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Edinburgh Christmas & New year

Edinburgh's Christmas Events run from late November until early January. Centered on the massive and spectacular arena of Princess Street gardens beneath the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the space comes alive with the sparkle of Christmas.

The fantastic Ferris wheel dominates the skyline next to the Scott Monument and a huge outdoor ice rink in the gardens provides fun for all ages.

There's the annual German market, more rides for all the family, Santa and his reindeer, the annual Santa run for charity and so much more.

How about a glass of mulled wine for a chilly night and a range of stalls with some tempting seasonal treats.

Shops bristling with Christmas shoppers and the city’s bars, restaurants and hotel are all out to make you welcome.

The programme is announced in late summer each year so see here for more information. Also for here for Christmas Shopping Breaks and our Edinburgh Festival Accommodation page

Torchlight procession for Edinburgh's New Year

New Year is another spectacular event in Edinburgh. Not just one day or night but a full 4 days of celebrations that makes it the biggest - and the BEST - in the world.

The Torchlight Procession kicks off the four day extravaganza every year on 29 December. The procession, which had a record crowd of around 25,000 in attendance last year, was led off from the City Chambers by the Up Helly Aa Vikings and the massed pipes and drums. A trail was blazed (literally!) through the centre of Edinburgh, down The Mound, along Princes Street and into Waterloo Place on its way to Calton Hill

The evening concluded with a sensational fireworks display that wowed the crowd and sent everyone on their way ready for the remaining Hogmanay festivities to come!

Edinburgh’s Grassmarket plays host to music and dance acts on various outdoor stages on 30 Dec. A huge stage constructed specially for the night beneath a domineering Edinburgh Castle is the setting for some wonderful dance routines which culminated in a special show last year - Bollywood Steps.

One of the worlds largest street parties then take place on Princess Street and around Princess Street Gardens. Several specially erect stages feature some of the UK internationally know acts such as Paoli Nutini, Peatbog Fairies and Glasvegas.

Se here for more on Edinburgh's Hogmanay.

Edinburgh's Christmas