The magic of Edinburgh Christmas and Hogmanay

Known as the ‘festival city’, Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay are two glittering events for the Scottish capital’s winter.

At the end of November, the Christmas lights are switched on amid a blaze of ceremony on Princes Street.

Carol singing, fireworks and decorations lighting up throughout the city centre mark the beginning of the winter festivals for this beautiful city.

Princes Street and its much loved gardens become home to Winter Wonderland, where a host of seasonal activities and entertainment take place in the shadow of iconic Edinburgh Castle.

With lights twinkling in the trees below the castle, the city after dark enjoys a deeply magical atmosphere.

Children adore Winter Wonderland, with its ice skating, carousels and Ferris wheel, and the air of an enchanted Christmas.

And kids of all ages go wild for the snow slide and snow cars.

The bustling German street market, with the obligatory offerings of snow frosted candle holders, charming wooden toys and watercolour prints of cityscapes, is a friendlier, more festive way to enjoy Christmas shopping.

When the Scottish air starts to bite, stalls selling cosy knitted scarves, hats and gloves are abundant, as are favourite winter comfort foods such as mince piece and shortbread.

This can all be washed down with mulled wine or hot chocolate.

A wander will take you to many more novelties, from open air carol concerts to the reindeer at the west end of the gardens.

Edinburgh offers fantastic Christmas shopping, from the popular high street chains that stretch along Princes Street, to independent stores in the old town or designer haven Harvey Nichols.

Theatre lovers are spoilt for choice on the seasonal stage, with the city’s many venues performing for a range of tastes, not least the pantomime extravaganza at the famous Edinburgh Playhouse.

Following Christmas is the event which has proved a cultural phenomenon, drawing thousands of revellers from around the world to see in the New Year in Scotland.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay epitomises Scotland’s hospitality and friendliness. The event offers four days of celebration, with music, dance and street theatre offered in the run up to the countdown.

These include a torchlight procession, creating a ‘river of fire’ through the historic Royal Mile to Calton Hill. Pipes and drums, music and performers play as fire sculptures are lit on the hill.

There is also a street dance or ‘ceilidh’, which is fantastic fun for older children, known as ‘Family Hoog.’New Year’s Eve itself is the time for the world famous street party with sensational fireworks, and concerts featuring high profile acts.

Daring souls may wish to join the ‘loony dook’, where hardy types mark the first day of the year with a dip in the freezing cold waters of the River Forth, in the shadow of the bridges at South Queensferry.

Or, you could just eat, drink and sleep the day away in the comfort of one of the many beautiful hotels in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is hugely popular at Christmas and Hogmanay so advance booking is advisable to allow choice.

Fortunately, with such a vast array of high quality Edinburgh accommodation, there is something for everyone.

You may opt for serviced apartments in Edinburgh or hotels and whatever you choose, this trip is certain to deliver one of your most treasured memories of Christmas and New Year.