10 Great Places to Spend Christmas
Why Go: -Fireworks lighting up the sky from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
-Bagpipers playing "Amazing Grace" around the Sir Walter Scott Monument.
Where to Stay: Fireplaces are continuously rekindled at the baronial Balmoral (1 Princes St.; 800/223-6800 or 44-131/556-2414; doubles from $304). The Caledonian Hilton Edinburgh (4 Princes St.; 800/445-8667 or 44-131/222-8888; doubles from $256) is equally opulent.
Holiday Dinner: Sorceresses were burned at the stake beside the gates of Edinburgh Castle in the 16th century, but nothing is scorched at the Witchery by the Castle (Castlehill, the Royal Mile; 44-131/225-5613; dinner for two $250), which stands on the site. The restaurant serves traditional baked Scottish crotin and rabbit wrapped in Parma ham—all cooked to perfection.
Stocking Stuffer: Even non-Scots can have kilts made in any tartan, any fabric—leather is popular—at Geoffrey Tailor Kiltmakers (57-61 High St., the Royal Mile; 44-131/557-0256); they've stitched custom kilts for Mel Gibson and Madonna.
—Heidi Sherman Mitchell
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