Enjoy a spectacular festive season in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers the picture-perfect setting to celebrate the festive season, expect twinkling lights, mammoth Christmas trees, a superb selection of independent and high street shopping and non-stop parties including the world's biggest street party at Hogmanay.
The city's full winter line-up has just been announced, but here are a few highlights below:
Events & Shows
Edinburgh’s Christmas, 22nd Nov – 5th Jan
Edinburgh's winter celebrations are set to be bigger than ever this year, with iconic favourites such as Princes Street Gardens’ ice rink and (now weatherproofed) big wheel reimagined and joined by some exciting new additions. Go in search of Santa and the Elves’ workshop, hidden in the giant Christmas Tree Maze or take a tour on board the new Santa train. For the first time a new Christmas hub of attractions can also be found in St Andrew Square, dominated by the 60 metre high ride, the Star Flyer. The atmospheric 19th Century Paradiso Spiegletent will present a number of shows including the circus and cabaret extravaganza, LIMBO and family friendly productions during the day, including Little Red Riding Hood. Tickets on sale now.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, 30th Dec – 5th Jan
The world’s biggest street-party – four days of events, five stages of bands and DJs, fireworks and a torch-lit procession. With the Pet Shop Boys leading a stellar line-up the multi-million selling group is being joined by Edinburgh band Django Django, Chvrches and Nina Nesbitt. The Loony Dook – an icy swim in the Forth on New Year's Day – is the perfect antidote to any lingering headaches from the night before! Tickets on sale now.
St Andrew’s Day 2013, The Grassmarket, 30th Nov
In celebration of Scotland’s national day, this brand new event in the city’s atmospheric Grassmarket will include headline performances from some of Scotland’s very best contemporary folk musicians, storytelling, music workshops, a spectacular outdoor Ceilidh with a stellar line-up of artists.
LIMBO, The Paradiso Spiegeltent, St Andrews Square, 22nd Nov – 4th Jan
Following critically acclaimed seasons in Adelaide and London, this spectacular new production brings heart-stopping illusions, mind-bending manoeuvres, breath-taking dance moves and thrilling live music from a coterie of highly skilled international performers.
The Lion King, The Playhouse, now – 18th Jan
Making its Scottish debut, the multi-award winning stage version of this Disney classic has been a roaring success on Broadway and the West End for over 15 years.
White Christmas, Festival Theatre, 29th Nov – 4th Jan
Brimming with hits from Irvine Welsh’s 1954 classic movie musical, White Christmas is full of tap dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, preformed an all-star cast and dynamic 17 piece orchestra.
Hot Dub Time Machine: Best. Party. Ever, 4th- 22nd Dec
The sell-out hit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013, this prime time extravaganza in the iconic Summerhall will be a seismic, rollicking interactive voyage through the history of popular music as DJ Tom Loud take revellers from 1954 to 2013 in the world's first ‘boogie-powered’ time machine.
Shopping
Jenners, 48 Princes Street
One of the world’s most iconic department stores, it’s the place to go for designer goodies set in a classic Christmas atmosphere.
Rox, Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street
George Street is filled with luxury high-street brands – Whistles, Hobbs, White Company, Jack Wills, Cath Kidston and Scotland’s only Anthropologie to name just a few. New additions include Rox; a stunning jewellery boutique with a 1,500sq ft. Thrill Room and invitation-only champagne bar. And don’t forget the new Kiehl’s store also based in the Assembly Rooms, this classic New York apothecary will charm you with its unique blend of cosmetic, herbal and medicinal knowledge developed through the generations.
Harvey Nichols, 34 St Andrews Square
There’s no greater time to treat others (or yourself) than at Christmas. From McQueen to DVF, Harvey Nichols is packed full of designer delights. Next-door, Multrees Walk is just as swanky; mixing luxury designers such as Louis Vuitton and Mulberry with young fashion brands, including Reiss and G-Star.
The Ethical Christmas Market, Castle Street, 7th – 15th Dec
Now an established Edinburgh favourite, with fair trade, ethical and environmental traders selling a huge range of beautiful handmade jewellery, crafts, homeware food and drink.
