Whether it be catching a football match, checking out the city’s great charity shops, visiting the Christmas market, going on a fairground ride, catching a stunning light trail or going ice skating, there are so many great things to do in Edinburgh over the festive period with friends and family.
5. Christmas market
Evening News editor Rhoda Morrison loves to visit Edinburgh's Christmas Market over the festive period. She said: "I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I look forward to a day at the Christmas markets every year. My family from Glasgow come over and we make a day of it - we take a ride on the Big Wheel, have some mulled wine and snacks and look round all the stalls. Last year, we also had a go on the ice rink in George Street which was so much fun. My young nephews and niece absolutely love it, as do all us adults as well!" Photo: Ian Georgeson
6. Fairground rides
Trainee reporter Neil Johnstone recommends a shot on the fairground rides in Edinburgh city centre over the Christmas period. He said: "A family trip to West Princes Street Gardens is a must for me. The look of sheer joy on my daughter’s face as we walk around the stalls and go on the carousel 12 times in a row never gets - I just wish it was possible to buy a day pass - it would be a lot kinder on the bank balance." Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/ Getty
7. Festive drinks
Evening News reporter Kevin Quinn recommends going 'up the town' to hit the pubs with friends, family or work colleagues in the run-up to Christmas. He said: "You can’t beat a Christmas work night out or even an annual Christmas get-together with friends as I do every year. Christmas jumpers aplenty and a great chance to catch-up on the past year for those you haven’t seen much of. And with work it is a great opportunity to unwind away from the computer screen. My favourite place for a Christmas drink has to be the Dome at George Street, which just oozes Christmas spirit with amazing decorations and the festive smell of cinnamon in the air." Photo: Ian Georgeson
8. Going for a walk
Evening News lifestyle editor Gary Flockhart recommends going for a walk in Edinburgh over the Christmas period. He said: "It's always nice to take a walk into town on Christmas Eve. This year, if it's not too busy, I might check out the market on Princes Street Gardens and have a mulled wine before hitting the Waverley Bar for a few pints. It's one of the few places that won't have tedious Christmas songs on repeat - a good thing, that." Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN/ GETTY