Christmas in Edinburgh: The Dickins Edit

There’s no denying it-Edinburgh absolutely sparkles at Christmas. The city’s historic streets glow under the fairy lights and there’s magic in the air. But while everyone knows about Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets, we thought we’d share our guide to celebrating the festive season a little more slowly, soulfully and with all the same sparkle. After all, after over 25 years of helping guests make themselves at home in Edinburgh, we know a few secret spots worth discovering.

Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Edinburgh

If you’re spending Christmas Day in Edinburgh, although many restaurants are closed, we’ve found some truly special places for you that are open on Christmas Day to enjoy a festive feast. Here’s a selection of them-make sure to get your reservation in as early as possible.

1. The Spence, Gleneagles Townhouse

£185 pp

Edinburgh’s Georgian Gleneagles Townhouse always dazzles this time of year, every corner sparkling with holiday magic. From the flawless food to the perfectly crafted cocktails, dining at The Spence is an experience that feels nothing short of exceptional—our top choice for a Christmas Day celebration.

2. Hotel du Vin

£135pp

Enjoy an indulgent four course Christmas Day lunch and a glass of champagne in the cosy Bistro du Vin, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Hotel du Vin is a boutique hotel with a rich history, having served as a poorhouse, an asylum  and a science lab in its past.

3. Gaucho

£95pp

For something a little less traditional, Gaucho are offering a Five Course Festive Menu with an Argentinian twist. The menu includes dishes such as Beef Wellington and a very delicious sounding Dulce de Leche Yule Log.

4. Prestonfield House

£225 pp

Enjoy a traditional Christmas Day Lunch or Dinner at the opulent and theatrical Prestonfield House. A 20 minute drive from the city centre, you’ll find it gloriously decked out for Christmas.

5. Sichuan House

And if you’ve had one too many Christmas dinners on the lead up to the day itself, why not go all out and indulge in a Chinese feast as an alternative Christmas Day meal at the superb Chinese restaurant Sichuan House on George IV Bridge.

Indie Christmas Shopping in Edinburgh

We always like to make it a mission of ours to avoid chains at Christmas and explore Edinburgh’s independent shops, treasure troves, packed full of unique gifts. Wrap up in an oversized scarf, grab a hot chocolate and head to  Broughton Street, Stockbridge, New Town and Victoria Street to find some of our favourites. You’ll get the friendliest service and expert help in choosing a gift too, should you need that extra little bit of guidance.

1. Lifestory, Broughton Street

Unwrap the magic of Christmas at scandi-inspired lifestyle shop Lifestory. Step into a Christmas wonderland, beautifully curated with Nordic decor for decorating your home, ceramics and tableware from local and international designers, candles, stationery, books and so much more.

2. The Method, Saint Stephen Street

Step into this calm and aesthetic lifestyle store and wellbeing space, which sells beautifully crafted and designed products designed to make you slow down. The Method‘s space feels like a sanctuary and its beautiful, wooden shelves are stocked with a lovely choice of beauty and wellbeing products, candles, ceramics and more.

3. Edinburgh Mercantile, North West Circus Place

Step through the doors of Edinburgh Mercantile and you’re in for an absolute treat. This beautifully curated store offers a thoughtful selection of “useful and beautiful objects” from tableware and cookware to stationery, desk accessories, and writing instruments, alongside carefully chosen beauty products and candles. The space feels like an old-fashioned general store, where every item feels authentic.

4. Messer, Saint Stephen Street

If you know someone who loves cooking, and appreciates great craftsmanship, this brilliant indie shop is for you. Messer offers a carefully curated selection of artisanal knives, kitchen tools, cookbooks and kitchen provisions from local producers. It may sound a little niche, but is a very cool space. The range includes finely engineered, hand-forged Japanese kitchen knives, alongside pieces from across Europe and the UK.

5. Skout, Deanhaugh Street

We have a soft spot for Skout! This charming and welcoming vintage store, with its cheerful butter-yellow exterior, is a true treasure trove. Inside, you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated mix of unique gifts – from delightful homewares and vintage accessories to one-of-a-kind apparel. Think embroidered tablecloths, vintage glassware, and shelves curated with curiosities. It’s a cosy, soulful little space, full of nostalgia.

6. Unicorn Antiques, Dundas Street

If  you’re looking for a gift with real character and history, why not head to Unicorn Antiques nestled on our very own Dundas Street. Established over 50 years ago, and housed within a former dairy this much-loved shop is fun to root around. Inside, discover a collection of antiques and collectables, most sourced from across Scotland. Every corner holds the promise of a vintage treasure waiting to be found.

