The Best Places for a Christmas Night Out in Edinburgh

The season of goodwill to all seems like the perfect opportunity to give something back. And at Vesta, you can do just that while enjoying a superb lunch or dinner – £1 from every meal will go straight to the restaurant’s partners, Social Bite, who are working to end homelessness in Scotland. A three-course lunch comes in at £23.50, with dinner priced at £27.50, plus you have the option to ‘pay it back’ by buying a meal for a homeless person at the same time. The cuisine at Vesta covers a mixture of traditional and alternative options, such as haggis bonbons rubbed in oatmeal, roast turkey wrapped in streaky bacon with all the trimmings, a vegan-friendly baked butternut squash dish and chocolate brownie smothered in marshmallows and white chocolate cream. Book before the end of October and you can take advantage of an Early Bird offer.

Avoid the throngs of tourists swarming the centre’s festive markets and hang out with the cool kids of The Pitt instead. Visitors can gather inside the warehouse at trestle tables, among food vans and pop up bars, or outside in the yard. Throughout December, the fare turns festive, with steaming mulled wine and festive themed street food served alongside all the latest gourmet trends and a backdrop of live music. It’s the perfect place to meet up with your pals – there’s no stressing about splitting bills, budgets, or wanting different types of cuisine. Everyone can grab as much or as little of what they fancy whenever they feel like it. The atmosphere is always buzzing at the events held every Friday (6-10 pm), Saturday (12-10 pm) and Sunday (12-8 pm). But it gets busy, so pre-booking is recommended.

Visited by both Prince William and Nicola Sturgeon in recent times, Cold Town House has attracted a great deal of publicity. And the team are going all out this Crimbo with its festive preparations. Parties of six or more receive free fizz when ordering the three-course party menu featuring dishes like Baked Almond & Spiced Lentil Nut Roast, Roast Turkey Ballotine, Orange Polenta Cake and Apple Pie Cannoli. Cold Town House’s castle view roof terrace has already been transformed into a stunning Winter Wonderland in collaboration with Edinburgh Gin, making it an atmospheric spot for some after-work drinks in the run-up to the big day.

The upscale venues of Edinburgh’s George Street are a sight to behold during the festive period, but none more so than The Dome. This is an iconic Edinburgh landmark year-round, but especially so during the run-up to Christmas, due to its famous decorative display. Enter past the grand Grecian pillars swirled with twinkling lights and you’ll find a truly mesmerising fairyland of opulent and elaborate proportions. As such, it’s a favoured spot for Insta-perfect proposals and romantic date nights, as well as offering an unforgettable experience for younger visitors. Choose from its festive a la carte menu, set menu and indulgent Christmassy morning tea options.

McLarens first took up its perch on Holy Corner, where Morningside meets Bruntsfield, just over a year and a half ago in what was the toughest time in hospitality history. But it soon gained an army of local fans. And for November through to December 2021, it has partnered with Johnnie Walker to create a cosy alfresco winter terrace complete with ski gondolas, as well as offering an indoor bar floor with fire pits. The first-floor restaurant will be serving three-course feasts for £35 per person and a seasonal afternoon tea will be available from Fridays through to Sundays.

Overlooking the breathtaking lights, twirling carousels, vibrant German market stalls and pretty ice rink of Princes Street Gardens, this chic rooftop lounge bar offers what is arguably the finest city view during the month of December. Take a seat in one of its comfy armchairs and relax after a day’s Christmas shopping as you quaff champagne or a spiced cocktail. There’s also the option of nibbling on some of the venue’s contemporary Scottish small plates. Nor’ Loft is found at the top of the Market Street Hotel, close to Waverley Station.