A Festive Family Tradition: Our Trip to Edinburgh at Christmas

A Special Place In My Heart

Edinburgh at Christmas has always held a special place in my heart. This feeling is especially true during the festive season. When I was a young girl, my mum and I would take the train to this beautiful city. We went there to buy Christmas gifts for the family. The train journey itself was always an adventure. It was filled with the excitement of the season. There was the promise of twinkling lights and bustling streets. Those trips have become cherished memories, and when H and I got together, it felt natural to continue the tradition. Now, with Cyrus in tow, our festive family trips to Edinburgh have become a cornerstone of our holiday celebrations.

Sights, Sounds and Smells of Christmas Market

This year was no different. We drove from Newcastle to Edinburgh via Jedburgh, which took around three hours. Our excitement built as we anticipated the sights, sounds, and smells of Edinburgh’s famous Christmas Market.

For our stay, we chose the Hampton by Hilton in Edinburgh’s West End, a hotel that offered comfort and convenience for just £100 for the night via Booking.com. A real bargain at this time of year! The on-site parking (an additional £16) was certainly handy. Eagerly arriving at 1pm meant we had to wait a couple of hours for our room to be ready. This delay meant we couldn’t hit the city as quickly as we wanted to.

Lebanese Street Food

With some time to spare, we decided to explore Sofia’s Lounge, the Lebanese restaurant next door. It is conveniently attached to the hotel in Fountainbridge. The family-friendly atmosphere and flavourful street food dishes made it the perfect spot to refuel before our room was ready. Cyrus loved the freshly baked saj bread. He also tucked into the kafta meshwi, minced lamb kebabs. H and I enjoyed the grilled halloumi burger with sweet potato fries. The service was great and we felt really looked after.

Once checked into the hotel, we took the lift to the second floor and our Queen Room. It had a sofa bed already set up for Cyrus. The room itself was a little bit smaller than I’d hoped for, but it was perfect for our one-night stay. It was also really clean which is the main thing.

Great Photos at Camera Obscura

A highlight was our visit to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, a quirky and interactive museum. Once on the rooftop, we captured breathtaking views of the Christmas market below in Princes Gardens. We also got some great photos of the majestic Edinburgh Castle in the distance. Although the tickets were a little bit pricey at £63.85 for our family of three, the experience was worth it for the stunning photos and the memories we created. Cyrus was fascinated by the optical illusions and interactive exhibits, making it a hit for the whole family.

Magical Market Experience

After a stop at the Scotch Whisky Experience shop in the Royal Mile, we quickly went to the Christmas market. The market truly is a festive affair. Rows of wooden stalls are adorned with fairy lights. They offer everything from handcrafted ornaments to gourmet treats. The air was filled with the aroma of mulled wine and hot chocolate. Roasted chestnuts filled the air too. It just felt magical. Cyrus had an amazing time exploring, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the dazzling displays. We also couldn’t resist indulging in some classic market fare. The hot dogs were an absolute highlight. They were simple, satisfying, and delicious.

Winter Wonderland

Edinburgh in December truly is a winter wonderland. Our festive family trip reminded me of why this city holds such a special place in my heart. Every moment was special. We enjoyed the bustling Christmas market. The comfort of the Hilton was delightful. Enchanting views from Camera Obscura added to the experience. It’s a tradition I’m grateful to share with my family. I can’t wait to see what memories we create on our next visit to this magical city.

Edinburgh Fact File

• Travel: 3-hour drive from Newcastle via Jedburgh.
• Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton, West End (Around £100/night; £16 on-site parking).
• Dining: Sofia’s Lounge, Lebanese street food (attached to the hotel).
• Attractions:
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (£63.85 for family of 3).
  • Edinburgh Christmas Market: Free entry, open mid-November to early January.
• Don’t Miss: Hot dogs at the Christmas Market and views from Camera Obscura’s rooftop.

Have you visited Edinburgh during the festive season? If not, add it to your holiday bucket list! There’s so much to see, do, and taste for everyone in the family. Start planning your trip now and experience the magic of Edinburgh in December.

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