Christmas tree on The Mound is ready to be lit up

The festivities begin early in the capital from 15 November with some attractions opening a week later

On 18 November the Christmas tree on the Mound will be lit up during a short ceremony at 6.20pm when the Lord Provost will be joined by representatives from Hordaland in Norway. Although the tree – usually a Norwegian Spruce – no longer actually comes from Norway, the town gifts a tree to the city in recognition of the help which Scots gave them during the Second World War. Afterwards the free Norwegian Advent Carol Concert is on at St Giles’ Cathedral at 7pm.

SingalongaXmas

As Buddy said in the film, Elf: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”.

And if singing is what you like best about the festive season, then there are plenty of occasions when you can warm up the vocal chords for a seasonal song or two. On 23 November the free Light Night Concert takes place at the Ross Bandstand from 2pm to 6pm with a lovely afternoon of music and entertainment planned. Wrap up warm and enjoy the lantern parade and choir singalongs, and watch out for the Snow Queen and the juggling elves in the audience.

The free Nativity Carol Concert will be held in the courtyard at Assembly Hall on the Mound on 30 November from 5pm to 6pm with performances by local school and church choirs.

Edinburgh Sings! is another free event which will involve community and performance choirs on 6 December and everyone is invited to belt out the Christmas carols and seasonal hits at the Ross Bandstand from 2pm to 5pm. On 13 December there will be a silent disco at the bandstand from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Local music and dancing

On 29 November – Fair Saturday from noon until 6pm will be all about local talent with artists and organisations gathering to celebrate Scottish traditions. At the end of an afternoon of entertainment, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will rock your socks off with their unique bagpipe rock. At Ross Bandstand.

But if it is dancing you’re after then get along to the St Andrew’s Day Family Ceilidh at the Ross Bandstand on 30 November when the Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience will help you step gaily round the dance floor. There is no need to know the dances beforehand as the band caller will instruct you in which foot to put where. The Dashing White Sergeant involves groups of three so you don’t even need a dancing partner to get on the dance floor. Local Highland dancers will help you whirl to the skirl of the top ceilidh band by showing you a few dances first. From noon until 6pm.

A tinsel covered heads up that it is time to start training to take part in the 21st Santa Fun Run & Walk on 7 December (registration is at 9.30 and the run starts at 11am in West Princes Street Gardens. The run – which welcomes Santas, Elves and Santa Paws – is a fundraiser for the charity When You Wish Upon a Star which grants the wishes of children aged 4 to 16 with life threatening illness.

This is a wonderful family event when anyone of any age can take part – there will be people pushing buggies and prams as well as people becoming overheated in their Santa suits on a cold and frosty morning. For anyone with a business there are opportunities to sponsor the spectacle.

The charity began with a simple wish – founder, Barbara White, OBE, met a seriously ill four year-old who said she would love to meet Mickey Mouse. Since then children have become princesses for a day, met the Red Arrows, swam with dolphins and travelled on sleigh rides to take them away from the realities of ill health. Families are invited along to enjoy the fun and create Christmas memories.

Judith King, Scotland Fundraiser at When You Wish Upon A Star said: We are truly honoured to be selected as one of the charity partners for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festival with their support, we can grant even more wishes for local children living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

“Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay are at the heart of our Wish family in Scotland. They consistently go above and beyond to support not only our wish-granting work but also our beloved Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk, now in its 21st year. This festive season, their contribution will strengthen local communities, positively impact service users, and make a real difference for those who rely heavily on charitable support every day. We are proud to be part of Edinburgh Christmas Magic this year.”

Bars and stars

Adults can visit The Polar Ice Bar and step inside The Ice Queen’s Castle. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the ice carvings and wall etchings while sipping your favourite cocktail from a perch on a chair which is also sculpted from ice. With the temperature at -8°C guests are reminded to wear all their winter woollies!

To market, to market…

The Christmas markets will be installed in their usual spot in East Princes Street Gardens with local and international products on sale, all helping to solve the problem of what gifts to buy.

And when the shopping is done take to the skies with the Around the World Star Flyer which stands an amazing 80 metres above the garden (yes it is for the bravest only!) offering wonderful views along Princes Street and up to Edinburgh Castle.

This year look out for Santa’s Stories from 23 November which is conveniently located in West Princes Street Gardens right beside the family funfair – and post any letters to Santa in Santa’s post box. Relaxed sessions are scheduled.

LNER sponsor the Big Wheel once again which offers a more sedate way of getting up where the air is bright to look down on the Christmas lights. The pods are enclosed and seat six people so this is the perfect attraction for families – and the ride is also suitable for manual wheelchairs.

Coast around the Ice Rink on George Street (at the Charlotte Square end) rediscovering any Torvill and Dean moves while enjoying the music. There are sessions for young children, late sessions for the office party crowd and relaxed skating for anyone who needs a quieter environment.

Discounts and free tickets

Get the discount! If you have an EH postcode then you can claim a 20% saving off the cost of a ride on the LNER Big Wheel, the Around the World Star Flyer, the Ice Rink and Santa’s Stories.

Community tickets are now available. Edinburgh’s Christmas gives everyone the chance to take a free ride with more than 8,500 free tickets for local community groups and charities. This is more tickets than were made available last year and UniqueAssembly, the producers of the Christmas glitter in the city centre, want to hear from any group or volunteer organisation which would like to apply for some of the freebies. There is a formal application process on the website but you will have to be quick as it closes on 5 November at 11.59pm. There are also group and school discounts on offer.

All details on the website.

Workers put over 1000 metres of Xmas lights onto the Xmas tree on The Mound
Picture Alan Simpson