Christmas Lights and Best Views in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, with cobbled streets, historic charm, and stunning architecture, comes alive during the festive season. From bright, dazzling Christmas lights to panoramic city views, the city offers an enchanting winter wonderland for locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the best locations to soak up the holiday magic.

1. Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Christmas Markets

First on the list is the heart of Edinburgh’s festive celebrations, Princes Street Gardens. The gardens transform into a ‘winter wonderland’ every December. The wonderland is full of great attractions. The Big Wheel provides views of the whole city. The Starflyer for thrill seekers, travels high, almost to the height of the Scott Monument and flies in circles. A calm walk through the gardens with festive lights and great photo opportunities of the city. This a great place during Christmas and leads into one the most well known Christmas markets worldwide. The Edinburgh Christmas Market is a must-visit, with twinkling fairy lights and rows of wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, festive treats, mulled wine and more. 



Personal Favourite: The Big Wheel. For me The Big Wheel is the highlight of this ‘winter wonderland’ , something that I do every year. The views at the top are beautiful, you can see George Street, Edinburgh Castle, The Mound and are almost within touching distance of The Scott Monument.

2. George Street



George Street is possibly the most lit street during the Christmas period. The street boasts an annual light installation that often includes stunning projections and themed displays. Recently the Christmas markets have extended to George Street which brings the lit up wooden chalets and festive gifts to the street. The pop-up ice rink is located on George Street, for those that enjoy ice-skating outdoors in a rink full of christmas spirit this is the place to go. It is fun for the full family, even the little ones. For those that struggle with skating, there are penguins on skates to support. Beyond this there are great light displays put on by businesses up and down the street. No list of Edinburgh’s Christmas lights would be complete without mentioning The Dome. Renowned for its opulent decorations, the exterior columns are wrapped in glittering lights, and the interior is a spectacle of Christmas trees and lavish baubles. One of the many photo opportunities throughout George street and one that really highlights the beauty of Christmas in Edinburgh.

3. Castle Street

Located off Princes Street, Castle Street, which is well named with amazing views of Edinburgh Castle. Castle Street often features smaller, more local Christmas markets, full of handcrafted delights. This is a great location to get christmas gifts that are made right here in Edinburgh. As it is with the rest of the city at Christmas time, this is a great location to see beautiful lights and decorations, bringing to life the street. This street also provides a unique perspective of Edinburgh Castle, which can often be seen illuminated in festive colors during December. It’s another great place for snapping holiday photos.

4. The Royal Botanic Garden’s ‘Christmas at the Botanics’



This ticketed event offers a magical experience with an immersive light trail. If you have ever been to the Botanics during the day, you will know it is already a great spectacle. Well, during ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ the walk through the gardens is a sparkling array of light. From sparkling tunnels of light to artistic installations that play shadows and colors, ‘Christmas at the Botanics’ is a sensory delight for all ages. Grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer. Last time I went I indulged in a caramel flavoured marshmallow. The fires next to the vendor provide a great source of heat, as well as the place to toast a marshmallow with someone special and enjoy the great taste of whatever flavour you picked! A visit to the trail is also a great way of contributing to fund the important plant conservation work of the Botanics, which is a registered Scottish charity.

5. Calton Hill



Now, for those seeking a panoramic view of the city’s festive glow, a climb to the top of Calton Hill is well worth the effort. From this vantage point, you can see the most beautiful lights in the city. From the festive decorations put up by The Balmoral and the iconic clock, you can see all along Princes Street, George Street, and even Edinburgh Castle where the whole city is a true winter wonderland. If you catch the right time, you can see the whole city lit up in an array of beautiful Christmas spirit.

Edinburgh’s festive lights and breathtaking views offer something for everyone, from romantic strolls to family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these spots are sure to fill you with holiday cheer.