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Edinburgh Christmas & Boxing Days

I apologize if this has been asked before, but we will be in Edinburgh Christmas week. Reading from a forum (dated 2006), people were saying there isn't a lot open on Christmas & Boxing Days--mainly in terms of pubs & restaurants. Just curious if this is still the case? We are staying in central Edinburgh and traveling with our two kids (10, 6).

Posted by
2636 posts

yes it is pretty quiet on Christmas day but Boxing day things should be more normal.
Christmas day it really is best to book somewhere for Christmas dinner and it can be expensive ,casual restaurants will be very limited though many of the Chinese and Indian places will be open. bars will also be limited and there are strict rules on children being admitted to them

Posted by
30 posts

Thank you, Unclegus. We definitely don't mind Chinese or Indian. But are there any particular restaurants you recommend for Christmas dinner--where we would have to make reservations?

Posted by
2636 posts

sorry can't really recommend anywhere as I just don't go into the city at that time of year .In Scotland it is very much family and friends time for us . I think nearer the time look for places near where you are staying and see what is on offer , but let me know where you are staying and I will see what I can find out for you.
http://www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk/locations/edinburgh/
this place may be open Christmas day, a buffet restaurant that has a wide range of choices and is pretty reasonably priced.I have been in there on New years day so would think they might be open Christmas day but just not sure.
Public transport is extremely limited on Christmas day and taxis are allowed to charge twice the normal fare.

Posted by
8293 posts

If you will be staying at a hotel consult with them about possibilities by email or phone, a couple of months ahead.

Posted by
1634 posts

Have you booked the accomodation yet? It is probably best to find out the local restaurants as soon as, and get recommendations from them. As others have said, Christmas restaurants are limited, and expensive. Boxing Day, it starts to get a lot cheaper and as it falls on a Tuesday this year, the shops and food courts will be re opening.

Posted by
30 posts

Yes, we've already booked our lodging. I don' think we're going to go a traditional Scottish Christmas route and go for Indian or Chinese, instead. Are reservations still necessary?

Posted by
1634 posts

Yes, it is always advisable to book as early as possible for those dates.