7 Pubs Open Christmas Day in Edinburgh, Scotland
Are you looking for pubs open Christmas Day in Edinburgh? I personally asked each pub which ones are open!
If you’re visiting Edinburgh during the festive season and hoping to find a pub open on Christmas Day, it’s important to note that they are few and far between.
The majority of pubs in the city choose to close their doors for Christmas as most people prefer to spend time with their families at home. Keep in mind that Christmas Day is generally a quiet and relaxed day in Scotland, so be prepared to take it easy and chillax.
However, for those who still wish to enjoy a pint or two in a lively atmosphere, a handful of pubs do remain open. To ensure you secure a spot, plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible.
1. Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar
Address: 30-34 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, United Kingdom
Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar sits on the ground floor of a row of charming Georgian houses beside the 1722 Candlemakers’ Hall.
Inspired by the legendary tale of Bobby, a loyal Skye terrier who faithfully guarded his owner’s grave, the bar pays homage to this beloved canine companion, who’s statue resides just outside (as a doglover, this story gets me in the feels every time!).
Indulge in an exquisite 3-course Christmas menu, featuring a selection of classic starters, mouthwatering mains like slow-cooked pork belly or vegan options, and delectable desserts, including the quintessential Christmas pudding.
Start your celebration off right by enjoying a welcome drink upon your arrival (for an extra fee), with your choice of Champagne or Prosecco.
They also offer a delightful 3-course children’s menu, featuring comforting favorites such as creamy tomato soup, cheesy mac and cheese, and a delectable chocolate brownie.
Please note that a deposit of £10 per person is required for all Christmas Day bookings, regardless of party size. Book your Christmas reservation here!
2. The Albanach
Address: 197 High Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 1PE
Celebrate Christmas Day at Albanach (Gaelic word for “Scottish”), where an impressive selection of malt whiskies await you on Edinburgh’s lively Royal Mile.
This inviting classic Scottish pub at the front or charming restaurant in the back is the perfect spot to soak in the festive spirit.
What sets Albanach apart is its remarkable collection of over 220 malt whiskies. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or simply curious to try a dram, the extensive selection will surely satisfy your palate.
Indulge in the flavors of Scotland with their traditional Scotch pub menu, featuring favorites like Scotch eggs, haggis fritters, hearty pies, and classic fish and chips.
They also cater to various dietary preferences, offering gluten-free, vegan, and vegatarian dishes.
It’s a dog-friendly establishment and they have free WiFi.
Book your Christmas reservation here! They also offer walk-ups on the day of as well.
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Looking for a Place to Stay for Christmas in Edinburgh?
I Recommend:
Inn on the Mile – luxury historic boutique hotel with only 9 rooms
The Balmoral – for Harry Potter fans; JK Rowling finished writing the series here
Apex Grassmarket Hotel – modern hotel with castle views
3. The Mitre Bar
Address: 131-133 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG
The Mitre Bar is a classic pub with distinct personality and legend has it that the bar is haunted by John Spottiswood, the former bishop of St Andrews. The bishop’s throne is believed to be buried somewhere under the bar and is protected by a thick slab of concrete.
The Mitre Bar and Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar are both part of the Nicholson’s franchise and therefore are serving the same 3-course Christmas meal.
You’ll find a selection of classic starters like chicken liver and redcurrant pate, mains like grilled fillets of sea bass, and desserts, including a rich dark chocolate truffle torte.
Vegan options could include a spiced parsnip and sweet potato soup starter and a veggie walnut and almond nut roast.
Kick off your celebration with a welcome drink upon arrival (available for an additional fee) and choose between Champagne or Prosecco.
The pub also caters to younger guests with a 3-course children’s menu, featuring comforting favorites like boneless chicken bites, handcarved turkey breast with Cumberland pigs-in-a-blanket, and a fruit salad with orange sorbet.
Please keep in mind that a £10 deposit per person is required for all Christmas Day bookings, regardless of party size. Book your Christmas reservation here!
4. The World’s End
Address:2-8 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB
The World’s End is where history meets hearty pub fare.
