Get ready to sparkle
If you are looking to entertain the family during the festive period, then Edinburgh has the perfect Christmas activity package all wrapped up.
With a fantastic programme of events, which begins on 27 November, families are invited to soak up the atmosphere, stunning surroundings and fun-filled range of activities on offer.
Edinburgh’s Christmas offers a stocking full of special events across the city to suit every taste with markets, fun fairs, workshops, Santa visits, storytelling, carol singing, pantomimes and live music.
Some of the highlights not to be missed from this year’s fun-packed programme will ensure you will never be short of things to see and do throughout the holiday period:
- The Winter Wonderland is situated in East Princes Street Gardens and presents one of Europe’s largest and longest established outdoor ice-rinks.
- The Edinburgh Wheel showcases the best possible view of the city – this season standing a majestic 33 metres high over Princes Street Gardens.
- The Christmas Markets will satisfy all shopping tastes. This year, there will be a traditional German Christmas Market and a Highland Village Christmas Market. Visitors will be able to come and purchase a fantastic range of unique gifts.
- Santa Weekend takes place from 13–14 December and marks Santa’s arrival at West Princes Street Gardens. Santa visits the gardens daily to feed his reindeer, collect mail from his mailbox and meet the youngsters hoping to make their Christmas wishes come true.
- All a Twinkle promises to bring a warm glow to all visiting the Grassmarket. Taking place on 14 December, the show features street theatre and internationally renowned acts.
- Ding Dong Merrily on High will see the sky filled with the sound of wind chimes and tubular bells. This takes place in the Grassmarket from 20–21 December, while sculptures of butterflies and fish provide you with a perfect backdrop to the festivities.
- Stocking Filler Frenzy offers a chance to get those last-minute stocking fillers! A shoppers’ information station will be set up in the pedestrian plaza of the Grassmarket on 24 December, where shoppers will be able to get suggestions for those last minute gifts.
- The finale to the Santa weekend includes the new Edinburgh’s Christmas Santa Stroll on 14 December, which will see thousands of participants raising money for Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids and When You Wish Upon a Star charity.
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