Alpine ice rink, Lidl on Ice at George Street from £10 (£8 with EH discount).

Winter Windows – West Princes Street Gardens

The 2022 Winter Windows trail is displayed along the top path of West Princes Street Gardens, decorating the route from the Nativity Mural to the family-friendly Santa Land by the Ross Fountain. Designed by thirteen talented pupils from local schools, the twelve designs depict all the things we associate with winter and the Christmas season.

Sensory Backpacks – Various locations

The hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping can be overwhelming to many, but Edinburgh’s Christmas offers sensory backpacks to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience this festive season. The sensory backpacks can be collected from any Edinburgh’s Christmas Information Point without pre-booking; and contain ear defenders, fidget spinners, chewable toys, and a squeezy Edinburgh Tram to provide a magical, stress-free experience.

Castle Street Market – between Lidl on Ice and Santa Land

The Castle Street Market offers a wonderful selection of Scottish gifts from local businesses, and is perfectly placed for browsing between our Lidl on Ice experience on George Street and Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens. Pick up a stocking filler or treat yourself to some Scottish tablet as part of your day at Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is open 10:00 – 22:00 (21:00 for West Princes Street Gardens) until Tuesday 3 January. Attractions can be found at East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, the family-friendly Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens, and Alpine ice Rink Lidl on Ice and rides at George Street west.

An entry system may be in operation at peak times. Larger groups and those looking to take their time exploring the markets and enjoying the rides may wish to visit midweek to avoid large crowds.

With so much on offer, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy at Edinburgh’s Christmas.