Part of the old Flodden Wall still forms its exterior, marking the boundary that once protected Edinburgh’s Old Town. Brass cobbles embedded in the street show where the city gates once stood—back when locals believed that beyond those gates lay a world no longer theirs.
Their menu showcases dishes like Butternut Squash Soup, hearty Steak & Ale Pie, and the tantalizing 1833 Barbers Vintage Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Don’t miss their signature World’s End Burger, boasting an aged beef patty, crispy confit pork belly, and a glazed linseed bun smothered in apple BBQ sauce.
For a sweet ending, treat yourself to the irresistible Sticky Toffee Pudding.
A popular spot for Christmas Day lunch and dinner, the World’s End bar is in high demand, often selling out early in the year. Book your Christmas reservation here!
5. Inn on the Mile
Address: 82 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1LL
Experience the epitome of luxury and festive charm by visiting the Inn on the Mile on Christmas Day. The Inn on the Mile, a luxurious boutique hotel in a renovated 1923 bank building right on the Royal Mile, hosts a classy pub that offers an exceptional culinary experience.
There was definitely a “wow factor” when I entered the bar.
This pub is renowned for its delectable fresh food, an impressive selection of beers and remarkable array of spirits, including a wide range of single malts.
Embrace the festive spirit with their thoughtfully crafted Christmas Day menu, a delightful 3-course meal featuring delectable choices like Aperol & Cinnamon Smoked Salmon as a starter, followed by Roast Angus Beef Sirloin, and ending on a sweet note with a Christmas Pudding. Finish off your meal with a Scottish Cheese spread.
6. The Advocate
Address: 7 Hunter Square, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 1QW
The Advocate is a warm and inviting homey pub known for its welcoming atmosphere and this dog-friendly establishment, beloved by both locals and tourists.
Embrace the festive spirit with their thoughtfully crafted Christmas Day menu, a delightful 4-course meal featuring delectable dishes like Cauliflower & Chestnut Soup as a starter, followed by the quintessential Traditional Turkey Dinner, and ending on a sweet note with Gingerbread Cheesecake. Finish off your meal with a satisfying coffee accompanied by a delightful petit four.
For the little ones, a delightful 3-course kids menu awaits, thoughtfully curated from select items on the adult menu.
And for those who prefer options beyond the special Christmas Day menu, the regular menu remains available for your choosing.
To secure your spot for this festive occasion, all Christmas Day bookings require a deposit of £10 per person, and menu items must be pre-ordered. Book your Christmas reservation here!
7. Arcade Haggis and Whiskey House
Address: 48 Cockburn St, Jackson’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PB
Embark on a delightful journey of Scottish traditions and innovative flavors by visiting Arcade Haggis & Whisky House on Christmas Day, where you can relish their renowned haggis dishes, sample a wide variety of whiskies, and enjoy the warmth of festive cheer in one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most distinctive pubs.
The innovative Arcade Haggis & Whisky House boasts an impressive selection of over 100 whiskies and a delightful range of speciality fair trade teas. They also take pride in their made-from-scratch cooking.
If you are to try haggis just once, try it here. Who knew haggis could come with different “flavors”?
Try Robert Burn’s Famous Haggis, a sumptuous three-layer column of haggis, neeps, and tatties, or Princes Diana Haggis served with cream, tomatoes, onions, and a dash of Drambuie liqueur, or the Haggis Stuffed Chicken.
Finish the meal with a traditional Scottish dessert, Cranachan, made with oatmeal, raspberry coulis, whisky, and whipped cream.
And for those looking to explore the tea selection, they offer a wide variety of infused teas like Chocolate & Ginger or Berry Hibiscus.
Whisky enthusiasts will find an extensive range of Scottish whiskies from all corners of the country, with a special highlight on their Whisky of the Month.
Christmas Day is walk-in only, they DO NOT take reservations.
Epilogue: Pubs Open Christmas Day in Edinburgh
From 3-course meals to traditional Scottish pub grub, and all the whiskey you can imagine, you have options when it comes to finding pubs open Christmas Day in Edinburgh.
But be sure to book your reservation ASAP before spots fill up so you won’t be left out on the streets come Christmas Day!
Read More!
Check Out one of my favorite bars in Scotland (not open on Christmas):
Curly Coo Bar in Stirling
