Known by many as Britain’s Christmas capital, Edinburgh has long been a festive favourite among tourists keen to soak up Scotland’s stunning capital at its busiest and best, but what are some of the city's must-visit attractions over the Christmas period?

Celebrating the upcoming launch of our Thorpe Paddocks showhome in the new year, at Homes by Carlton we’ve kicked off the festive spirit in style by launching a social media giveaway in which one lucky winner can win a luxury, all expenses paid weekend away for two to Edinburgh  this December… completely free!

Discover: HBC’s Festive Weekend Giveaway in Edinburgh

To help give you a bit of background information on what an incredible city Edinburgh is to visit at this time of year, we couldn’t think of any better way than to explore five of the capital’s most popular festive activities, so that you know exactly where to stop on your trip this Christmas.

1. Explore Edinburgh Christmas Market in           East Princes Street Gardens

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens is arguably the most-loved festive event the city has to offer - the festival drawing in over 2.6 million visitors in 2019 through its mesmerising array of lights, scents and festive stalls.

Wandering through gift-laden chalets you will be immersed amongst friendly food vendors selling sizzling German Bratwursts and bubbling pots of mulled wine, as well as the buzz of the market’s famous funfair residents that include the giant Christmas tree maze and the Forth 1 Big Wheel that overlooks the city.

2. Immerse yourself in the winter light trail at        The Botanics

Labelled by one visitor as “a botanical world, full of festive cheer” The Botanics illuminatory winter light trail is another firm favourite among Christmas holidaymakers, largely due to its jaw dropping visual and auditory setting, enhanced by the Edinburgh night sky.

A glittering path that winds its way through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, this magical winter trail of sparkling tunnels, dancing reflections and colourful lights offers a truly unique end to a Christmas evening.

3. Go ice-skating on George Street’s famous              Alpine Ice Rink 

Transforming the West End of George Street, the much-loved Alpine Ice Rink - returning after three years this year under the attraction name “Lidl on Ice” - has long been a popular attraction within Edinburgh’s city centre.

Set on the historic George Street, the impressive ice rink is accompanied by a host of festive food stalls offering up steaming mugs of hot chocolate and freshly baked mince pies - the perfect post-skate snacks.

4. Indulge in a festive cocktail at The Dome

Something of an institution in Edinburgh, nothing says Christmas quite like a glass of prosecco at the Dome. George Street’s most iconic building and one of Edinburgh’s most illustrious landmarks, the Dome at night offers a dining experience quite like no other.

With staggeringly decorated Christmas lights intertwining the columns of the historic structure, ordering from The Dome’s award winning food and drinks menu whilst admiring the stunning building’s light show should feature on any Christmas lover’s bucket list.

5. Watch a Christmas film at the Dominion            Cinema

One of the UK’s most charming film houses, Edinburgh’s family-run Dominion cinema opened in 1938, and has held Christmas film screenings every holiday season since - with everything from 1960s classics to modern day blockbuster favourites being shown.

Located in the area of Morningside, the cinema is known by many as an Art Deco treasure, defined by cosy armchairs and sofas set up in the theatre. With tuxedo-wearing waiters serving cocktails and snacks, the Dominion offers a perfect setting for a more relaxed night watching Christmas films in a luxurious setting.

Why not try it all?

Just a handful of the long list of Christmas-themed events, attractions and establishments that make ‘Britain’s Christmas Capital’ such an amazing place to visit at this time of year, why not enter our Homes by Carlton Christmas Giveaway now to be in with a chance of experiencing all of this and more?

With the winner being picked on Monday 13th December 2021, you can enter before that date either by visiting our Instagram page or Facebook page and following the instructions outlined in the post’s caption - it’s free, quick and easy to enter and might just make your Christmas!