At Christmas, Edinburgh is a magical place with lively Christmas markets, lights and a festive atmosphere. The main markets in Princes Street Gardens and George Square offer Christmas gifts, speciality foods and ice-skating rinks. The city is also beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and offers a variety of cultural events and concerts that add to the magical Christmas atmosphere. 

The main attractions of Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens. The city is also famous for the views from Arthur's Seat. The historical and cultural sites, along with the lively atmosphere, make Edinburgh an attractive destination. 

Royal Mile is the main street in Edinburgh's Old Town. It connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. On this street you will find historic buildings, shops, restaurants and attractions such as St Giles' Cathedral and the Camera Obscura. 

The Christmas Market at Princes Street Gardens is a popular attraction during the festive season. The markets include various stalls selling Christmas gifts, crafts and treats such as traditional Christmas treats and hot chocolate. Visitors can use the ice rink with Christmas lights and enjoy the beautifully decorated surroundings. The markets are part of a wider Christmas event that includes various cultural and entertainment activities. 

The St Andrew Square Winter Garden is one of Edinburgh's most charming Christmas venues, delighting children and adults alike. In this magical space in the heart of the city centre, you'll find a Santa Letter Writing Station where children can write their wishes, a Kindness Tree as part of the Festival of Kindness with the opportunity to donate gifts to those in need, and above all, the popular Santa Stories & Festive Cinema events. During Santa Stories, children (maximum 22 per group) meet Santa in person, listen to his stories and take away a small gift. The garden also includes a Christmas cinema showing classic films, perfect for cold days. The atmosphere is enhanced by festive lighting and a calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes St Andrew Square one of the highlights of Christmas in Edinburgh, a city that Santa himself describes as one of his favourites. Admission to the garden is free, but advance booking is required for some events.

Every year, George Street is transformed into a hub of winter fun thanks to Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink, a staple of Christmas visits to the city. The rink will be covered so you can enjoy skating whatever the weather, while admiring the majestic Georgian skyline of Edinburgh's New Quarter. After skating, warm up in the warming zone with hot drinks and snacks from stalls right on George Street. Classic fairground rides such as the double-decker carousel add to the atmosphere, as do themed workshops - from Christmas wreath making to decorations to ice sculptures. If you're still missing a present, there's a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping nearby. Another, literally cool thing, is the Polar Ice Bar - the coolest and most stylish place in all of Edinburgh to enjoy a festive drink. Don't forget to dress properly - it's cold here, but it's worth it.

Every Christmas Edinburgh Castle is lit up in Christmas colours. You can't miss this backdrop, which can be seen from every corner of the city.

This bar really does have some of the best stand up comedians I've ever seen. We've been here twice and it's been worth it every time. I recommend getting tickets in advance, we bought them through Eventbrite.com, but if you check their website you can buy them there too. https://www.monkeybarrelcomedy.com
Just be warned, a lot of the comedians are from different parts of the world, we had a few Americans, a couple of Scots and Irish and one British. So you'll be listening to so many different accents today it'll make your head spin. 

Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history and architecture. Highlights include Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis and George Square. The city is also renowned for its art and music scene and offers a wide range of restaurants and shops. 

The Christmas markets in George Square and Saint Enoch Square offer a wide selection of Christmas gifts, food and drink. Stalls sell crafts, Christmas decorations and traditional treats such as sausages and hot chocolate. The markets are decorated with Christmas lights, creating an atmosphere for festive fun. 

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarchs. It is located at the end of the Royal Mile and is open to the public. It offers tours of the historic rooms, chapel and royal gardens. 

Calton Hill offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. It is known for its historic sites, including the National Monument and the Observatory. It is a popular place for walking and photography.