Full description
Walk through central Edinburgh at Christmas, among lights, markets and traditions, learning the history behind Scottish festive celebrations.
This tour invites you to experience Edinburgh during the Christmas season, when the city center fills with lights, decorations and festive atmosphere. Along the way, you'll see the city's main Christmas attractions, along with the traditions and curiosities that have shaped Christmas in Scotland over the centuries, including a particular bond that links Scotland to a region of Norway every year.
The tour also covers the origins of some Scottish Christmas customs, which ancient winter rituals survive today, and how celebrations have changed over time. You'll also learn why Christmas celebrations were banned in Scotland for several centuries and how, much later, Christmas came to hold an important place in the country's life again.
The itinerary begins on the Royal Mile, in the heart of the Old Town, and continues toward the New Town, crossing some of the busiest areas of the center during the festive season. Along the way you'll pass Edinburgh's large Christmas tree, the ice skating rink, the Castle Street Christmas market, the lights of Rose Street and the large Christmas market at East Princes Street Gardens.
The tour ends near the city's main Christmas market, at East Princes Street Gardens, where there's a moment dedicated to seasonal flavors with a taste of a traditional gingerbread cookie. As a guided group tour, it's ideal for those who want to combine history, Scottish traditions and Christmas atmosphere in one walk through central Edinburgh.
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Additional Information
● Arrival at the meeting point 20 minutes before the start time
● The activity may be affected by external causes beyond the provider's control
● The tour is confirmed with a minimum of 4 passengers
● The provider is not responsible for any physical injury or loss or damage of personal belongings during the experience
Inclusions
✔ Guided walking tour through central Edinburgh during the Christmas season, with an Italian-speaking guide
✔ Route with stops at Edinburgh's Christmas tree, the ice skating rink, the Castle Street market, Rose Street and the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas market
✔ Stories about the history and Christmas traditions of Scotland
✔ Tasting of a traditional gingerbread cookie
Exclusions
✖ Hotel pickup or drop-off
✖ Transport to the meeting point
✖ Tickets, food and drinks unless expressly specified in the tour inclusions
✖ Other unspecified services
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the activity.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance and no-shows are not eligible for a refund.
Meeting point
351 High Street (Royal Mile), EH1 1PW, Edinburgh. The group meets in front of the Thistle Do Nicely souvenir shop; the guide will be identifiable with a black umbrella.