A student’s guide to enjoying Edinburgh this winter
By Lauren, from Scotland, studying Politics
If you can deal with the Scottish weather in the winter months, Edinburgh becomes a winter wonderland over November and December.
Christmas markets
A go-to for me is the Christmas Markets – even if you don’t buy anything, the vibes of watching people ice skate on George Street, the smell of the sweet hot chocolates and hot toddies, and the chaos that is the fun fair, make it all worth the busy town centre. If you’re heading home for Christmas, you can also drop by the market to buy some gifts for family or friends – tartan bobble anyone?
Botanic Gardens
Something I discovered last year was the Christmas at the Botanics event that happens at the Botanic Gardens at the end of November and throughout December. I went with my family and boyfriend last November, and we all had such a nice time strolling through the gardens and looking at all the lights and displays! Remember to wrap up warm though, as it can get quite cold and dark at night.
Pantomime
One of my favourite nostalgic activities to do during the Christmas period is to see a Pantomime! Pantomimes are Christmas musicals set around a fairytale story, and the songs are often edited versions of popular songs from that year – think Aladdin singing Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter, but with a twist. While these shows are usually aimed at kids, they are so fun and definitely have jokes for the adults in the audience. My top tip? Don’t book a ticket in the front few rows. You’ll thank me later.
Christmas concert
Another one of my favourite activities to do in Edinburgh in Winter is go to the Usher Hall to watch the Christmas Concert by the Royal Symphony National Orchestra. I first went when I was a kid, but I still try to go back every couple of years, as it is always so festive and filled with good memories! The orchestra plays Christmas carols alongside a choir, and the second half features the movie ‘The Snowman’ alongside a narrator and live score! The Usher Hall is also a really lovely venue, and there are great food places nearby!
Hogmanay
And finally, if you can bear the cold, one of my favourite winter activities to do in Edinburgh is watch the Hogmanay Firework display over Edinburgh Castle on New Year’s Eve! You can either buy a ticket for the Princes Street Gardens event, where you get a prime view of the Castle and fireworks, or if you’re like me and don’t want to spend all evening outside, you can pop along to the Meadows just before midnight to see the fireworks. When I went on New Years eve 2023-24, there was even a person who brought their bagpipes to play in the New Year!
