Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returns from 29 December 2024 into New Year’s Day, welcoming the world to party into 2025 at the ‘Home of Hogmanay!’
Launching the Edinburgh Hogmanay festival and signalling the start of global New Year celebrations, the Torchlight Procession will take place on 29th December from 18:30 hours from the Meadows.
If you have plans to attend any of the Hogmanay events please make sure to plan ahead , being mindful of weather forecast and travel arrangements.
For all the latest updates and FAQ’s regarding Edinburgh’s Hogmanay please visit:
I was picking my grandsons up from school last week, and I overheard a fascinating conversation in the playground …
Three women were waiting on their kids coming out. I saw them every week and we were on nodding terms. One of them was a tall lady, quite distinguished looking. She smiled, she nodded, she shook her head – but she rarely spoke.
The other two more than made up for her, though. Maggie and Lisa. They never stopped. Maybe the tall woman had just given up trying to get a word in.
“You going to the Nativity tomorrow, Margaret?”
“Nativity? Nativity! I’ll no be going to any fuckin’ nativity!
Don’t hold back, Margaret, speak up! I thought to myself.
Margaret was a tiny wee mum in a tracksuit. Her voice was really loud for someone so small – very impressive. A miniature foghorn! Feisty, I would call her – but not to her face, though!
“Why are you no’ goin, Margaret?” asked Lisa, Margaret’s mate. They were always together, and I’m pretty sure Lisa knew very well why Margaret wasn’t going to the Nativity play. I would wager wee Maggie had talked about nothing else for days.
“Hunter’s a donkey!” Margaret said. “That bitch has made my Hunter a fuckin’ donkey! That’s why I’m no’ goin’”
“What bitch, Margaret?” the first woman asked, probably innocently enough.
“Mrs Bell. Mrs fuckin’ Bell. She’s got it in for my Hunter. Hunter should have been Joseph. He had his heart set on it – he’s been going to drama classes and everything – and she makes him a fuckin’ DONKEY!’
Heads were starting to turn. Lisa said: “Keep yer voice doon, Margaret. The bairns will be oot the now!”
“Sorry, hen. I’m still fuckin’ livid” Margaret’s volume dropped a few decibels – but only a few.
“At least he’s got a part, Margaret. And did he no’ get asked to leave the drama class?”
If Margaret’s pal was trying to calm her down (and I’m not convinced she was, really), it had the opposite effect
“No, we took him out of that class, it was rubbish. Hunter is just full of energy and ideas and they couldn’t channel it properly. It was their fault. Arty-farty idiots.”
She paused for breath “What makes it worse – what really makes me SO FUCKIN’ MAD – is that that wee goody two shoes William is playing Joseph. Everybody knows he’s Joseph just because his mother is Chair of the PTA. Mrs Bell had got it in for my Hunter – and she’s a crawling bitch!”
With Margaret in full flow the women hadn’t noticed that the school bell had sounded and the children were coming out. I hoped my own grandkids would not be out too quickly as I wanted to hear the end of this saga.
The wee group was approached by another woman. “Good afternoon, ladies. Will we be seeing you at the Nativity play tomorrow?”
A strange transformation came over Margaret. She became a different person – and even sounded strangely posh! “Oh yes, Mrs Bell. We’re really looking forward to it – my Hunter is so very excited. He can hardly wait!”
As Mrs Bell walked off to speak to another group, Lisa said: “WELL, you certaintly telt here there, Margaret! You really put her in her place!”
There was a brief pause, and Margaret burst out laughing.
“You cow! That’s you off the Christmas card list, as well!”
The three women were still laughing as they left with their kids.
I never heard how Hunter got on as the donkey and whether young William was a triumph as Joseph. And I’ll never know if Margaret sent Lisa a Christmas card – but I think she probably did.
Happy Christmas everyone!
This story was written for Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen Writers Christmas event at Grassmarket Community Project.
This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season.
It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people.
Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.
I’d like especially to thank those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year. In our NHS and emergency services, our Armed Forces and the churches and charities that will welcome every person this Christmas.
Because I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone.
Because as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us.
This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story.
I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings.
So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.
With the festive period now in full swing, many homeowners are eager to deck their halls with twinkling Christmas lights. However, with the rising cost of energy, it is crucial to consider the financial implications of illuminating your home for the festive season. So, how much does it really cost to run Christmas lights in 2024?
Below, energy expert Dan Moore at PriceYourJob.co.uk delves into the factors that can affect the cost of running Christmas lights and provide you with some practical tips to minimise your energy consumption:
Understanding the Factors Affecting Energy Consumption
The cost of running your Christmas lights is influenced by several key factors. Take a look at the list below to gauge a better understanding of what may increase or decrease the cost of running your Christmas lights:
The Number of Lights – The more lights you use, the higher your energy consumption will be. A small string of lights will naturally consume less energy than a larger, more elaborate display.
