Seasonal Highlights • 3 hours 5.0
(6)

Christmas in Edinburgh

Twinkling lights, dazzling trees, and a wee dram or two of whisky.

Walking is undoubtedly the best way to see the city so bring a sturdy pair of shoes to deal with the cobbled streets!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Join a host and discover Edinburgh’s most enchanting Christmas lights and festive sights
  • Explore the Christmas markets to buy gifts for your family, or indulge in festive food and drinks
  • Stroll through the winter wonderland in Princes Street Gardens, seeing the ice-skaters or getting on the ice-rink yourself
  • Warm up in a local pub and enjoy a celebratory drink with your host, getting tips about other Christmas-themed things to do in the city

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalised experience
3 hours with a Host
A cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine to warm up or a soft drink per person
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Additional food and drinks from the ones provided in the experience
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

You’ll wrap up warm and spend time exploring the enchanted winter wonderland that Edinburgh becomes over Christmas time with one of our Edinburgh hosts - although we do find that mulled wine or a wee dram of whisky does a good job of warming us up too.

You’ll discover the historic cobbled streets of the Old Town draped in twinkling lights, the magical Scottish Christmas markets, and Christmas trees fit to dazzle Santa Claus himself.

Browse stalls selling beautiful homemade gifts, sample some tasty festive treats, and warm up with a hot chocolate, spiced cider, or that wee dram of whisky!

You could stroll through Princes Street Gardens and enjoy the light displays and adorned trees or even go ice skating.

You could also let your host take you to one of their favorite local pubs and settle in next to the fire after your shopping extravaganza.

It’s called the most wonderful time of year for a reason.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Benay Nov 2022

Elizabeth took us all over the city, showing the important and interesting places and things to do.

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Emily Dec 2021

Tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and did a great job personalizing the tour based on my interests. Would highly recommend!

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Arijit Jan 2020

I had just half a day left and wanted to have the best experience at that time. This activity has surpassed my expectations and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Zainab had been a very informative and gracious host. Most recommended.

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Ellen Apr 2025

Gee's relatability. We felt very comfortable with him.

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Jennifer Apr 2025
Ross Apr 2025

Really great customizable tour. Tom was friendly, enthusiastic, highly knowledgeable and tailored stories and sites perfectly to keep our 7 and 10 year old engaged — so much so that they were sad when the tour ended. A+ all the way!

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