In the two weeks since Edinburgh’s Christmas opened more than 750,000 people have visited the attractions in East Princes Street Gardens alone.
Community events at the Ross Theatre have welcomed audiences of more than 10,000 people. These have included the Edinburgh’s Christmas Opening Concert, Edinburgh’s Diwali, and St Andrew’s Outdoor Ceilidh.
December is going to be a busy month for the attractions and residents and visitors are advised to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. There are limited tickets available for weekends throughout December and everyone is encouraged to visit on a weekday, preferably during the day, to avoid crowds if possible. From Santa Stories in St Andrew Square to the Big Wheel and much more there are many attractions in four different locations.
In the spirit of the season more than 5,500 free tickets for attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas have been allocated to community groups from across the city. This ensures that as many people as possible are able to enjoy the festivities.
Looking ahead to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the city will be treated to a four-day programme of events. Alongside the main schedule, the Assembly Rooms will present a host of free and ticketed events, including family events, live music, ceilidh dancing and comedy.
The Torchlight Procession will be the official start of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations on 29 December. The Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral on 31 December is the first event for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to have already sold out.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will ring in the bells with Pulp headlining the Concert in the Gardens. Tickets for this are selling fast and booking ahead is therefore important.
There are also limited EH Postcode Street Party tickets remaining which give residents a £5 discount.
More information on programmes, schedules and tickets can be found on the websites for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
This is the handy guide which can also be found in the centre pages of our December newspaper.
Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Val Walker said: “The success of Edinburgh’s Christmas in the first two weeks is truly impressive and a testament to the stellar reputation of our festivals, and the hard work of the organisers and Council colleagues who have my sincere thanks. “To see three quarters of a million people passing through East Princes Street Gardens in such a short space of time is fantastic.
“It’s great to see our residents and visitors getting into the festive spirit as we gear up for December and the return of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. From the Torchlight Procession, to the Night Afore Hoolie, all the way to Pulp seeing us into 2024 at the Concert in the Gardens, and beyond to the First Footin’ we’re in for a real treat.”
Edinburgh’s Christmas Co-Directors Dani Rae and Al Thomson said: “It’s been a wonderful start to festivities in the city this year and we’re well on our way to seeing over 3 million people come and celebrate Christmas with us. With just three weeks until the big day, there’s plenty still to enjoy at Edinburgh’s Christmas, including a Nativity Carol Concert and When You Wish Upon A Star’s Santa Fun Run.
“The countdown to Hogmanay has begun in earnest with bring four days of events to celebrate 30 years of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. There’s something for everyone in this year’s programme and we cannot wait to welcome in the New Year as only Edinburgh can.”
Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay are created and designed by collaborators UniqueAssembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
