The best places to wrap up your Edinburgh Christmas shopping
Christmas shopping in Edinburgh
Now that November has arrived, it’s time to get your skates on with your Christmas shopping in Edinburgh. From Christmas markets to designer boutiques, you’ll find something special for all your loved ones in the Scottish capital.
Charming Royal Mile
Start your shopping on the historic Royal Mile and soak up the festive Old Town festive atmosphere. Here, you’ll find charming shops including the Nutcracker Christmas Shop with wooden carved nativity figures, Christmas stockings and festive fragrances. Then, at the nearby Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, there are Scottish tartan Christmas tree decorations decorated with beads and silks. Perfect for a gift, or adding a Scottish festive touch to your own tree! While you’re on the Royal Mile, pick up an authentic Scottish tartan scarf or bottle of whisky for loved ones. Then, stop off at one of the cafés for a much-needed warm hot chocolate or coffee and sweet treat.
Fairy tale Christmas markets
Christmas shopping in Edinburgh isn’t complete without visiting the traditional Christmas markets in Princes Street Gardens. Here, you’ll find festive fragrances and sights, delicious food and unique gifts. Open daily from mid-November to early January, you can browse wooden cabins decorated with twinkling lights. You’ll find plenty of handcrafted gifts, toys, or delicious festive delicacies including warm mulled wine. Not forgetting all of the colourful fairground attractions and ice-skating rinks in the city centre.
High street and independent stores
If you’re on the lookout for gadgets or stylish clothing, the department stores and boutiques in Edinburgh have a fantastic selection. You’ll find leading stores on Princes Street and George Street. Here, you can buy perfume, jewellery, high-tech gifts and high-street clothing brands.
Then visit the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s West End for a lovely selection of independent boutiques and gift shops.
Luxury and designer shopping
For luxury designer gifts, Multrees Walk has upscale brands including Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols.
And for the latest Christmas shopping experience, visit St James Quarter. Throughout the festive season, this new luxury shopping centre will be decked with glittering star decorations and a large Christmas tree. Plus, it has its own festive bar, Bar Hutte, serving up festive refreshments in an alpine winter wonderland.
Late night shopping in Edinburgh
You can enjoy your Christmas shopping in Edinburgh with ease, as the Christmas markets are usually open into the evening. Many shops have extended opening hours until 8 pm or later, giving you more time to shop for the perfect gifts. It’s a fantastic time to soak up the festive spirit. Walk along cobbled streets lit with sparkling Edinburgh Christmas lights and pick up a tasty treat from a street food vendor. Then, when the shopping is done, stop at a stylish bar or cosy pub for a well-deserved drink.
Make a weekend of it
For some stunningly stylish retail therapy, why not hit the shop floor running? Cram all your Christmas shopping into a two-night break in Edinburgh! Take a look at our special offers and book your shopping weekend break today.
