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