Article Source: Edinburgh’s Christmas
Last Updated: 16 November 2023 9:25
Fri 17 Nov 2023 - Sat 6 Jan 2024
A world-renowned destination for festive fun throughout the holiday season, Edinburgh’s Christmas will run for seven magical weeks, opening Friday 17 November until Saturday 6 January 2024. From shopping for gifts at the traditional Christmas markets, funfair rides for all the family, ice skating with friends, live events, that first mulled drink of the season and the all-important visit to Santa – Edinburgh is the place to be this festive season.
Edinburgh’s Christmas, produced by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, will take place across four locations throughout the capital this year with events in East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square and George Street. Full programme information and tickets to attractions and events are available now via www.edinburgh-christmas.com.
HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS...
There’s something for everyone at Edinburgh’s Christmas in 2023 – whether taking in views of the city skyline from the Forth1 Big Wheel, skating your way into the festive season at the Ice Rink or settling in for a Santa Story...it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Landing in St Andrew Square straight from the North Pole itself, Santa and some very helpful elves will welcome families to Santa’s Stories – a magical storytelling experience where every child will meet Santa and receive their own gift, as well as learn the importance of giving this Christmas season. Create new Christmas traditions at St Andrew Square’s special Post-Box and Letter Writing Station where Santa’s elves will help kids post their requests off to the North Pole.
Get your skates on and take a trip around the ice at Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink with Jet2holidays – back bigger and better than ever before on George Street. The clear undercover rink is the ideal way to take in the majestic Georgian skyline of Edinburgh’s New Town whilst embracing the festive spirit and showing off your best moves before warming up with a hot mulled cider at George Street’s cosy warming zones.
Take a ride on the Forth1 Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest festive ferris-wheel standing at 46m tall and providing stunning views of the city’s skyline. Or take a ride on the TechnoPower, reach new heights on the Starflyer or take the long way down on the Helter Skelter, all located in East Princes Street Gardens.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LIVE EVENTS:
The iconic Ross Bandstand will play host to a programme of free family-friendly events each weekend in the build up to Christmas. The programme features four key themes of LIGHT, MUSIC, DANCE & SANTA and will include live concerts, Diwali Celebrations, ceilidhs, silent discos, carol concerts and even a pup-tastic Santa Paws event.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Opening Concert will officially launch festivities on Saturday 18 November with a welcome speech from the Lord Provost of Edinburgh; plus performances from the Little Stars Big Voices Choir, Dance@Studio21, Siamsoir Irish Dance Performance Troupe, and Sprog Rock.
Other events include the culmination of Edinburgh Diwali (19 Nov) with performances and a dazzling fireworks display; Sing-a-long Saturday (2 Dec) and a Nativity Carol Concert (3 Dec) where you can join the chorus for your favourite Christmas songs; and a St Andrew’s Outdoor Ceilidh (26 Nov) in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Rounding things off at the Ross Bandstand events is Santa Paws (9 Dec) and the When You Wish Upon A Star’s Santa Fun Run (10 Dec). Dress up as Santa and fundraise for a good cause at the 19th annual Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk.
Events at the Ross Bandstand run Saturdays and Sundays, 18 November – 10 December. Tickets are free or from £4 for the Silent Disco with £1 of every ticket being donated to One City Trust.
FIND THE PERFECT GIFT:
Edinburgh’s traditional Christmas Markets are world renowned and this year, over 80 stalls will be located across the city from East Princes Street Gardens to George Street. The local and international stalls will sell everything from handmade gifts and bespoke products to tasty treats and delicious drinks.
The perfect place to pick up gifts for under the tree this year, the Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens will welcome independent traders including; The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company, LoudElephant, From the Olive Tree, Hairy Fairy Gifts and returning favourites The Christmas Nutcracker Shop and many more.
Shoppers can take a trip down one of the city’s most famous streets for shopping as George Street becomes home to a stunning selection of Christmas markets and boutique traders including family-run Soctopus, locals Brownhill Whisky and Native Handicraft.
Foodies looking for tasty festive treats in East Princes Street Gardens can try out everything from Ting Thai’s award-winning Pad Thai to hot pies from Jarvis Pickle Kitchen and finish off with sweet churros, crepes and waffles, or luxury hot chocolate from Hector and Harriet.
For more gift ideas, head to Local Motive’s Christmas Market on Castle Street from 25 November to 22 December, featuring 22 stalls selling quality made local, fair trade and ethical gift including arts and crafts, food and drinks.
SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER:
It’s not just the city centre that gets into the Christmas Spirit, with festive exhibitions and events taking place across Edinburgh.
Pantomime favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young join The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan (25 Nov – 31 Dec) at the Festival Theatre; The Snow Queen (23 Nov – 31 Dec) makes her way to The Lyceum; the Balkan bad boys of puppetry bring Boris & Sergey's A Christmas Carol (A Cabaret) (12 – 21 Dec) to Assembly Roxy; and the 14th annual Edinburgh International Magic Festival (20 – 31 Dec) comes to Edinburgh with performances from Elliot Bibby, Cameron Gibson, Kevin Quantum, and more.
