Edinburgh Christmas Tour: Private & Custom with a Local Guide

4.4 (5 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

5 reviews

4.4

Edinburgh Christmas Tour: Private & Custom with a Local Guide — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Edinburgh Christmas Tour: Private & Custom with a Local Guide, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Edinburgh's dramatic setting gives the Christmas season a character all its own. Historic streets, festive markets, seasonal traditions, and winter celebrations come together to create an atmosphere that feels distinctly Scottish while remaining deeply connected to the city's history and culture.

Whether you're interested in Christmas markets, local festive traditions, seasonal food and drink, holiday shopping, or simply experiencing Edinburgh during one of its most atmospheric times of year, your host will tailor the experience around your interests.

Before your experience, you'll complete an online Personalization Form so your host can learn more about your interests and prepare a personalized route. During your walk, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy an included hot chocolate, mulled wine, or soft drink while taking in the festive surroundings. Your plans remain flexible throughout the experience, allowing room for spontaneous discoveries and seasonal recommendations.

Christmas Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Walking Tours Seasonal Viator Plus

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: City Unscripted

Ages: Adults (0–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Online Personalization Form sent after booking to tailor your experience
Included: A glass of mulled wine, hot chocolate or a soft drink
Included: Get picked up (on foot) at your accommodation if it's central
Included: Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
Included: Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations

Not included

Not included: Additional food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
Not included: Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
Not included: Gratuities (optional)
Not included: Hotel drop off

Itinerary

Edinburgh

Passing by

Christmas brings a distinctive atmosphere to Edinburgh, where historic streets, festive markets, seasonal traditions, and citywide celebrations transform the Scottish capital. Before your experience, you'll complete an online Personalization Form so your host can tailor the experience to your interests. Whether you'd like to focus on Christmas markets, festive food and drink, seasonal traditions, holiday shopping, winter illuminations, or discovering how Edinburgh celebrates the season, your route will be shaped around what interests you most. Here are some highlights your host may include during your experience:
Princes Street Gardens

Passing by

Explore the heart of Edinburgh's festive celebrations, where seasonal attractions, market stalls, and holiday displays create one of the city's most popular gathering places during Christmas.
Saint Andrew Square

Passing by

Discover one of the focal points of Edinburgh's winter festivities, surrounded by seasonal decorations, festive installations, and a lively holiday atmosphere.
Edinburgh Christmas Market

Passing by

Browse market stalls filled with artisan products, seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and local specialties while learning about the traditions that shape Christmas in Scotland.
Royal Mile

Passing by

Wander through the historic heart of the Old Town, where centuries of history, festive decorations, and atmospheric closes provide a distinctive backdrop to the holiday season.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Passing by

Discover one of Edinburgh's most celebrated seasonal attractions and learn about the winter traditions and festive displays that have become part of the city's Christmas celebrations.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

This is a private walking tour. Your host will meet you at your chosen hotel, or you can select the central meeting point instead, which we recommend for the best overall experience. If your hotel isn’t listed, please choose the central landmark option. No private vehicle is included.

End point

This is a private walking tour. Your host will meet you at your chosen hotel, or you can select the central meeting point instead, which we recommend for the best overall experience. If your hotel isn’t listed, please choose the central landmark option. No private vehicle is included.

Pickup points

The Hoxton, Edinburgh
The Resident Edinburgh
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Destiny Student - Burnet Point
Grove House Hotel
Staycity Aparthotels, Edinburgh - West End
BrewDog Doghouse Edinburgh
NYX Hotel Edinburgh by Leonardo Hotels
Premier Inn Waverley
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square

and 113 more pickup points

This is a private walking tour. Your host will meet you at your chosen hotel, or you can select the central meeting point instead, which we recommend for the best overall experience. If your hotel isn’t listed, please choose the central landmark option. No private vehicle is included.

Using your ticket

Once you've booked your experience, your local host will personally reach out to tailor the adventure to your interests. Whether you're seeking authentic food spots, cultural insights, or hidden gems, we ensure your journey is immersive, personalized, and uniquely yours, transforming your tour into a meaningful connection with the city.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
After booking, you'll receive a short online Personalization Form to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.