With the festive season fast approaching, plans for a bigger and better Edinburgh’s Christmas this year have been unveiled, proving once again that Scotland’s capital is one of the best places to be at Christmas-time.
Commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh’s Christmas 2012 runs for six weeks from Thursday 29 November until Sunday 6 January 2013, with a programme packed full of excitement and wonder. From the spectacular Light Night, to the much loved Edinburgh Ice Rink and traditional markets, the city will once more be transformed into a magical landscape filled with festive favourites.
The city comes to life with a stunning Light Night ceremony on Thursday 29 November on the Mound. A dazzling combination of projection, aerial performance and pyrotechnics will build excitement through a specially commissioned show – Christmas Dream Machine. Revealing the enchanting dreams of a child at Christmas, the performance will culminate in the lighting of Edinburgh’s Norwegian Christmas Tree; a gift from the people of Hordaland. An eclectic Brazilian Samba Band will lead revellers to St Andrew Square, where the festivities will continue with a live after show, featuring an array of local artists, entertainers and a fire show.
Over the six weeks, the ever popular Traditional German Christmas Market will return to the city along with the Traditional Highland Village Christmas Market, plus a number of bespoke markets will take place across the city centre throughout December.
Commenting on the overall programme, City of Edinburgh Council Lord Provost, Rt Hon Donald Wilson, said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is one of the most iconic Christmas celebrations in the world and we are pleased to announce a varied programme of events and attractions for 2012. Whether it’s to catch up with family and friends, or just to relax and soak up the magical atmosphere, we are proud of the fact that so many people make Edinburgh their destination of choice. With the nativity scene at the heart of the city and carol concerts to attend, visitors and residents will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the festive season.”
From skating beneath the stars on the Edinburgh Ice Rink to seeing the city from a new perspective on the breathtaking Edinburgh Wheel, there is something for everyone this Christmas. Visitors of all ages will be thrilled to see the return of live reindeer to St Andrew Square on 8 & 9 December, then Friday, Saturday and Sunday on both weekends before Christmas.
For the first time, there will be a 3D cinema in East Princes Street Gardens, where children and adults alike will love the award-winning Christmas caper ‘Rocket’s Missing Antler’. Rocket is usually the fastest of all of Santa’s helpers, but he has lost his antler, meaning Christmas could be cancelled. The exciting visual feast follows the loveable reindeer, Cheeky Snowman and the Wishfairy as they battle against time to regrow Rocket’s antler and save Christmas.
Nickie Gott, managing director of She’s Gott It!, Edinburgh’s Christmas producers, enthuses: “There is no better place than Edinburgh during the festive period. With the remarkable Light Night starting things off in style, the city centre will be buzzing with activity and excitement. The capital is so magical at this time of year and we hope that our programme will amaze and delight the entire family.”
Following the success of last year’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations, Edinburgh’s Christmas will once again present an exciting programme of activity on the Castle esplanade on 30 November as part of Scotland’s Winter Festival. During the day, there will be a chance for visitors to make their own lanterns, before a specially commissioned night time spectacular, with fireworks to celebrate Scotland’s patron saint.
Humza Yousaf, Minister for External Affairs and International Development, said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas programme, which kicks off in time for St Andrew’s Day and runs into the New Year, is one of the highlights of Scotland’s Winter Festivals. Bringing together some of our most important cultural celebrations, including St Andrew’s Day, Christmas and Hogmanay, this year’s programme offers a spectacular mix of traditional and unusual events that will showcase Scotland’s rich creativity. With such a variety of events on offer, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Santa will be arriving in the city centre from 5pm on Saturday 8 December in his reindeer-drawn sleigh, and will make daily visits to collect his post and to see who has been naughty and nice. There will be a flurry of red and white on Sunday 9 December, as hundreds of Santas pull on their running shoes for the tenth Great Edinburgh Santa Run, in aid of the When You Wish Upon a Star Foundation. Santas of all ages will be able to run, jog or walk the 1.5km route around West Princes Street Gardens.
Andy Neal, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh comments: “With Edinburgh’s Christmas bringing thousands of visitors to the city each year, Essential Edinburgh is proud to support some of the fantastic activities, such as Light Night and Santa’s Arrival – key features of the programme that encourage visitors and residents to come into town during the festive period. This investment is another example of the city centre’s private businesses, through Essential Edinburgh, investing in the Capital.”
Edinburgh’s Christmas is a highlight in the Winter in Edinburgh marketing campaign and is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, Essential Edinburgh and Marketing Edinburgh.
Full details of all events, including timings and prices, can be found at www.edinburghschristmas.com
