It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well
It's the sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that'll make 'em ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart
It is indeed beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and we are thrilled to share that Edinburgh’s Christmas is back this year! Sawyer was recently in search of its festivities and set out on an ‘explore and discover’ adventure throughout the city. So, join us as our beloved Golden Retriever tour guide brings a little bit of the magic from our corner of Scotland to wherever you may be in the world.
There is much to explore for Edinburgh’s Christmas, but Sawyer decided to stop and admire the twinkling lights of the Christmas Market from a distance. He also struck a pose- something he is always very happy to do- solicited and unsolicited (he’s been known to stop dead in the middle of a run to model for visitors taking pictures of the sites.😂)
This year, the Christmas Market (which is part of Edinburgh’s Christmas), is spread out between the east and west ends of Princes Street Gardens. Sawyer started his exploration in the east end, but something tells me it might be due to the smells wafting from the Bavarian sausage stand.
There are a variety of delicious food and drink options throughout the Market including traditional glühwein. Additionally, be sure to explore the different booths with their beautiful items for sale.
The Big Wheel is back this year and lights up the Edinburgh skyline. In fact, we recently admired it from Edinburgh Castle when we attended their Castle of Light event.
There are also a few other rides that are fun for adults and kids. One of our favourites is the beautiful carousel that Sawyer also seems to enjoy watching (when he isn't busy posing for photos).
As you make your way to the west end of Princes Street Gardens, be sure to stop at the ‘Light Night Installation’. Edinburgh’s Christmas tree- a gift from the Hordaland County Council in Norway- shines brightly. The tree is surrounded by an art installation of snowflakes created by Edinburgh-based artist, Hannah Ayre.
West Princes Street Gardens is home to the Christmas Market’s ‘Santa Land’. Here, there are a variety of fun family-friendly activities including rides for the kids, a Christmas tree maze, Santa’s Grotto.
A little secret for those visiting- we found this part of the Market to be much quieter with spectacular views of Ross Fountain and Edinburgh Castle. Sawyer had a grand time wandering around Santa Land, stopping to model with iconic landmarks serving as his background.
Another section of Edinburgh’s Christmas not to be missed is the ice-skating rink along George St. This is the return of skating (it was last part of the Edinburgh Christmas in 2018), and we look forward to getting some sessions in this season. After a glide around the ice, you can sit down, relax, and warm up with a hot cocoa (or something stronger if you prefer).
We hope you have enjoyed this wee exploration of Edinburgh’s Christmas Market and other festivities. To find out the most up-to-date information on Edinburgh’s Christmas, be sure to head over to their website.
The wonderful part of the holiday season in Edinburgh is that you can celebrate its beauty just by taking a stroll around to enjoy the festive atmosphere. If you have enjoyed Sawyer’s virtual tour and would like to have an in-person experience, be sure to book a Wee Walking Tour with both he and Sami (our human tour guide). It’s the perfect way to continue enjoying the festive sites around the city.
Until next time- Explore & Discover!
