If you are in Edinburgh on Christmas Day and have no idea what to do, I found some activities for you to enjoy.
1. Christmas Day Church Services:
- Attend a morning service, hear music, and carols at St Mary’s Cathedral or St Giles’ Cathedral. The acoustics in these cathedrals are said to be magical, making it a truly special experience.
2. Harry Potter Fan Adventure:
- Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard: Explore the inspiration behind Harry Potter characters. The tombstones for Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall are said to have inspired J.K. Rowling for Tom Riddle and Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter! Discover other connections and let your imagination run wild.
- See George Heriot’s School: Easily visible from Greyfriars Kirkyard.
- Walk by The Elephant Café: Stroll past The Elephant Café.
- Take pictures on Victoria Street and West Bow: Capture the charm of these picturesque streets.
- Discover JK Rowling’s handprints: Find her handprints just off the Royal Mile, in front of Edinburgh City Chambers. Created when she received The Edinburgh Award in 2008.
3. Enjoy the Festive Atmosphere:
- Take a walk through the city centre or Old Town (the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Cockburn Street) to soak in the beautifully decorated streets and Christmas lights. Admire the beautifully decorated storefronts, even if they’re closed, and soak in the festive spirit.
4. Outlander Movie Locations:
- Explore Outlander movie locations on the Royal Mile, including Bakehouse Close and Tweeddale Court. Take some great pictures.
5. Enjoy Scenic Walks:
- Take a peaceful walk along the scenic Water of Leith Walkway, a hidden gem in the heart of the city. Look out for Gormley’s 6 sculptures perched along the water, adding a touch of artistic intrigue to your walk.
Photography Sessions at Picturesque Places:
- Capture the beauty of Edinburgh at some of the most picturesque places like Circus Lane, Waverley Bridge, The Royal Mile, The Writers’ Museum, Advocate’s Close, Cockburn Street, Victoria Street and The West Bow, The Vennel Steps, The School of Divinity, Princes Street Gardens (The Scott Monument, Ross Fountain, The Gardener’s Lodge, etc) Calton Hill, Dean Village, Arthur’s Seat, etc.
7. Explore Edinburgh’s Hills:
- Explore Calton Hill for panoramic views or climb Arthur’s Seat (Edinburgh’s iconic hill), or venture into the Pentland Hills for a more challenging hike (you may even spot some Highland cows there).
As you know already, almost everything will be closed on Christmas Day in Edinburgh. If you were fortunate enough to secure a reservation for Christmas lunch or dinner at one of the few open restaurants around the city, that’s great! If not, consider relying on food delivery services like Uber Eats or Deliveroo. Additionally, you can do some shopping at the supermarket on the 24th, although most shops will have reduced hours, so keep that in mind.
If someone has more info that can be useful regarding spending time in Edinburgh on Christmas day, please share in the comments.
If you are in Edinburgh for the first time, you may find the next article useful: Exploring Edinburgh: A Beginner’s Guide To The Best Travel Tips
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