A popular Scottish attraction has announced a new Christmas experience.
The Real Mary King’s Close is one of Edinburgh’s top tourist destinations, showing visitors how people in Scotland’s capital lived hundreds of years ago. With more than 1,800 Tripadvisor reviews, it currently has more ratings than Disneyland Paris.
This December, the attraction will be launching a new “immersive experience” that will reveal how Victorian traditions shaped the way we celebrate Christmas today. The tours will run four times daily each Sunday in December.
Visitors will journey back in time to meet the residents of The Close and learn about the history of Christmas in Scotland, including the law that effectively banned the holiday for nearly 400 years. Amid the spread of the Protestant Reformation across Europe, the Kirk in Scotland grew increasingly wary of anything associated with Roman Catholic practices — ultimately leading the Scottish Parliament to enact a law in 1640 that outlawed the celebration of “Yule vacations”.
After embarking on the one-hour standard guided tour, guests will make their way to an atmospheric underground vaulted room for an exclusive 30-minute interactive experience where they will meet a special member of the Chesney family — one of the last residents of Mary King’s Close. Visitors will listen to tales of the festive season, uncovering the rise of beloved customs that live on today, whilst enjoying a Victorian craft activity and indulging in warm tea and freshly baked scones.
The exclusive 90-minute Victorian Christmas experience will run each Sunday in December, with four tours daily at 12pm, 1.30pm, 3.00pm, and 4.30pm. Prices are £32.50 for adults and £25 for children.
The Real Mary King’s Close was recently named the UK’s top tourist attraction at the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. It was also ranked the 11th best visitor attraction in Europe.
General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close Paul Nixon commented: “Christmas as we know it today was once forbidden in Scotland, with celebrations banned for nearly 400 years and harsh punishments in place due to religious laws. We’re delighted to bring this unique tour to life for our guests and highlight how Victorian traditions eventually revived Christmas here in Scotland, and within the city.
“After being named the UK’s best tourist attraction earlier in the year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, we’re delighted to continue offering experiences that shine a light on Edinburgh’s remarkable history with locals and visitors alike.”
More information can be found on The Real Mary King’s Close website.
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