Highlights
- A rare chance to experience the sparkle of Edinburgh's Christmas market
- Our Christmas experience is designed to feel personal, festive, and fun.
- Guests get insider recommendations, shortcuts, and hidden corners visitors miss
- Step into the Old Town for historic tales told with warmth and humour
Description
Edinburgh Christmas Market & Old Town Walking Tour – Special Edition
Explore Edinburgh’s Christmas Market and Old Town on a festive walking tour, with stories, lights, and tips for cosy winter drinks and activities afterwards.
Duration: 90 minutes
Time: 5:00pm–6:30pm
A seasonal journey through Edinburgh’s winter traditions, sparkling markets, and historic cobbled streets.
1. Welcome at Princes Street Gardens
Meet-up Location:
At the Scott Monument, just inside the entrance to Princes Street Gardens. Your guide will be waiting with a blue-and-white umbrella.
Your local Scottish guide opens the experience with an introduction to Edinburgh at Christmas, sharing insight into the city’s winter traditions and the history of the Nor’ Loch—the former lake that once lay beneath the gardens where the markets now shine.
2. Christmas Market Walk — Princes Street Gardens
Wander through one of Europe’s most picturesque festive markets.
Highlights include:
• The Big Wheel — panoramic winter views over the city.
• Food Stalls — mulled wine, spiced treats, and northern European festive flavours.
• Craft Stalls — Scottish artisans, Highland makers, and Orkney crafts.
• Traditional Carousel — hand-painted horses and nostalgic organ music.
• Family Attractions — charming rides and Santa-themed fun.
After soaking in the colours and warmth of the market, the tour moves from festive sparkle into the atmospheric medieval streets of the Old Town.
3. Old Town Festive History Walk & Photo Stops
Explore the winter charm of Edinburgh’s historic centre, filled with stories, landmarks, and perfect photo opportunities.
Key stops:
• St Giles’ Cathedral — Edinburgh’s magnificent 12th-century High Kirk, crowned with its iconic crown spire.
• The Heart of Midlothian — a cobbled heart marking the site of the old Tolbooth, steeped in quirky local tradition.
• The Royal Mile — the city’s most historic street, linking the Castle and Holyrood with centuries of stories.
• Victoria Street — the most photographed street in the Old Town, often said to inspire Diagon Alley.
The tour concludes in Greyfriars Kirkyard, an evocative graveyard opened by Mary Queen of Scots in 1562, rich with folklore and history.
Post-Tour Recommendations
Your guide will share tailored ideas for continuing your festive evening, such as:
• Whisky tastings
• Hot toddy bars
• Seasonal dining
• Evening light shows
• Traditional Scottish music or dance
Includes
90 minute Guided tour through the Princes Street Christmas Market and Old Town.
Walking through the famous Edinburgh Christmas markets, talking about traditions, and Edinburgh’s winter history. Your guide will be Scottish, a local and experienced tour guide, with some humour to keep you warm as you take a walk out of the Christmas market into the old town along the cobbles of the Royal Mile.
Walking into the Old Town along the royal mile with stories at St Giles’ Cathedral, getting to experience the Victorian court yards, hear about the famous characters in our history. Mary Queen of Scots, the Highland games or even Bonnie Prince Charlie, many stories.
Ending in Grey Friars Kirk, a graveyard with a famous name, Royal beginnings and history from 1562, it might even have a grave stone for Tom Riddel.
Professional Edinburgh tour guide, Insider local recommendations for festive food, drinks, and winter activities. This is your chance to really experience Christmas in Edinburgh.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
