Christmas cheer brings a real sparkle to the historic capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. A short Xmas break in Edinburgh means strolling the wide, straight streets of the New Town, taking in the imposing Edinburgh Castle on its hill, and nosing around the boutiques that line the twisted cobbled streets of the Old Town.
Christmas Holidays in Edinburgh
Then, head to Princes Street to peek at the festive decorations and window displays in Frasers, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols or Jenners, and fit in some last-minute shopping before ducking into a pub to sample some local hospitality.
There are traditional carol services at churches across the city and the Palace of Holyrood House opens up for just a few days, so you can have a special taste of what life was Royal life was like in Edinburgh at Christmastime for Mary Queen of Scots and her Stuart descendents.
If you have kids, take them to visit Santa in his magical, eco-themed grotto in the Royal Botanic Garden! Or, if you fancy getting out of town, visit quaint St Andrews, Stirling Castle (scene of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, as seen in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart) or just walk in the beautiful Scottish countryside.
Book a short Christmas break to Edinburgh with Directline City Breaks
Or why not try staying at hotel and book a flight separately.