Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rob-wingate-nWkt_TNAhG4-unsplash-1000x667.jpg" alt="Edinburgh at Christmas " class="wp-image-127568" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rob-wingate-nWkt_TNAhG4-unsplash-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rob-wingate-nWkt_TNAhG4-unsplash-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rob-wingate-nWkt_TNAhG4-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>From its beautifully lit castle perched high on a hill above Old Town to glittering Xmas markets and buzzing New Year celebrations in Princes Street, there’s something particularly magical about Christmas time in Edinburgh. The Scottish capital makes a great escape whether you’re looking for a festive shopping and mulled wine-fuelled weekend break, a full-on happening Hogmanay or a place to blow away the cobwebs in Jan.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-highlights">CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0011-1000x750.jpg" alt="Edinburgh at Christmas " class="wp-image-127577" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0011-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0011-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0011.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Princes Street Gardens </figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Official Edinburgh Christmas festivities</a> run until <strong>4 Jan</strong> in East Princes Street Gardens and George Street and include a large&nbsp;ice rink, Xmas market, big wheel, carousel and Santa Land, featuring a grotto where kids can meet the main man.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0019-1-1000x750.jpg" alt="Edinburgh Castle at Christmas " class="wp-image-127585" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0019-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0019-1-600x450.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0019-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Edinburgh Castle </figcaption></figure>



<p>You can see dragons, ice queens and light shows during <a href="https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle of Light: Fire &amp; Ice</a> (tickets £24) which takes place after dark every weekend at the top of the rock until <strong>4 Jan</strong>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="660" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-1000x660.jpeg" alt="Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh " class="wp-image-127570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-1000x660.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-600x396.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh </figcaption></figure>



<p>If you want something a little more chilled check out the light trail at the <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens</a> (<strong>runs until 30 Dec</strong>), where illuminated pathways and tunnels wind through the stunning grounds and there’s a chance to warm up with hot chocs and marshmallows along the way. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="653" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-1-1000x653.jpeg" alt="Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle " class="wp-image-127571" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-1-1000x653.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-1-600x392.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-1.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image @ City of Edinburgh Council </figcaption></figure>



<p>Staying for New Year? <a aria-label="Book tickets (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book hogmanay tickets</a> for the torch procession at 4pm, street party, and midnight fireworks, which illuminate the sky above the famous castle. Want to see them for free? Make like locals and stroll up Calton Hill on Edinburgh’s east side for a glorious view of the city scene.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’re in the &#8216;Burgh on <strong>1 Jan</strong> check out <strong>Loony Dook</strong>, an annual, communal jump into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth by Queensferry Lifeboat Station.&nbsp;And before you leave Edinburgh, whatever time to year you visit, a walk up <strong>Arthur’s Seat</strong> is a must. The city&#8217;s extinct volcano in Holyrood Park takes around 30 minutes to summit and you’re rewarded with amazing views of the city and sea beyond.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-3-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Sushi Samba Edinburgh Bar " class="wp-image-127578" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-3-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-3-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Unknown-3.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prop up the bar at Sushi Samba </figcaption></figure>



<p>A night at <a href="https://www.sushisamba.com/locations/uk/edinburgh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sushi Samba</a> at the top of the circular W Hotel (a building affectionally known as the turd by locals), is an absolute must. Everything about it is extra, from the lifts with a snowy landscape beneath your feet to the circular  bar dominated by a shimmering orange tree. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="753" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_220502772.PORTRAIT-1000x753.jpg" alt="Sushi Samba Edinburgh food " class="wp-image-127580" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_220502772.PORTRAIT-1000x753.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_220502772.PORTRAIT-600x452.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_220502772.PORTRAIT.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some of the incredible food at Sushi Samba </figcaption></figure>



<p>Talking of the bar, this place serves some of the best cocktails in town &#8211; try a Mango Grove for a sweet burst of sunshine made from fresh mango, vodka, mint wine and lime. </p>



<p>Food-wise it&#8217;s just as wow, with a hybrid menu of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian dishes. Highlights are prawn tempura with light as air batter and spicy mayos, wagyu beef gyoza, melt-in-the-mouth pork rib with a soy glaze, a miso cod to rival Nobu and incredible sushi like nigiri rolls topped with roe, plus sides of blackened broccoli and edamame beans. </p>



<p>It&#8217;s insanely good food, but equally as memorably are the views from the sky-high outside terrace, so before you leave wrap up warm and pop outside to see Edinburgh lit up below. </p>



<p>Veggie? Head to <a aria-label="Hendersons (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hendersonsrestaurant.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hendersons</a> in Bruntsfield to try the wild mushroom, pearl barley risotto with tarragon pesto followed by pumpkin spice baked cheesecake. It’s guilt-free dining, from the sustainable wood decor to the organic herbs and veg, much of which is actually grown in a garden at the rear of the restaurant.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0035-750x1000.jpg" alt="Lady Libertine cocktail in Edinburgh " class="wp-image-127582" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0035-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0035-450x600.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0035-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0035.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Go for cocktails at Lady Libertine </figcaption></figure>



<p>Still hungry? <a href="https://ladylibertine.co.uk/restaurant-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lady Libertine</a> is a relaxed restaurant on St Andrew Square which was buzzing when we visited on a Saturday night. Filled with groups of friends and couples tucking into the small sharing plates &#8211; think padron peppers with chorizo and halloumi fries &#8211; and sipping colourful cocktails. </p>



