Christmas in Edinburgh

Other Edinburgh Christmas festivities

Christmas starts early in Edinburgh, about 4 weeks early that is. In the run-up to Christmas there are many events and celebrations to bring everyone in the family in the jolly seasonal spirit.

As well as the main attractions in the winter festival's calendar -- such as the Switch-On of the Christmas Lights, Winter Wonderland, the German Christmas market and the Ferris Wheel -- there are many other festive events:

Christmas Carol concerts

There are several carol concerts taking place around Edinburgh around Christmas time. The best known ones are the Norwegian Advent concert in St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile on Thursday 24th November at 7.30pm and the concert in St Cuthbert's.

In the 2005 Christmas calendar is also included a night of carols with the Gael Force choir at Edinburgh Castle's Great Hall as well as drama, historical re-enactment and also whisky tasting and ghost tours along the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh's Santa Weekend

Santa-related events from previous years have been enhanced to bring a truly magical family 2-day experience to Edinburgh on the 10th and 11th of December:

Santa at the Movies

The Filmhouse on Lothian Road has special screenings of the classic 'Nightmare Before Christmas' over the Santa weekend.

Santa Comes to Town

Santa's flying visit to Edinburgh is an event that kids won't want to miss. The event in Festival Square -- outside the Sheraton Hotel -- starts at 4.30pm on Sunday 11th December and is for the whole family to enjoy. It includes music, dancing and carol singing.

The Great Scottish Santa Run

One of the favourite Christmas events in Edinburgh is the Great Scottish Santa Run, the city's attempt to break the record of the largest gathering of Santas running for charity.

Each contestant in the Santa Run receive a complete Santa suit in which they must participate while kids taking part in Santa's Little Helpers Run receive a Christmas Hat to wear during the race. Everyone receives a medal at the finish while children get presents. The Great Scottish Santa Run takes place in a 1.5 miles circuit of West Princes Street Gardens on Sunday 11th December at 11am.

>> Back to Edinburgh Christmas guide index