Hotels near Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink on George Street

Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink sits on George Street, the grand Georgian street of the New Town, close to Castle Street. It is one of the three main sites of the official festival, along with the two halves of Princes Street Gardens, and the rink is lined with lights and decorations running down the street.

Skating is ticketed, with sessions throughout the day. The programme includes toddler sessions, relaxed sessions with smaller crowds, softer lighting and lower music, and an adults-only evening skate with party music. Next to the rink, a pop-up ice bar is kept at minus 10°C for a short, very cold drink.

George Street is also lined with bars and restaurants, so it is easy to warm up after a session. From the rink, it is a short walk back down to the Edinburgh Christmas market on Princes Street.

Pro Tip: Book skating slots online in advance for weekends and the week before Christmas, when sessions sell out. Look for the relaxed sessions if you are visiting with small children or anyone sensitive to noise.