<p>And if you need to warm-up mid-sightseeing, stop off at the <a aria-label="Holyrood Distillery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holyrood Distillery</a> in the heart of the city, where you can take a tour then enjoy a wee dram of whisky (or gin) at the bar. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shopping">SHOPPING </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="753" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_123851213-1000x753.jpg" alt="Napiers " class="wp-image-127581" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_123851213-1000x753.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_123851213-600x452.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_123851213.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Napiers </figcaption></figure>



<p>Christmas shopping in Edinburgh&#8217;s a treat, with a noticeable amount of independents. Muddy&#8217;s fave discovery was <a href="https://napiers.net" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Napiers</a>, an apothecary dating back to 1860, where we bought handmade Frankincense night cream (we swear it has made our forehead lines less visible, even after all those cocktails). </p>



<p>Swing by SDX (<a aria-label="Scottish Design Exchange (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.scottishdesignexchange.com/pages/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottish Design Exchange</a>) which started as a retail revolution against chains taking over the high street. It&#8217;s packed full of work by local artists and crafts people and every penny you spend goes back to them &#8211; lots of fun stocking filler ideas and some great art too. </p>



<p>Browse in Bruntsfield and you&#8217;ll discover gorgeous gift shops like <a aria-label="Halibut &amp; Herring (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.halibutandherring.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halibut &amp; Herring</a>, where you can pick up everything from kitsch fairy-lights to stationery. Hit up <a href="https://www.themarshmallowlady.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Marshmallow Lady</a> for handmade sweets and a hot choc to remember &#8211; unicorn-themed marshmallow, anyone?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="753" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_1158418782-1000x753.jpg" alt="Edinurgh Grand Hotel entrance " class="wp-image-127663" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_1158418782-1000x753.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_1158418782-600x452.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20251129_1158418782.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Anywhere on Princes Street is going to be mega bucks, but recently opened <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/edilg-the-edinburgh-grand-a-luxury-collection-hotel-edinburgh/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Edinburgh Grand, A Luxury Collection Hotel</a> is a haggis throw from the main drag, yet tucked away on peaceful St Andrew Square, making it pretty much perfect for a weekend break bolthole.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0047-750x1000.jpg" alt="The Edinburgh Grand hotel " class="wp-image-127583" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0047-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0047-450x600.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0047-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0047.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>It lies in the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland and, from the moment you walk through the giant, ornately carved wooden doors festooned with Christmas lights, wreaths and guarded by two giant wooden toy soldiers, you know you’re stepping into somewhere special. Look up and marvel at the five circular floors winding up to a domed ceiling high above, while below in the subterranean gym you can work out next to the banks’ original vaults.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s epic in every way, from the scale (ceilings are soaring) to the level of luxury in the rooms and suites. If you’re travelling with family or friends, Room 208 which sleeps four, is the one to book. Below is a lounge, and king-sized bed, above is a mezzanine with another double, and there&#8217;s also a sizeable kitchen with everything you could need including oven, fridge, dishwasher, even a washing machine &#8211; you can pretend you&#8217;re living a new life in a posh apartment in the heart of Edinburgh (if only for a night or two). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0065-750x1000.jpg" alt="A bedroom at Edinburgh Grand Hotel " class="wp-image-127587" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0065-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0065-450x600.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0065-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251130-WA0065.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>Room 2010 came with a squishy burnt orange sofa, arty coffee table books, a bed covered in Frette linen and so many lovely extras, including fragrant Napier toiletries (see the shopping section above) in the smart monochrome bathroom, and <a href="https://www.edwardandirwyn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edward &amp; Irwin</a> locally-made sea salt chocolates at turndown &#8211; staying in this room was like a warm Edinburgh hug.&nbsp;</p>



<p>High fives to whoever conceived the The Register Office, the hotel&#8217;s grand, wood-panelled all-day dining spot on the fourth floor, where we enjoyed a delicious Full Scottish breakfast (includes rounds of haggis and the best bacon ever), hearty lunch of salmon on dhal and mulled wine in the afternoon. There&#8217;s really no need to ever leave the hotel, but you should because Edinburgh at Christmas is magical. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-to-know">NEED TO KNOW </h2>



<div class="wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex">
<p>Take the train to Waverley Station (it&#8217;s just over four hours from London King&#8217;s Cross with <a href="https://www.lner.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LNER</a>) and you&#8217;re delivered into the heart of the action, a short stroll from Princes Street and in the shadow of the castle. </p>



<p>Arriving by air? Hop on a tram at Edinburgh Airport and it will whisk you quickly and easily to the West End and St Andrew Square. </p>



<p>Getting around&#8217;s easy on foot, but there are plenty of steps and hills so pack boots and trainers. </p>



<p>Rooms at <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/edilg-the-edinburgh-grand-a-luxury-collection-hotel-edinburgh/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Edinburgh Grand, A Luxury Collection Hotel</a> from £290pn. </p>
</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-holiday-inspo-here-nbsp">MORE HOLIDAY INSPO HERE&nbsp;</h2>



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<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/overseas/unmissable-black-friday-travel-deals-beachy-all-inclusive-beach-cruise-flight/">Ultimate Black Friday travel deals&nbsp;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/top-5-places-to-see-the-northern-lights-this-winter/">5 of the best places to see the Northern Lights this winter</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/ultimate-family-escape-pan-pacific-london-christmas/">The ultimate Xmas family escape in London</a></li>
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The Muddy guide to Christmas in Edinburgh

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