Edinburgh is starting to feel very festive! Here are our tips on the activities you and your family can enjoy this December. Tune in to a festive story as part of the Edinburgh’s Christmas digital programme from the comfort of our centrally located York Place apartments, explore one of the festive activities at the popular Edinburgh Zoo and Botanic Garden, or simply get to know Edinburgh a little more with Edinburgh Bus Tours.

Edinburgh’s Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas programme comes in a new revised form this year. Although moving digital, it aims to lift our spirits up and bring a much-needed festive cheer to our homes.  

As part of Santa’s Advent Stories, Santa Claus will read a story before bedtime every day of the Advent directly on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website. Writers of all ages are encouraged to submit their entries with festive stories and a winning one will be selected by Santa himself! 

Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market is an online initiative to showcase a variety of local businesses and support their activities during these challenging times. We can all support the independent businesses of Edinburgh by buying our Christmas gifts locally. 

To find our more visit the official website here.

Edinburgh Zoo’s Christmas Nights  

Edinburgh Zoo is a great place to visit for adults and children alike but this Christmas you are in for a special treat. Edinburgh Zoo’s Christmas Nights are back from 20th November to 3rd January with availability on selected nights only. Embark on an enchanted light trail around the zoo all the way to the North Pole and visit Santa’s workshop. Feel the festive spirit and enjoy the luminous projections and fairy lights! 

Edinburgh Zoo is a short drive away (3.5 miles) from our York Place apartments, or alternatively there is a direct public transport link (number 26) with a bus stop directly on York Place. 

For further information and to buy tickets visit the official website here.

Christmas At The Botanics 

The Royal Botanic Garden is a favourite spot of many locals and visitors and their popular Christmas At The Botanics event is returning this season – running on selected evenings between 2nd December and 3rd January. They have prepared a festive trail of light that will cheer up the whole family. Experience the tunnel of light, the laser garden, watch mesmerizing light projections displayed on the historic Inverleith House and wander along giant luminescent sculptures and much more! 

The Botanic Garden is within walking distance of our York Place apartments – about 1 mile away and can be a part of a nice day out combined with a walk via the Water of Leith walkway, Inverleith Park and Stockbridge. 

For further information and to buy tickets visit the official website here.

Edinburgh Bus Tours 

Are you looking for a family fun day out? Look no further, Edinburgh Bus Tours allow you and your family to see the main visitor attractions at your own pace – you can hop-on and off as you like and explore your preferred sights. The tours leave from St. Andrew’s Square, which is a short walk away from our York Place apartments. A great way to learn something new about Edinburgh and as a bonus you will be able to enjoy some great panoramic views from the top deck as the tour makes its way through the city. 

More information on the tours can be found here.

If you are staying at our apartments during December and have any questions about your stay or Edinburgh in general, please contact us on enquiries@destinationedinburghapartments.co.uk or give our team a call on 0131 556 3840 and we would be happy to help.