Christmas at the Botanics (16 Nov – 30 Dec) returns with a magical, botanical illuminated trail for all ages; The Polar Express Edinburgh steams its way into Waverley Station for a thrilling theatrical experience; and Christmas at the Palace takes place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse with Exclusive Evening Tours and a Carol Concert in the State Apartments.
Summerhall hosts its Big Christmas Weekend (1 – 3 Dec) with arts, Christmas creativity, and wreath making workshop; the Christmas Arts Market (2 – 10 Dec) returns to Out of the Blue Drill Hall; Edinburgh’s Zoo Winter Village (1 Dec – 7 Jan) comes to Corstorphine; and the Tron Kirk Market (1 Nov – 1 Jan) boasts over 20 Scottish artists and designers all affiliated with the Scottish Design Exchange.
Details of Christmas events across Edinburgh can be found at www.edwinterfest.com
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: It’s fantastic that Edinburgh’s Christmas is opening to the public this week, and I can’t wait to experience the magic alongside our residents and visitors. For six weeks our city is transformed into a true winter wonderland with a wide range of activities for people of all ages. From the Ice Rink on George Street, to the Botanical Gardens being lit up, the amazing Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens and so much more we’re truly spoilt for choice.
“We’re exceptionally proud of the internationally stellar reputation that our Winter Festivals command and I’m sure this year will be every bit as special.”
Edinburgh’s Christmas opens early evening Friday 17 November with the Big Wheel and Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens. The Festive Family Funfair, Ice Rink with Jet2holidays, and Santa’s Stories begin on Saturday 18 November and run till Saturday 6 January 2024.
Tickets and further information on Edinburgh’s Christmas full programme of events and attractions is available at www.edinburgh-christmas.com.
THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.
READ MOREBoots Edinburgh Princes Street store reveals exciting refurbishment and to celebrate, the store is holding a celebration event this weekend, Friday 26th to Sunday 28th of July.
READ MOREInternational champion and Strictly Come Dancing star NIKITA KUZMIN is thrilled to be presenting his first ever UK solo tour MIDNIGHT DANCER.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s award-winning Cold Town Brewery has launched a nationwide search to appoint an honorary chief taster to help develop its new summer beer range.
READ MOREJoin a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!
READ MOREAt this year’s Festival Fringe, Edinburgh University Students’ Association will once again host some of the city’s best local eats.
READ MORESome of the city’s best food vendors pop up for daytime dining at Gilded Balloon’s brand-new bar Lucky Penny including Alby’s, Spitaki, Wing Theory and more.
READ MOREX Factor's Sam Bailey will star as April when NOW Thats What I Call A Musical visits the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.
READ MORECharity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.
READ MORE900 Voices: An ambitious participative sound art project for the 900th Anniversary Celebrations of St Giles’ Cathedral Edinburgh launches as part of Edinburgh International Festival.
READ MOREVadim Grigoryan, co-founder and artistic director of X MUSE Vodka (the official drink partner of EAF's 20th Birthday), shares his highlights below through the lens of 'Symbols of Time'.
READ MOREThe award-winning five-star Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is launching its debut pop-up boutique showcasing the very best of Scotland’s local business landscape.
READ MOREMusic lovers have a lot to celebrate this summer at Vue, with three exciting titles hitting the big screen – including BLACKPINK’s latest concert film.
READ MOREAs Scotland's official Team GB Fanzone, St James Quarter is hosting a Festival of Sport to celebrate the 2024 Olympics.
READ MOREJohnnie Walker Princes Street will offer guests the chance to co-create their own one-of-a kind Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle with Scottish Artist Scott Naismith.
READ MOREBathgate ace James Wood ends five-day event with 2&1 triumph over Jack McDonald at Scotscraig Golf Club
READ MOREOn 24 July, Scotland’s first sing-along piano & cocktail bar – “Downstairs at Betty’s” will launch in Edinburgh.
READ MOREAn exciting refurbishment of 78 former army HQ homes in one of Edinburgh's most sought-after areas is due to start.
READ MOREIn response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.
READ MOREThe landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!
READ MORETrust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.
READ MOREThis weekend and next week, those that love a bargain, especially a high-quality, brand bargain can book a free ticket to come and explore Showcase at The Pavilion, Royal Highland Centre.
READ MOREFrom comedy to drama and everything in between, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the ultimate destination for Fringe Festival activities.
READ MOREOn 22 August, the team at Impact Arts will raise a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as Scotland's leading creative engagement charity prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.
READ MORESip & Bark, Edinburgh’s newest dog-friendly brunch spot, have announced full details of their highly anticipated "Bubbles Brunch" which launched earlier today (18th July).
READ MOREWith striking views over the whole city, from the Castle to the Firth of Forth, The Resident Edinburgh will open to guests from 1st September 2024, with rooms available to book now.
READ MOREDobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the country to a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.
READ MOREInterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel has unveiled a commissioned artwork in celebration of one of the city’s great literary figures, Susan Ferrier.
READ MORECelebrated Edinburgh-based chef, Roberta Hall-McCarron, announces a unique partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live!.
READ MOREThe Bartenders Ball is heading East for the first time, complete with brand new Edinburgh Bar Awards celebrating the best of hospitality in Auld Reekie.
READ MORE