7. Walker Slater, Victoria Street

For a gift that captures the essence of Scottish heritage, head to the Old Town and visit Walker Slater. Founded over 35 years ago in the Highlands, they champion the craft and sustainability of tweed and wool. Discover beautiful tweed caps, checked shirts, Harris Tweed overshirts, and soft cashmere knitwear, all in timeless colour palettes inspired by the Scottish landscape.

The Best Carol Concerts in Edinburgh

As Christmas grows close, few experiences capture the magic of the festive season in Edinburgh quite like a carol concert in a historic venue filled with candlelight. With the city aglow, the atmosphere is very special. These concerts bring a sense of peace, tradition, and community in the midst of the festive bustle. Be sure to book tickets in advance.

1. The National Portrait Gallery

Friday 5 December 2025, 1.15–1.45pm | Free

Upholding the National Portrait Gallery’s long-standing tradition, The Edinburgh University Singers return for their annual concert of seasonal music From Advent to Christmas conducted by Calum Robertson.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery (Photo: @thisedinburghcitygirl)

2. St Giles Cathedral

Sunday 21st December 2025, 6-7pm | Free

Experience the grandeur of candlelit carols in one of the city’s most historic settings. Cathedral Carol Service is a beautiful, traditional service with choir, organ and readings reflecting the journey from Advent to Christmas.

3. Greyfriar’s Kirkyard

Sunday 21st -Mon 22nd December 2025, 7.30-9pm | Full price £21 Concession from £6

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus fills Greyfriar’s Kirk with choral splendour in A Ceremony of Carols With the SCO Chorus. Immerse yourself in Tallis’ serene Renaissance polyphony and Britten’s magical choral ritual welcoming the Yuletide season with a tapestry of carols ancient and modern. A brand-new seasonal creation brings the concert to a light-filled, warming conclusion.

Family Christmas Events in Edinburgh

Whether it’s dressing up to go the panto or a night at the ballet, we’ve found some traditional family favourites for a night out in Edinburgh with the family during the festive season.

1. Jack & The Beanstalk, The Festival Theatre

Saturday 13th December 2025-Sunday 11th January 2026 | From £29

Christmas simply wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the King’s for the annual panto. While the King’s Theatre is currently closed for redevelopment, this year’s festive production of Jack and the Beanstalk will take place at the Festival Theatre.

2. The Snow Queen, Festival Theatre

Thursday 27th November-Sunday 7th December 2025, various times | From £28.50

Scottish Ballet performs The Snow Queen a glittering production, inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale. This story of love and friendship, takes you through a winter’s market, through a fairytale forest and on a journey to the Snow Queen’s icy palace. This sounds utterly enchanting!

3. The Holiday in Concert, The Usher Hall

Saturday 20th December 2025, 19:30 | From £35.75

The Holiday (2006) presented live in concert this festive season. The show will see the film’s enchanting score performed by a complete concert orchestra in perfect harmony with the full running of the film, on an HD cinema size screen. A firm favourite for families as well as music and movie lovers.

Coorie In-Edinburgh’s Cosy Christmas style

After a day exploring the city, snuggle up in one of our unique homes from home with a warm blanket, pile of books, and a mug of something hot.

1. TBCo

Wrap yourself in the warmth of a soft lambswool or luxurious cashmere blanket from Edinburgh-based TBCo Known for their beautifully crafted textiles, their collection features an array of contemporary and classic patterns, with the traditional tartans holding a special charm. Perfect for a cosy evenings at home.

2. KESTIN

Light a Tyninghame Scented Candle from Edinburgh’s Kestin store. Founded by Edinburgh-born Kestin Hare, who grew up in East Lothian, the candle captures the essence of the journey to Tyninghame Beach – the forests of Scots pine and conifer giving way to the sea air. With notes of eucalyptus, sea salt, and oak moss, it evokes the wild, restorative beauty of Scotland’s coastline.

3. Golden Hare Books

Settle down with a pile of books from one of our favourite Edinburgh indie bookshops, Golden Hare Books. Its beautifully curated shelves are filled with a thoughtful selection of handpicked titles, and the staff are always ready with spot-on recommendations. On those chilly winter days, you’ll find the fire crackling, adding to the shop’s warm, inviting atmosphere.

 

We hope our festive guide has inspired you to make the most of Christmas in Edinburgh! Whether you’re shopping local, soaking up the music, or indulging in a few seasonal treats, there’s no better time to experience the city at its most magical. If you’re looking for more Edinburgh inspiration, explore our other blogs and discover what makes this city so special year-round.

Our Dickins’ homes from home make the perfect base for cosy winter stays in Edinburgh whether you’re here for a festive getaway or an extended work trip. If you’re planning a festive break in Edinburgh or looking for a corporate let over the holidays, explore our handpicked homes and experience the city’s magic, Dickins-style.