A beautiful city during the most festive time of the year.
What's not to love about Edinburgh, Scotland at Christmas?
Our visit to Scotland was well planned in advanced. Back in June, we were on a train coming from the airport in Nuremberg; returning home in Bavaria from London.
That specific train ride determined where our Christmas leave would be taking place.
We had ran into a lady we know on our train car and she asked where we were returning from (our luggage in tow was a give-away).
After explaining our quick get-a-way to England, the woman recommended Edinburgh, Scotland as "a must" if we liked London.
I figured we would eventually get to it before moving back to the states, but during the following week I did a load of research and decided it would have to be around Christmas.
Why?
During any season in the UK, most shops, museums, tourist attractions, etc, close around 5-6pm.
Yes, every day.
Every time of year.
I remember being in London in June; bored out of my mind after 6 or 7 pm, every evening. It was hard to keep the kids and myself entertained once museums, stores, and attractions closed, but we weren't wanting to sit in our hotel twiddling our thumbs whilst the sun was still up.
We had walked all over that city killing time during 'after hours'. I'm certain I could return and find my way around blindfolded. Not a joke.
Once I started looking into Edinburgh, noting attraction closing times year round which are much like London's hours of operation, I knew it'd be worth our while to visit while the city would be hosting it's annual Christmas spectacular.
When the shops, castles, palaces, and museums close for the day, the Christmas festivities take over the night thus giving our family of six more bang for our buck...errr...pound?!
*It is also worth mentioning that the sun goes down around 3:30pm in Edinburgh and The Lothians during mid December.
STREET OF LIGHT
In my opinion, the highlight of Christmas festivities in Edinburgh was most definitely the Street of Light. If you ever plan to attend in the future, you will certainly want to read on. I will let you in on something not fully explained on official websites...
Our first evening in the city, we were lucky enough to catch it at a time when crowds were minimal. The "Street" is not constantly illuminated, though.
There are two shows put on per evening between November 30th (St. Andrew's Day) to Christmas Eve. Times will vary. Typically the two shows fall between 1800-2100.
The official website is worded funny, as well as every other website, online article, etc...and this is where I save you heartache if you plan to go, but realize the tickets are gone.
In early October, I noted that I would have to book free tickets to the event. Meaning, the tickets are free, but you are required to have a ticket to get in. Well, come early November, I went to the site and every performance was "sold out" for my visiting dates. I was devastated!
The evening of our arrival, we walked the Royal Mile and as we approached St Giles Cathedral, The Street of Light next to the cathedral was illuminated in full glory, yet no music was playing, no lights were flashing {as seen above}.
I took a gazillion pictures thinking I had stumbled upon a phenomenon, but later figured out it illuminates periodically throughout every evening; sans crowds, music, and such.
We left the area, and when we came back through about an hour later, we noticed a large gathering of people. A loud speaker voice boomed through the street, stating the show would start in 5 mins. My husband, kids, and I lingered there, under the mid-section of the street, wondering when we'd be ushered to leave because we didn't possess tickets.
Nothing happened.
Instead, we stood there and listened to Edinburgh's Gay Mens Chorus sing a few fantastic songs: I remember Dolly Parton's Jolene, The Beatles's I Wanna Hold Your Hand, and there was a haunting traditional song that sounded like monks in a monastery at the beginning.
I was confused, thinking maybe we escaped the ticket enforcers at the 'entrance'.
There wasn't any order, or checking of tickets.
No one was forced to leave.
On our way out of the area, I finally figured it out: If you want to stand above the street level on special risers to get a full view of the light show with music, THAT'S what the tickets are for!
The website makes it seem as if you cannot be within the lit part of the street without a ticket.
Now you know.
We actually crossed paths with another show on a different night, and same thing. No ticket required to walk on the street under the lights, but the second show was much more crowded which made it hard to walk, or breathe.
I did get a video of the show during the first evening. By watching it, you can see our free vantage point; no tickets required.
PRINCES STREET
The Edinburgh Christmas festivities on Princes Street are definitely worth visiting if you are near by or in town, but I wouldn't specifically board a plane out of my way just for it.
I love Edinburgh, I really do, but if you want genuine and cozy Christmas market feels, you will have to pay a visit to Germany or Austria.
Edinburgh's Christmas spectacular reminds me more of what we call a Volksfest here in Germany, or like a small town fair back in the United States.
It's fun and all, but not the same as an Weihnachtsmarkt {Christmas Market} that would be found in Germany. I only say this because some people try to compare Edinburgh's Christmas on Princes Street to a German Christmas Market.
Nope.
I would personally classify each as their own thing. Edinburgh's is like a Christmas carnival.
We wandered through the area every evening of our stay.
I will tell you what you probably already know: Saturday evening(s) = Ridiculous.
