Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour worth booking?
Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $503 per person. It scores 42 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 42 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (4)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $503 per person
Explore the city by black taxi on this private 2.5 hour Christmas Lights tour of Edinburgh. Travel through the ancient streets of Edinburgh by black cab admiring the fantastic decorations and illuminations surrounding the historical city buildings and listen as your guide brings the city’s rich history to life. This is a family friendly, laughter and fun tour experience to start the christmas celebrations.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the city by black taxi on this private 2.5 hour Christmas Lights tour of Edinburgh. Travel through the ancient streets of Edinburgh by black cab admiring the fantastic decorations and illuminations surrounding the historical city buildings and listen as your guide brings the city’s rich history to life. This is a family friendly, laughter and fun tour experience to start the christmas celebrations.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driving tour
- Stop where ever you want for photographs
- Private driver/guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Edinburgh Castle
See the castle illuminated for Christmas and stop for photos
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Royal Mile
Meet your guide at your hotel or apartment address in Central Edinburgh. Take a seat and relax in your traditional black cab and begin your 2.5 hour Christmas Lights and illuminations tour. Admire fine illuminated views over Edinburgh Castle and the city as your guide enlightens you on its history. Drive past statues, Monuments and ancient sites all having a Christmas feel The fun of Christmas doesn't stop here, why not stop and buy some mince pies and mulled wine to keep you warm, whilst your guide tells you some family friendly ghost stories. Hear chilling stories of grave-robbers, murderers and famous Edinburgh characters such as Burke and Hare, ‘Half Hangit’ Maggie Dickson. At the end of the tour your guide will return you in comfort to your hotel to conclude your tour. This is a truly wonderful family friendly tour to really start your Christmas celebrations off in style.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Edinburgh
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- See More Taxi Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Don’t waste your time
The tour wasn’t what we expected by any means. It was supposed to be a luxury mini van which turned out to be a regular taxi. We couldn’t hear the taxi driver at all during the tour due to the audio and the windows were fogged so we couldn’t see anything. The driver was exceptionally nice, however this expensive “tour” could have been a $20 cab fare and we left the tour half way through once we realized it wasn’t going to improve. A lot of wasted money and Viator didn’t refund anything. I wouldn’t recommend this “tour”.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are glad to hear that your driver was exceptionally nice, but we are deeply sorry that the tour did not meet your expectations, and that issues with the audio and fogged windows impacted your experience.We want to clarify that we are strictly a traditional London Black Taxi tour company, and we do not operate luxury minivans. We apologize if there was any confusion or misinformation on the Viator listing regarding the vehicle type, as we always want our guests to know exactly what to expect.Your comfort is our priority, and our drivers are always happy to adjust the heating, clear the windows, or use the internal intercom system if notified during the trip. We are truly sorry that you felt the need to leave halfway through rather than continuing the journey. Because this booking was made and managed through Viator, all refund policies and financial transactions are handled directly by their platform. We appreciate your feedback and will use it to ensure our vehicle and booking details remain as clear as possible.
via Viator
Terrible
Do not waste your money! This tour was supposed to be festive and Christmas lights and yes we did see some Christmas lights but the tour guide was awful!! We heard more about his 12 year old boy and his life than anything else. He would ask us a ? And before we could really answer he interrupted to start talking about himself or his child. We have done a lot of private tours in Europe and never once had to weight a review like this. We actually ended the tour a hour early and had him drop us off! When he did talk about Edinburgh which was very little it was not like a tour guide should. We should get our money back as this was not the tour that was advertised! One example was we ended up in a cemetery not very festive! I guess to sum it up that it was Edinburgh in the dark witch we saw nothing then holiday lights witch was advertised!
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are deeply sorry to hear that your festive tour did not meet your expectations, and that you felt the guide’s commentary focused too much on personal topics rather than the history and holiday lights of Edinburgh.Our guides are typically celebrated for their local knowledge and warm, conversational nature, but we completely agree that the primary focus of any tour must always remain firmly on the advertised itinerary and the comfort of our guests. We sincerely apologise that the commentary felt intrusive and that you chose to cut your experience short.Regarding the cemetery visit, many of our historical routes in Edinburgh do feature famous landmarks like Greyfriars Kirkyard due to its deep cultural and architectural significance. However, we understand how this felt misplaced on a festive lights tour, and we will be reviewing our holiday routing with our driving team. We take your comments very seriously and will use this feedback to ensure our standards of professionalism are strictly maintained
via Tripadvisor
Christmas Lights
We had a great time. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. We enjoyed a lovely hot cider at the carousel and took some great photos. Really fun!
via Viator
The best Christmas market to visit 😍
I don’t know where to start.. this is literally the best Christmas market I have ever been too. In fact I actually cried at how beautiful it was. The atmosphere was just INSANE! If you are like me and LOVEEEE Christmas you need to put this onto your bucket list to do this year. It’s honestly the best experience! It made me so happy, made me forget all my troubles and made me focus on what was important.. and that was eating/drinking my body weight in naughty foods and mulled wine. The lights are absolutely magical. The lay out is perfect and I must say the little cute finishing touches they have done to make this as magical as it is, was breathe taking. I am gluten free and the range was absolutely brilliant.. for the first time ever I was able to have a warm brownie with cream.. this alone made me very happy. I loved every single second! There is stuff to do for everyone, no matter the age they have smashed it. They have a cute little train that goes around the market for the children.. and the adults If that’s your thing. Rides for different ages.. and the big wheel, you cannot go to this market and not go on the big wheel- yes it’s 10£ but it’s Christmas, and when it’s Christmas anything goes. There are plenty of cute festive pop up stalls that have all kinds of lovely items. From fake snow to beautiful hand crafted jewellery. If you want to treat a loved one.. book a flight (FLYBE I used and it was sooo cheap- I have wrote a review on that also) and get yourself to the most magical place you will visit this year! Get into the Christmas spirit this year at Edinburgh Christmas market ❤️ ☺️
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by See More Taxi Tours, who run 16 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.5.
See everything See More Taxi Tours runsWhy this scores 42
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour cost?
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Prices start at $503 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 42 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Driving tour; Stop where ever you want for photographs; and Private driver/guide. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 135 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh's Christmas Lights and festive Black Taxi Tour?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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