Like most cities, Edinburgh is a hive of activity at Christmas time, particularly in the city centre, with large areas given over to the Christmas festivities, including St Andrew Square, Princes Street Gardens and George Street.
While I do love to visit some of these attractions every year, I also enjoy visiting other parts of Edinburgh at Christmas time, including the Royal Botanic Garden to take in the spectacular annual Winter Light Trail.
And as a big football fan, the festive period also means one thing, the big Edinburgh derby between city rivals Hibs and Hearts. Although previously the traditional New Year’s Day fixture, it has been played between Christmas and New Year in recent years, with the big match taking place this year at Tynecastle Park on December 26.
9. See the winter light show at the Botanics
A must visit during the festive period is the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to see its spectacular annual winter light show. | Phil Wilkinson
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10. Go ice skating
Although I'm not quite as steady on ice skates as I used to be, I still love to visit Edinburgh's Christmas ice rink on George Street during the Festive Period to glide, and sometimes fall, round the rink as Christmas tunes play in the background. | Andy Catlin