The Old Town Christmas lights to be switched on this Thursday

Santa and his elves will switch on the Greater Grassmarket’s Christmas lights on Thursday,

The Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District (BID) kicks off the Old Town’s festive celebrations with the official switching on of the Christmas lights in the Grassmarket Square on Thursday 7 December at 6.30pm.

The free family-friendly event will feature special guest appearances from Santa and his elves who will have the honour of turning on the light display and will be handing out Christmas hats to children. The event begins at 6.15pm with the lights switch on taking place at 6.30pm.

Local businesses will be staying open during the festivities to allow for some late-night shopping and there will be a number of other Christmas offerings such as mulled wine, carol singing, and even some free mince pies.

The Greater Grassmarket is also hosting a free Christmas Festival on Saturday 9  and Saturday 16 December 2017 (12pm till 4pm) which will feature a Christmas market alongside live music, street performances and visits from Santa, his elves and Rudolph. On Saturday 16 December visitors can also get a festive photo taken in a giant selfie snow globe.

Norrie Stewart, Grassmarket BID Project Manager, said: “We can’t wait to start celebrating this festive season and we couldn’t be happier that Santa and his elves have agreed to come down and turn on the Christmas lights with us!

“The Old Town is the perfect place to bring the family to at Christmas. With our quirky independent shops whose unique products make the perfect Christmas presents, great bars and restaurants and the wonderful view of the castle, the atmosphere here is truly magical this time of year.”