For something a little different
The independent shops around Thistle Street, Stockbridge, Grassmarket and the West End are a treasure trove of fashion, accessories, galleries, antiques and designer furniture. Sarah Fallas Interiors in Stockbridge is packed with stylish homeware gifts. For shoes, Helen Batemen is an Edinburgh institution, while Chic & Unique offers a delicious selection of vintage costume jewellery.
Food & Drink
Panda & Co, 79 Queen Street pandaandsons.com
Opening in November 2013, this is the quirkiest thing to hit Edinburgh's drinking scene. Fusing the classic Prohibition style Speakeasy and a nod to the Vintage Barber shop. Expect a commodious wine list, craft beer selection, piquant bites to eat and cocktails designed to visibly excite and have taste buds tingling!
The Dome, George Street thedomeedinburgh.com
No Edinburgh festive experience is complete without enjoying a meal or a champagne cocktail under the spectacular Christmas tree in the Dome’s iconic and restaurant. A festive tradition that needs to be experienced.
Twenty Princes Street twentyprincesstreet.co.uk
An elegant new grill and smokehouse restaurant that mixes the elegance and grandeur of its Victorian heritage with a fresh contemporary design edge. Request a table by the massive triple-height windows for one of best vantage points across the city’s bustling Christmas market and ice rink in Princes Street Gardens.
The Scottish Market, St Andrew’s Square, 22th Nov – 5th Jan
Bringing to Edinburgh’s Christmas some of the very finest local cuisine, including offerings from the Scottish Cafe at Edinburgh's Christmas, the new Scottish Market in St Andrew’s will feature local favourites including Susie's Diner, Spencerfield Spirit’s Edinburgh Gin, Chocmotif, the Eden Brewery and the Wild Game Company.
Family Fun
The Christmas Tree Maze, Princes Street Gardens, 22nd Nov – 5th Jan
Edinburgh's first ever Christmas Tree Maze is a sparkling, shining 300 tree-strong labyrinth at the heart of which, if you can find it, sits Santa’s Workshop. A unique, magical Christmas experience for all the family. Guaranteed.
Peter Pan, The King’s Theatre, 30th Nov – 19th Jan
Starring crocodiles, lost boys, pirates and fairies, this action-packed production features magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, an abundance of comedy and stunning flying sequences.
Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs, Paradiso Spiegeltent, St Andrews Square, 24th Nov -15th Dec
A non-stop theatrical performance of music, puppetry, physical theatre and dastardly dinosaurs, this family friendly action packed show returns to Edinburgh following an acclaimed run during the summer’s Festival.
Little Red Riding Hood, Paradiso Spiegeltent, St Andrews Square, 17 Dec – 5th Jan
From the creative time behind the hugely popular ‘Hairy Maclary and Friends’ stage show, Little Red Riding Hood will transport the whole family to a magical, make-believe land with live music, catchy songs, charismatic puppets and a little sprinkling of Christmas spirit.
The Children's Market, St Andrew’s Square, 22th Nov – 5th Jan
Giving kids their very own independent craft-making and shopping experience, the Children’s Market will be packed with a huge range of hand-crafted toys and unique gifts, along with Christmas craft and gingerbread decorating workshops.
Where To Stay?
Motel One, 18 Market Street motel-one.com
A host of new stylish and affordable hotels have opened in Edinburgh over the last year, including Tune Hotels at Haymarket offering rooms from as little as £25 per night. Motel One at the bottom of Cockburn Street is just a moments from the spiced mulled wine and ice skating at Prince Street Gardens. Prices start from £6
Nira Caledonia, 10 Gloucester Place niracaledonia.com
Opened earlier this year, the 28-room boutique townhouse hotel is located in picturesque Stockbridge. Once the home of renowned 19th century essayist, "bon viveur and hedonist", Nira Caledonia remains true to its bohemian roots, blending chic and contemporary comfort with a touch of theatre and opulence. Prices start from £156.
The Caledonian, Warldorf Astora, Princes Street thecaledonianedinburgh.com
Having recently undergone a £24 million refurbishment, ‘The Caley’, as it is affectionately known among Edinburgh locals, is one of the city’s landmark luxury hotels, perfectly located near the stylish bars and designer stores on George Street. Prices start from £175.
For more information on Edinburgh’s Christmas or to book tickets, visit edinburghschristmas.com.
Tickets are on sale now for Edinburgh's Hogmanay: edinburghshogmanay.com.