Sunday was slightly better, but it wasn't until Tuesday evening that the crowds were minimal enough to browse leisurely without bumping into people. Tuesday is also when I FINALLY found a real glass Christmas mug at a mulled wine stand. Most of the vendors sell expensive mulled wine in throw-away cups. I paid the same price as the dixie cup vendors and was able to keep the mug as a souvenir.
I had a mild obsession with collecting market mugs for every one we visit since we arrived here in Europe.
If you plan to visit the Princes Street Christmas, bring a whole wallet full of poundage. After conversions, it's about $5+ per ride for just about every ride.
I'm alright with a carnival splurge now and then, but some times I have riders remorse, especially after paying $20 for each of my kids to ride a particular ride in Edinburgh...
Turned out that the coaster I paid for was man operated, and would only go as fast as the guy could push the dang thing every time it would loop around the front. It was actually pretty laughable. Had I known, I wouldn't have spent the money.
In the states, that size of a coaster is definitely NOT push operated. I had to wonder if it broke down or if it was made that way.
You do have to pre-pay for specific rides at the ticket booth. You don't buy old school tickets that can be used for whatever ride. At the sales booth, you must determine which ride you are paying for and the ticket will state that ride. If you change your mind after purchase, you might find someone walking around doing trade-sies.
Words of advice: Scope the rides out first before spending money on them.
What's not to love about Edinburgh, Scotland at Christmas?
Our visit to Scotland was well planned in advanced. Back in June, we were on a train coming from the airport in Nuremberg; returning home in Bavaria from London.
That specific train ride determined where our Christmas leave would be taking place.
We had ran into a lady we know on our train car and she asked where we were returning from (our luggage in tow was a give-away).
After explaining our quick get-a-way to England, the woman recommended Edinburgh, Scotland as "a must" if we liked London.
I figured we would eventually get to it before moving back to the states, but during the following week I did a load of research and decided it would have to be around Christmas.
Why?
During any season in the UK, most shops, museums, tourist attractions, etc, close around 5-6pm.
Yes, every day.
Every time of year.
I remember being in London in June; bored out of my mind after 6 or 7 pm, every evening. It was hard to keep the kids and myself entertained once museums, stores, and attractions closed, but we weren't wanting to sit in our hotel twiddling our thumbs whilst the sun was still up.
We had walked all over that city killing time during 'after hours'. I'm certain I could return and find my way around blindfolded. Not a joke.
Once I started looking into Edinburgh, noting attraction closing times year round which are much like London's hours of operation, I knew it'd be worth our while to visit while the city would be hosting it's annual Christmas spectacular.
When the shops, castles, palaces, and museums close for the day, the Christmas festivities take over the night thus giving our family of six more bang for our buck...errr...pound?!
*It is also worth mentioning that the sun goes down around 3:30pm in Edinburgh and The Lothians during mid December.
STREET OF LIGHT
In my opinion, the highlight of Christmas festivities in Edinburgh was most definitely the Street of Light. If you ever plan to attend in the future, you will certainly want to read on. I will let you in on something not fully explained on official websites...
Our first evening in the city, we were lucky enough to catch it at a time when crowds were minimal. The "Street" is not constantly illuminated, though.
There are two shows put on per evening between November 30th (St. Andrew's Day) to Christmas Eve. Times will vary. Typically the two shows fall between 1800-2100.
The official website is worded funny, as well as every other website, online article, etc...and this is where I save you heartache if you plan to go, but realize the tickets are gone.
In early October, I noted that I would have to book free tickets to the event. Meaning, the tickets are free, but you are required to have a ticket to get in. Well, come early November, I went to the site and every performance was "sold out" for my visiting dates. I was devastated!
The evening of our arrival, we walked the Royal Mile and as we approached St Giles Cathedral, The Street of Light next to the cathedral was illuminated in full glory, yet no music was playing, no lights were flashing {as seen above}.
I took a gazillion pictures thinking I had stumbled upon a phenomenon, but later figured out it illuminates periodically throughout every evening; sans crowds, music, and such.
We left the area, and when we came back through about an hour later, we noticed a large gathering of people. A loud speaker voice boomed through the street, stating the show would start in 5 mins. My husband, kids, and I lingered there, under the mid-section of the street, wondering when we'd be ushered to leave because we didn't possess tickets.
Nothing happened.
Instead, we stood there and listened to Edinburgh's Gay Mens Chorus sing a few fantastic songs: I remember Dolly Parton's Jolene, The Beatles's I Wanna Hold Your Hand, and there was a haunting traditional song that sounded like monks in a monastery at the beginning.
I was confused, thinking maybe we escaped the ticket enforcers at the 'entrance'.
There wasn't any order, or checking of tickets.
No one was forced to leave.
