Edinburgh festive programme has Xmas wrapped up
It may only be marginally warmer than Lapland, but when it comes to getting you in the festive mood Edinburgh is about as Christmassy as you can get without flying to the North Pole. Over the years the Scottish capital has built up a strong reputation for its Christmas entertainment offering, helping it to become one of Britain’s best bringers of festive cheer.
For 2018 the Edinburgh elves have been beavering away all year to put together a six-week programme of events and attractions featuring everything from bratwurst to burlesque.
The obligatory Christmas markets once again span East Princes Street Gardens selling all manner of home-made trinkets and more sausage than you can shake a stick at, but there are also a number of rides and spectacles which punctuate the city’s gothic skyline for the festive season.
For a bird’s-eye view of the attractions head to the Big Wheel in Princes Street Gardens, which runs daily from 10am to 10pm, offering picture postcard views of the city’s twinkling market in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.
For those with even more of a head for heights, make sure your trainers are tied tightly and head for the Star Flyer, also in East Princes Street Gardens, which, at 60 metres high, makes you feel like you’re skimming the capital’s rooftops from its whizzing chairs.
One of the most striking features of this year’s programme is the Silent Light installation, a striking display of arches in George Street, which runs from 4.45pm daily.
Under the 60,000 lights which flicker in tune to the music, visitors can don headphones for a silent disco of Christmas tracks, featuring Mariah Carey and more.
Edinburgh’s Christmas 2018 runs until January 5.
There’s a mixture of free and ticketed attractions, curated by Underbelly, which are priced from £4.50.
For tickets visit www.edinburghschristmas.com, Tel. 0131 510 0395 or buy tickets on the day from the box offices in St Andrew Square, East Princes Street Gardens, George Street and Santa Land.
LNER operate a number of daily direct services from Newcastle to Edinburgh Waverley, a stone’s throw from the markets. For timetables and prices visit www.lner.co.uk