9 Ways To Have A Magical Christmas & New Year In Edinburgh

The holiday season is upon us and calendars are filling up quickly! Make sure you have a time to remember this Christmas with these wonderful events and attractions.

Watch the holiday season light up

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Where else to start but at the beginning?

You can watch the Christmas lights go on in Edinburgh in November this year, and it's not something that you will want to miss.

A fantastic display of bright and beautiful luminescence that covers almost all of the city centre, it's truly a sight to savour.

People come from far and wide to be part of this spectacle, so, make sure you get yourself down and be part of the Christmas season being ushered into the capital.

Sophisticated shopping experiences

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Edinburgh has an abundance of beautiful architecture. A lot of which you can enjoy while doing your Christmas shopping.

Victoria Street is one of the more popular areas for such sights, situated in the city's Old Town. Here you'll find not only striking old buildings but, many stores that you can visit on your shopping adventures.

And if upscale shopping is more your thing, Edinburgh also offers you the ability to visit many prestigious, fashionable names on Multrees Walk. So, whatever your shopping style is, you'll find it in the capital this winter.

Meet the man himself

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If you've got kids who are excited about the upcoming festivities, you should really make a point of stopping by Santa Land.

The perfect place for families with children discovering the magic of the festive period - whether your kids are toddlers or a little older, they're certainly no shortage of fun.

Santa Land has everything from Reindeer Rides and the Santa Train, to a rollercoaster and a Christmas Tree Maze, and, of course, Old St. Nick himself.

A magical experience for young and old.

Take in a show or two

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Edinburgh is home to many fantastic theatres and playhouses. All of which become a little more special over the holiday season.

With plenty to see over what is traditionally one of the best times of the year to see a show, you won't be stuck for options.

One of the more famous theatres, The King's Theatre, has a festive calendar that is jam-packed with breathtaking shows and ever-entertaining pantomimes.

At The King's the Christmas, you'll find anything from renowned shows such as Shakespeare in Love to family-friendly panto versions of classics like Beauty and the Beast.

Have a stroll through the market

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Christmas markets have always been a big part of the holiday season, but, can you say you've been to the best Christmas Market in the UK?

You can if you've been to the Edinburgh Christmas Market.

Now a staple of Christmas in Edinburgh, the market has everything you would expect from a Christmas Market, with a little added extra.

Mixed in with the dazzling ambience from the Christmas lights, and the crisp, snowy nights of the capital, Edinburgh's Christmas Market really does live up to its title.

Experience a winter wonderland garden

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You might have been to a botanic garden before, but, not like this.

Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden puts on a show at Christmas every year, and this year is no exception.

Expect trees and bushes covered top to bottom in striking, incandescent lights that are not far off a fairytale setting. A fire garden is introduced where you can surround yourself with colour changing globes and scented burners for a night of tranquil reflection.

There's botanic gardens, and then there is Edinburgh's botanic garden at Christmas.

See a movie at a classic picture house

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Christmas has awarded us with the setting for many classic movies. So, why not enjoy them somewhere a little special?

The Cameo Cinema is a classic picture house that has been around for what seems like forever. And for good reason.

While there are many perfectly nice chain cinemas around these days, watching classic Christmas movies in such a setting makes them all the more enjoyable. And with the cinema hosting a 12 Days of Christmas season this year, you will be absolutely spoiled for choice.

Live it up in Edinburgh Castle

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One of Scotland's most famous landmarks, Edinburgh Castle's beauty and wonderment is only enhanced during the holiday season.

Sitting atop the plug of an extinct volcano (yes, that's right) Edinburgh Castle has been around since the 12th century, and it has only aged with grace.

Truly breathtaking architecture and sights await you in the fortress that is situated in Scotland's capital.

If you can make it there on a classic Edinburgh night, it will be an experience that you won't soon forget, especially around Chrismas time.

Bring in the New Year with a bang!

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What better way to bring in The Bells than with music, magic, and acrobats?

Yes, you read that correctly! You could experience an awe-aspiring New Year's celebration like no other at the Sheraton Grand Hotel's Hogmanay Gala Ball.

The night promises all of the above along with a few more surprises. And the festivities will finish with a bang with by celebrating the clock striking midnight in Festival Square, looking out at the striking fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle. A truly unique and remarkable night.