FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Photograph courtesy of Lloyd Smith Photography and Film
Photograph courtesy of Lloyd Smith Photography and Film
‘‘Leading down from the Castle to the royal residence Palace of Holyroodhouse, the ancient Royal Mile is the backbone of the Old Town and is a must-see for all visitors’’
the honour of switching on the city’s spectacular Christmas lights. Tom Jones’ protegee Saskia will welcome expected crowds of up to 20,000 to join her in George Street for the countdown to the big moment. This lively event will include performances from choirs across Scotland and a thrilling firework finale.
Throughout the festive period, why not take part in the unique Silent Light headphone party in George Street to help raise money for local charity, One City Trust. Each day there will be five opportunities to join a silent disco-style rave that is synchronised to 60,000 lights.
Staying with all things musical, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the chance to enjoy some much-loved carols around a nativity scene. St Andrew Square is the setting for this traditional festive highlight which gets under way at 3pm on Sunday 2nd December.
If artistic appreciation is more your thing, don’t miss the eye-catching Winter Windows on display. Stretching from West Parliament Square to Newhaven, the stained-glass windows are designed by young artists from Edinburgh schools based on the theme of kindness. For little – and big – kids, there is a myriad of paid-for attractions in ‘Santa Land’ on East Princes Street with many rides priced under £5 per person, so it might be worth picking out some
Photograph courtesy of Tim Edgeler
must-dos if you’re planning a family visit. Lose yourself in the magical Christmas Tree Maze and let your nose sniff you out of the piney puzzle. Take a steady ride on the carousel or zoom down the helter skelter. See the sights of Edinburgh from up high on top of the Big Wheel or 60m high Star Flyer. And climb aboard the Santa Train for a tour around Santa Land. There is also the UK’s only outdoor elliptical ice rink so wrap up warm for a spot of ice-skating at St Andew Square and stop off for a warm cider at the Rekorderlig lodge perched in the middle of the rink.
If hot toddy is more your thing, why not visit the Johnnie Walker Bothy Bar on the Mound to sample some famous Scotch whisky? And of course, no festive trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to its famous Christmas Markets – the most popular of which is located in the New Town’s thriving hub of East Princes Street Gardens. Running from 17th November until January 1st, the large-scale market, voted the 2017’s best in the UK, does a roaring trade in delicious treats – with a focus on Christmas classics like subtly spiced mulled wine and the dangerously moreish stollen bread. If you’re after something a little more off the beaten track then there are also a number of alternative markets dealing in all things quirky. Take veterinary school-turned-arts venue Summerhall, whose 100-year-old listed building serves as a striking backdrop for their one-day Christmas Market on Sunday 9th December. As well as the usual seasonal fare, shoppers can sample beer and gin from the on-site brewery and distillery and purchase hand-crafted pieces from the venue’s abundance of resident artists. A brisk walk back into the centre, the 3D/2D Christmas Fair is neatly tucked away in the
upmarket shopping haven of George Street where the sprawling Assembly Rooms play host to the increasingly popular event on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December. Alongside the selection of hand-painted original art work and exclusive prints, you can buy anything from tote bags to bird houses – helping you pick that special gift for even the most hard-to-buy-for loved one.
Over the festive period, the city’s favourite institutions customarily host a series of fun family- orientated events.
Celebrating the culture, history and people of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland – which is well worth a visit at any time of year – is hosting ‘Sounds of the Season’ on Sunday 9th December with an afternoon of performances from local choirs that is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit. Towards the end of the month, the museum is also holding a Christmas art competition where budding Picassos are encouraged to create original pieces from scratch before submitting for judging. With Christmas markets galore and a spell- binding city to explore, ‘Auld Reekie’ is an exceptional all-rounder for a fun-filled festive break.
As Stevenson says, ‘The most beautiful adventures are not those we go to seek’.
To find out more visit
www.edinburghschristmas.com
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 93
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