Christmas tree on The Mound is ready to be the centre of attention

The lights were added to the Christmas tree on the Mound today in readiness for next week’s big switch on.

The tree has been supplied by the people of Hordaland and Vestland in Norway for the last three decades. The Norwegian people donate the tree to say thank you for the support which Scotland gave to Norway during the Second World War. It is regarded as a symbol of ongoing friendship between the two countries.

Ross Bandstand

Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations will include open access to the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens which will have a programme of free and ticketed community-focused events in association with various local charity partners.

A programme of festive fun will take place at the Ross Bandstand offering families colour and joy through the Light Night Concert (Sunday 17 Nov), St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh (Saturday 30 Nov), Nativity Carol Concert with Edinburgh Churches Together (Sunday 1 Dec), and this year When You Wish Upon A Star celebrates 20 years of the Santa Run (Sunday 8 Dec), with another spectacular fundraising event, giving kids of all ages a chance to join in the festive fun.

The spirit of giving and community continues with Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, which includes the 10m tall Kindness Tree and Gift Donation point on Castle Street, dedicated to spreading goodwill to those who need it most. Donations can be made to help provide thousands of Christmas dinners, food packs and gifts to homeless and vulnerable families, children, and individuals, or for shelter to those without a roof over their heads this winter.

Residents with an EH postcode are eligible for a 20% discount on tickets to all of Edinburgh’s Christmas events. For further information, visit the edinburgh-christmas.com website.

There are several dates to mark in your diary:

The Christmas Market opens on Friday 15 November with the LNER Big Wheel and the 80m Star Flyer open for business
Saturday 16 November – the Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair opens alongside the Winter Warmer Zone with its festive food and drink stalls bringing the temperature up with some delicious hot chocolate and treats.
On Sunday 17 November the Light Night Concert takes place at the Ross Bandstand
On Monday 18 November there will be a carol concert, the Nativity will be blessed, and the lights on the tree will be officially switched on with representatives from Norway. There will be a procession from the City Chambers at 5.30pm to Mound Place led by the Rt Hon Lord Provost.
St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh (Saturday 30 November)
Nativity Carol Concert (Sunday 1 December)
When You Wish Upon A Star celebrates 20 years of the Santa Run (Sunday 8 December)