Christmas in Edinburgh: A Student’s Guide to Winter Wonderland!

About the author: Hello! My name is Madelaine Lee but I usually go by Maddie. I am currently a 2nd year Fine Art student at the University of Edinburgh. I love doing things that are hands on – whether it's art and crafts, gardening, painting, pottery, you name it! I am also very much a nature girl and love going on walks and hikes. My art studio is where I spend most of my time, but if not you’ll probably see me dancing or ice skating too. I can't wait to share the ins and outs of university life with all of you!

Whether you're a student or a tourist in Edinburgh during the Christmas season, be prepared as the city transforms itself into a winter wonderland! The fairy-lit streets, seasonal markets, and fun rides are sure to boost your festive spirit and give you and your friends something else to focus on other than uni assignments.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

The Edinburgh Christmas Market (running from mid-November to early January between both the Old Town and New Town in East Princes Street Gardens) has about 70 alpine-style chalets selling a range of handmade crafts, from Scottish knitwear to festive trinkets and seasonal food. This is a perfect opportunity to pick up affordable gifts for yourself or your friends, just in time for Christmas.

After having some yummy food and wandering around all the stalls with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, you can then go and enjoy the Ross Bandstand, which is a festive programme of live events such as choirs, shows, and performances. There are also fairground rides like a Ferris wheel and carousels – this is the time of the year where you can feel like a kid again without having to travel out of the city.

Ice skating

George Street is now home to Edinburgh's Christmas ice rink! Prices start from around £15 for a 40 minute time slot including skates, and there are themed sessions including relaxed ones and adult-only late skates for when you want something a bit more chilled or romantic.

Right beside the rink is the Polar Ice Bar. Imagine yourself sitting up by the bar sipping a cocktail while bundled up in thick layers of jacket and gloves. It's a quirky, fun and super cool (pun intended) Instagrammable spot.

Remember to book sessions ahead on their website, especially if you’re after going at peak times – the slots fill up quickly!

Light trails and castle views

If you and your flatmates are looking for a relaxed evening, you can always plan to go for a walk looking at the city’s Georgian architecture, with the streets’ Christmas lights and Edinburgh Castle providing a festive backdrop.

Want something a bit more immersive? One of the most enchanting experiences in Edinburgh is the ‘Castle of Light’ light show at Edinburgh Castle. The magical light projections make you feel like you’re in a fairytale, especially when you’re wrapped up warm whilst sipping a hot chocolate and watching the castle walls light up with colours and stories.

There are multiple showtimes across the Christmas seasons, so make sure to check it out on their website.

Hang out with flatmates and friends

Besides the city attractions, Christmas in Edinburgh is just as fun indoors as it is outdoors, with there being loads of fun activities for you to do together with friends:

• Picnics or potlucks: Christmas is all about homemade food and sharing it with loved ones. Have a night in with your flatmates and all club together to cook festive food like pigs in blankets, cauliflower cheese, festive cookies, Christmas fudge, and sticky toffee pudding.
• Movie nights: pick up some seasonal treats and popcorn, tuck yourself under blankets in the living room, and have a Christmas film marathon in your student flat. Bonus points if you decorated the living room with fairy lights, tinsel, and a Christmas tree. Some fun ones are A Merry Little Ex-Mas, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, and The Polar Express.
• Secret Santa: this is my personal favourite activity of the season – gift giving! Use Edinburgh Christmas Market (with the help of our Secret Santa blog post, of course) to get small, affordable gifts for your Secret Santa exchange with your flatmates. It is a super fun way to bond with your housemates or friends!

Music, concerts and culture

If you’re a music lover, Edinburgh’s Christmas scene has got you covered thanks to the sheer amount of candlelight concerts that are happening this winter in historic spots such as St Giles’ Cathedral. I personally have attended a candlelight concert and the whole room feels so ethereal as you’re surrounded by live music and hundreds of candles. It’s one of those moments where you don’t feel like you’re on Earth.

Candlelight concerts are super affordable as well, with prices starting from £15, and there are multiple concerts happening across the next few months. Check out their website to book ahead and reserve yourself a seat.

Christmas in Edinburgh as a student is pure magic! Whether you’re ice skating, walking around the lit-up city with your friends, or just having a drink of hot chocolate while tucked up in your blanket whilst watching a Christmas movie, there's something for everyone. Start planning with your friends now and make this Christmas in Edinburgh one to remember.

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.