City gets set for Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas celebration’s will kick off with a stunning Light Night ceremony on the Mound tonight (Thursday). 

A dazzling combination of projection, aerial performance and pyrotechnics will build excitement through a specially commissioned show – Christmas Dream Machine.  Revealing the enchanting dreams of a child at Christmas, the performance will culminate in the lighting of Edinburgh’s Norwegian Christmas Tree; a gift from the people of Hordaland.  An exotic Brazilian Samba Band will lead revellers to St Andrew Square, where the festivities will continue with a live after show, featuring an array of local artists, entertainers and a fire show.

Over the six weeks, the ever popular Traditional German Christmas Market returns to the city along with the Traditional Highland Village Christmas Market, plus a number of bespoke markets will take place across the city centre throughout December.

Commenting on the overall programme, City of Edinburgh Council Lord Provost, Rt Hon Donald Wilson, said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas is one of the most iconic Christmas celebrations in the world and we are pleased to announce a varied programme of events and attractions for 2012.  Whether it’s to catch up with family and friends, or just to relax and soak up the magical atmosphere, we are proud of the fact that so many people make Edinburgh their destination of choice.  With the nativity scene at the heart of the city and carol concerts to attend, visitors and residents will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the festive season.”

From skating beneath the stars on the Edinburgh Ice Rink to seeing the city from a new perspective on the breathtaking Edinburgh Wheel, there is something for everyone this Christmas. Visitors of all ages will be thrilled to see the return of live reindeer to St Andrew Square on 8 & 9 December, then Friday, Saturday and Sunday on both weekends before Christmas.

For the first time, there will be a 3D cinema in East Princes Street Garden, where children and adults alike will love the award-winning Christmas caper ‘Rocket’s Missing Antler’.  Rocket is usually the fastest of all of Santa’s helpers, but he has lost his antler, meaning Christmas could be cancelled.  The exciting visual feast follows the loveable reindeer, Cheeky Snowman and the Wishfairy as they battle against time to regrow Rocket’s antler and save Christmas.

Nickie Gott, managing director of She’s Gott It!, Edinburgh’s Christmas producers, enthuses: “There is no better place than Edinburgh during the festive period.  With the remarkable Light Night starting things off in style, the city centre will be buzzing with activity and excitement.  The capital is so magical at this time of year and we hope that our programme will amaze and delight the entire family.”

Following the success of last year’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations, Edinburgh’s Christmas will once again present an exciting programme of activity on the Castle esplanade tomorrow (30 November) as part of Scotland’s Winter Festival.  During the day, there will be a chance for visitors to make their own lantern, before a specially commissioned night time spectacular, with fireworks to celebrate Scotland’s patron saint.

Santa will be arriving in the city centre from 5pm on Saturday 8 December in his reindeer-drawn sleigh, and will make daily visits to collect his post and to see who has been naughty and nice. There will be a flurry of red and white on Sunday 9 December, as hundreds of Santas pull on their running shoes for the tenth Great Edinburgh Santa Run, in aid of the When You Wish Upon a Star Foundation. Starting in West Princes Street Gardens, Santas of all ages will be able to run, jog or walk the 1.5km route.

Andy Neal, chief executive of Essential Edinburgh, said: “With Edinburgh’s Christmas bringing thousands of visitors to the city each year, Essential Edinburgh is proud to support some of the fantastic activities, such as Light Night and Santa’s Arrival – key features of the  programme that encourage visitors and residents to come into town during the festive period.  This investment is another example of the city centre’s private businesses, through Essential Edinburgh, investing in the Capital.”

Edinburgh’s Christmas is a highlight in the Winter in Edinburgh marketing campaign and is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, Essential Edinburgh and Marketing Edinburgh.