Christmas in Edinburgh

Could it be that the Christmas holidays are nearly over? While Christmas in Montreal is always special, I think my favourite Christmas city is Edinburgh, Scotland, where I spent a long birthday weekend in December 2009. 

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Just over four hours by train from London's King's Cross Station, Edinburgh is a perfect destination for a winter mini-break.  The train journey is beautiful, especially as you near the city and catch glimpses of the coast  over the cliffs. 


Edinburgh is divided into two sections - the Old and New Towns. By North American standards, the newer Georgian town is  impressive, but the beautifully preserved cobbled streets and medieval buildings of the Old Town are simply remarkable. Here a twilight visit to the windswept Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile offered spectacular views of the city below, filled with twinkling Christmas lights. 

Loch Lomond on the Highland Explorer Tour 

If you are lucky enough to visit during the Edinburgh Christmas festival, be sure to stop by Princes Street where an ice skating rink, German Market and a Ferris wheel take over the heart of the city. On a cold December afternoon, a fragrant mug of mulled wine and some roasted chestnuts are the perfect way to warm up before continuing your explorations of the city. 


If you can spare a day outside of town, try to squeeze in a highland tour. The highlands are spectacular in December when a dusting of snow covers their peaks and the lakes are crystal clear. We had a fantastic day with a great local guide from Highland Explorer Tour, visiting Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.