The Wattage of the Lights – The wattage of a light bulb determines the amount of energy it consumes. Higher-wattage bulbs consume more energy than lower-wattage bulbs. LED lights are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them a popular choice for Christmas decorations.
The Number of Hours of Use – The longer your lights are on, the higher your energy consumption will be. Consider using timers to automatically turn your lights on and off, reducing the number of hours they are in operation.
The Current Energy Price Cap – The UK government’s energy price cap sets a limit on the amount suppliers can charge for standard variable tariffs. Fluctuations in the energy market can impact the cost of electricity. This, in turn, will affect the cost of running your Christmas lights.
Calculating the Cost of Running Christmas Lights
To estimate the cost of running your Christmas lights, you can use the following formula:
Cost = (Power consumption in watts x Hours of use per day x Days of use) / 1000 x Unit sot of electricity
For example, let’s assume you have a string of 100 LED lights with a total wattage of 5 watts. If you run them for 6 hours per day for 30 days, and the current cost of electricity is £0.24p per kWh, the calculation would be:
Cost = (5 watts x 6hours/day x 30 days) 1000 x £0.24p/kWh = £0.216p
So, running this string of lights for 30 days would cost approximately £0.216p.
Tips to Reduce Energy Costs and Environmental Impact
Although the overall cost of running Christmas lights is fairly low, there are several things that you can do to reduce energy costs and the environmental impact. Here are some practical tips to minimise the cost and environmental impact of running your Christmas lights:
Choose Energy-Efficient Lights – LED lights are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They consume less energy and last longer, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
Use Timers – Employ timers to automatically turn your Christmas lights on and off. This can help you save energy and reduce your electricity bill. Consider using smart plugs or timers that can be controlled remotely as this will allow you to better adjust the lighting schedule as needed.
Consider Solar–Powered Lights – Solar-powered lights are an excellent eco-friendly option, especially for outdoor decorations. They harness energy from the sun, reducing your reliance on grid electricity.
Turn Off The Lights When Not Needed – While it may seem obvious, make sure to turn off your lights when they are not in use. This simple habit can help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
Insulate Your Home – Improving your home’ insulation can help reduce heat loss, leading to lower energy consumption. Well-insulated homes require less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can indirectly impact your electricity bill.
Opt for Natural Light – During the daylight hours, open your curtains and blinds to maximise natural light. This can reduce the need for artificial lighting and help you save energy.
Embrace Minimalist Lighting – Consider a minimalist approach to your Christmas lighting. Instead of over-decorating your home, instead focus on creating a few key focal points. This can help you reduce energy consumption without sacrificing the festive atmosphere.
Which Type of Christmas Lights Are Cheapest to Run?
LED Christmas lights are the most energy-efficient choice. These lights consume significantly less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. With this in mind, LED Christmas lights tend to be the most popular choice.
Here’s why LED lights are more cost-effective:
Lower Energy Consumption – LED lights use significantly less energy to produce the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs.
Longer Lifespan – LED lights have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs, reducing the need for replacements.
Durability – LED lights are more durable and resistant to damage, ensuring they last longer and require less maintenance.
By choosing LED lights, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills during the festive season.
Final Thoughts
While the festive glow of Christmas lights adds undeniable cheer to the holiday season, it’s important to be mindful of the impact they have on your energy consumption and wallet. By understanding the factors that influence the cost of running Christmas lights and embracing energy-saving practices, you can create a dazzling display without breaking the bank or harming the environment.
Embrace LED technology! LED lights are the clear winner when it comes to cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Their low energy consumption, long lifespan, and durability make them the perfect choice for your holiday lighting needs.
Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Consider implementing some of the tips we’ve discussed, like employing timers and maximising natural light. Every step you take towards reducing energy consumption contributes to a more sustainable festive season.
So, this holiday season, illuminate your home with confidence. With a little planning and the right approach, you can enjoy the magic of Christmas lights while keeping your energy bills merry and bright!
DAN MOORE: DanMooreworked as a heating engineer and boiler installer for several years before moving on to work as a domestic energy assessor, inspecting properties and producing EPC reports.Danalso provides expert advice on heating systems and energy efficiency on behalf ofPriceYourJob.co.uk andDan’s expertise has been featured in a range of publications both online and in print.
Fort Kinnaird has revealed the successful candidate in its search for a new Chief Christmas Officer (CCO) – with six-year-old Ruari from East Lothian appointed in the inaugural role.