On our way out of the area, I finally figured it out: If you want to stand above the street level on special risers to get a full view of the light show with music, THAT'S what the tickets are for!
The website makes it seem as if you cannot be within the lit part of the street without a ticket.
Now you know.
We actually crossed paths with another show on a different night, and same thing. No ticket required to walk on the street under the lights, but the second show was much more crowded which made it hard to walk, or breathe.
I did get a video of the show during the first evening. By watching it, you can see our free vantage point; no tickets required.
PRINCES STREET
The Edinburgh Christmas festivities on Princes Street are definitely worth visiting if you are near by or in town, but I wouldn't specifically board a plane out of my way just for it.
I love Edinburgh, I really do, but if you want genuine and cozy Christmas market feels, you will have to pay a visit to Germany or Austria.
Edinburgh's Christmas spectacular reminds me more of what we call a Volksfest here in Germany, or like a small town fair back in the United States.
It's fun and all, but not the same as an Weihnachtsmarkt {Christmas Market} that would be found in Germany. I only say this because some people try to compare Edinburgh's Christmas on Princes Street to a German Christmas Market.
Nope.
I would personally classify each as their own thing. Edinburgh's is like a Christmas carnival.
We wandered through the area every evening of our stay.
I will tell you what you probably already know: Saturday evening(s) = Ridiculous.
Sunday was slightly better, but it wasn't until Tuesday evening that the crowds were minimal enough to browse leisurely without bumping into people. Tuesday is also when I FINALLY found a real glass Christmas mug at a mulled wine stand. Most of the vendors sell expensive mulled wine in throw-away cups. I paid the same price as the dixie cup vendors and was able to keep the mug as a souvenir.
I had a mild obsession with collecting market mugs for every one we visit since we arrived here in Europe.
If you plan to visit the Princes Street Christmas, bring a whole wallet full of poundage. After conversions, it's about $5+ per ride for just about every ride.
I'm alright with a carnival splurge now and then, but some times I have riders remorse, especially after paying $20 for each of my kids to ride a particular ride in Edinburgh...
Turned out that the coaster I paid for was man operated, and would only go as fast as the guy could push the dang thing every time it would loop around the front. It was actually pretty laughable. Had I known, I wouldn't have spent the money.
In the states, that size of a coaster is definitely NOT push operated. I had to wonder if it broke down or if it was made that way.
You do have to pre-pay for specific rides at the ticket booth. You don't buy old school tickets that can be used for whatever ride. At the sales booth, you must determine which ride you are paying for and the ticket will state that ride. If you change your mind after purchase, you might find someone walking around doing trade-sies.
Words of advice: Scope the rides out first before spending money on them.
RANDOM CHRISTMAS DECOR in EDINBURGH
As for the rest of the city, during both day and night we experienced Christmas vibes almost everywhere we went.
From one end of the Royal Mile to the other, Christmas was in the air and festive decor was in full swing.
Loved it.
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| Grassmarket Square |
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| The Dome restaurant |
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| Old Town- Grassmarket |
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| Festive garland at Holyrood Palace |
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| Ornament on the Christmas tree inside of St. Giles Cathedral |
Would I recommend visiting at Christmas time to others? Oh, yes!
It really was a beautiful place to spend some family time during the holiday season.
I wanted to stay for Christmas Day, but nixed that plan back in July when I realized Edinburgh is not Paris.
Last year, we spent Christmas Day at Disneyland Paris. France doesn't celebrate the Christmas holiday as hardcore as the UK does.
The UK embraces Christmas Eve, so shops and restaurants close early. Transportation has limited schedules. Christmas Day everything shuts down, AND everything is shut down the following day after Christmas, too: Boxing Day.
I found it in our best interest to leave before Christmas Day. I didn't want to pay money to sit in a hotel for two days straight with nothing to eat, and nothing to do but watch TV.
We could have wandered the city just because, but that would get old real quick.
I also needed to insure that transportation to and from the airport would be available. Our family can't exactly hail one cab with six of us, so we rely on trains, buses, or trams.
Just some food for thought if you are reading this and plan to visit during the holidays in the future.
As for weather, we were burning up when we arrived. It was 62 degrees when we landed and we walked out of the airport with parkas on. We were melting.
The weather, to us, was pretty darn mild regarding December weather. It was 10-20 degrees {Fahrenheit, haha} warmer in Edinburgh than it was where we live in Germany at the time of our visit.
For us, it felt like spring! It was explained to me by the pilot that it's all about the Gulf Stream winds. Edinburgh isn't always as cold as people assume it to be. Crazy.
I will eventually get to everything else, but I wanted to get Christmas stuff out of the way. And done.
Look for new posts soon:
Castles, and ruins, and graveyards. Oh my.
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| P.S. We even had a Christmas tree in our Edinburgh flat :-) |
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