Ruari was recruited to try out the wealth of retailers and festive experiences at the centre for free, indulging in tasty seasonal treats and bagging plenty of Christmas goodies to make sure they’re fit for a fun-filled festive season.
Ruari’s application stood out to Fort Kinnaird due to his volunteering efforts from a young age and passion for helping others, that the team felt should be rewarded. Ruari volunteers for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) with his granny, helping to collect cans and support at craft stalls. He has also encouraged his school to take part in fundraising for CHAS at Christmas over the last few years too.
Ruari spent a full day at the centre this week, testing out the diverse range of activities available. From watching seasonal favourite, Home Alone, at ODEON Cinema to reviewing the new festive menu at Frankie & Benny’s.
After sampling the new festive hot chocolate and treats at Hotel Chocolat, Ruari also got to test out this year’s most popular toys and gadgets at Menkind – and even got to take one home!
He said: “When Mummy told me I was going to be Chief Christmas Officer for Fort Kinnaird I felt really excited and happy – it was such a fun visit!”
Mum Sarah added: “Ruari knows being kind is the most important thing you can be and to have his efforts recognised in this way is really special.
“I’m so grateful to the team at Fort Kinnaird for making the day so much fun.”
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We had some wonderful applications for our Chief Christmas Officer role, and were blown away by the number of entries and everyone’s passion for the job!
“It was a difficult decision to select just one candidate, but Ruari stood out as a brilliant choice for us and he’s done a great job in putting our festive fun to the test.
“We’re always looking for ways to enhance our visitor experience, and we’d like to thank Ruari for helping us to do just that.”
For more information on the stores available at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
Gifting, tours and tastings, Johnnie Walker Princes Street has everything under one-roof this festive season
The Eight Floor venue on Edinburgh’s Princes Street has Once Again been Named World’s Leading Spirit Experience at the World Travel Awards
The countdown to the most festive time of the year is officially on, and as the lights begin to twinkle and thoughts turn towards celebrations, there is no better place to start the festivities than Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh.
This has been a milestone year for the venue which celebrated its third anniversary and one million visitors from over 141 countries since opening, and last week was once again crowned as the World’s Leading Spirit Experience in the World Travel Awards, known as the Oscars of tourism.
Bringing in the most festive time of the year, the venue is getting ready for party season with festive discounts on whisky and retail items, prize draws of a seasonal bottling and experiences*, canapes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic hot-toddies, plus performances from Wicked Pitch Choir, all available between 6-8 December.
The venue is a must-visit location throughout November and December for anyone looking for festive food and drinks, a whisky experience like no other, or a place to pick up the perfect gift for loved ones.
Don’t miss the venue’s annual wintery projection which will be lighting up Princes Street with eight-storey high nutcrackers, beautifully wrapped presents, and a stunning snowscape to mark its newly released Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet bottle in collaboration with Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
Go online to explore the experiences available or book your spot at the 1820 Rooftop Bar: JohnnieWalkerPrincesStreet.com.
Festive food and drink at the 1820 Rooftop Bar
‘Tis the season for enjoying the very best food and drink, and the 1820 Rooftop Bar has just that. If you’re looking to bring in the festive season with friends or work-mates over a festive meal, or need somewhere to relax after a long day of shopping, pick from a range of small to large plates of delicious, locally sourced food.
Cocktails and mocktails are available at the 1820 Rooftop Bar and are complimented by expansive views over the Edinburgh City skyline and the Edinburgh Castle. Crafted by the talented in-house team, you can select from classic cocktails to something a bit more creative such as the maple syrup + five spice lowball.
This mix of Johnnie Walker Green Label, Maple Syrup Port of Leith Oloroso Sherry and the house-made five spice liquid infusion packs flavour and comes and topped with that all important black sesame cracker.
An experience in itself, visitors can explore one-off rare gifts, to stocking fillers and much more. Discover a treasure trove of Johnnie Walker exclusives, single malt whiskies. From peaty to smoky to sweet flavours, there’s something for every palate, plus you can even get hands-on by filling, bottling, and engraving your own seasonal Johnnie Walker blend which is the perfect gift.
Gift boxes can be packed full of Johnnie Walker goodies galore. Select the perfect combo for the lucky person on your gift list – Christmas tree baubles, crackers, a Johnnie Walker hat made from sustainable materials or a miniature bottle of the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label, make your pick and be sure to stand out at this year’s Secret Santa.
Kind spirits looking to give the gift of whisky to a loved one are also in luck. Johnnie Walker Princes Street whisky gift cards in store to give the gift of choice, from exclusive bottlings, clothing and accessories; or arrange an e-gift card online for one of the brilliant experiences.
Experiences
Experiences continue to be on the rise when it comes to what people are looking for during gifting season – at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, you can hand-pick an experience for the favourite people in your life based on their preferences. From experiences for those new to whisky, to guided tastings from experts for those better acquainted with the liquid and its origins, choose from a host of options and make someone’s winter.
Journey of Flavour (£30)
Perfect for a gift, or just for marking the most magical time of year with loved ones, add the immersive 90-minute Journey of Flavour Tour to your plans, and set off on a whisky discovery experience where personal flavour preferences are mapped with drinks tailored to each individual palate.
One for the whisky lovers, here guests can delve further into the plethora of whiskies made across Scotland including newly added exclusive casks, Mortlach and Roseisle. With tastings of rare and exceptional drams, plus the chance to watch as an expert guide draws from a cask and blends a truly unique iteration just for you – this is a must-do experience for anyone who loves their Scotch.
Treat your loved ones to two of life’s luxuries at this pairing experience. Tap into the senses and taste whisky like never have before – explore the depth of flavours and complexity of taste with four delicious Johnie Walker drams, alongside chocolates from the renowned Highland Chocolatier, Iain Burnett.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label & Ice Chalet Tasting Experience (£30)
Perfectly on season, try out the newly released Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet by Master Blender Emma Walker in a 45-minute sensory tasting at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s exclusive Cinema Room. A stunning blend of drams from some of Scotland’s highest distilleries distilled in the coldest of winters, you can sample this unique, velvety-smooth whisky which evokes fresh snow, warm fires and crisp mountain air.
Rob Maxwell, head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “It’s been a year of celebrations for us here at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and as we approach our third festive season in Edinburgh, we are looking forward to celebrating with our guests.
“Our stunning projection is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to us marking party season in style – once guests step inside, they’re in for a treat, whether they’re in for an experience, a cocktail or a spot of shopping.
“If you’re looking for something wintery, we have it in the form of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet bottle which comes with its own carrier as designed by luxury ski-wear brand Perfect Moment, or if you’re staying out the cold head up to the 1820 Rooftop Bar and look down, cocktail in hand, as the lights sparkle across the city welcoming in the most wonderful time of the year.”
To book your Johnnie Walker experience, and for more information, visit:
This December, Edinburgh’s top tourist attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close, invites visitors to enjoy a brand-new immersive experience and travel back in time to the 19th century, uncovering how fascinating Victorian traditions shaped the way we celebrate Christmas today.
Running four times daily each Sunday in December, the exclusive new experience invites small groups to journey back in time to meet the residents of The Close and learn about the history of Christmas, including the law that effectively banned Christmas celebrations in Scotland for nearly 400 years.
Amid a widespread crisis within the Catholic Church and the spread of the Protestant Reformation across Europe, the Kirk in Scotland grew increasingly wary of anything associated with Roman Catholic practices. This ultimately led the Scottish Parliament to enact a law in 1640 that outlawed the celebration of “Yule vacations.”
After embarking on the one-hour standard guided tour, guests will make their way to an atmospheric underground vaulted room for an exclusive 30-minute interactive experience where they’ll meet a special member of the Chesney family, one of the last residents of Mary King’s Close.
Visitors will enjoy listening to tales of the festive season, uncovering the rise of beloved customs that live on today, whilst enjoying a Victorian craft activity and indulging in warm tea and freshly baked scones.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Christmas as we know it today was once forbidden in Scotland, with celebrations banned for nearly 400 years and harsh punishments in place due to religious laws.
“We’re delighted to bring this unique tour to life for our guests and highlight how Victorian traditions eventually revived Christmas here in Scotland, and within the city.
“After being named the UK’s best tourist attraction earlier in the year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, we’re delighted to continue offering experiences that shine a light on Edinburgh’s remarkable history with locals and visitors alike.”
The Real Mary King’s Close stands as an important part of Edinburgh’s history. It teaches future generations about the incredible struggles people faced during the plague, the extreme living conditions, and the punishing impact of social hierarchy.
The exclusive 1.5hr Victorian Christmas experience will be running every Sunday in December, with four tours running each day at 12.00, 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30. Prices are £32.50 per adult and £25 per child (5-15 years old).
50,000 sustainably British grown, quality trees land in garden centres across the UK
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at Edinburgh and other stores across the UK now.
With a wide selection of 1-9ft trees to choose from, including pot-grown and freshly cut varieties, customers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding their perfect real Christmas tree, and can take one home for as little as £20.
Dobbies’ pot-grown range includes the Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Noble Fir and Norway Spruce. Freshly cut trees are available in Nordmann Fir and Fraser Fir varieties, with slim options available to suit smaller spaces.
All of Dobbies’ real Christmas trees are sustainably grown in partnership with real tree grower, Needlefresh, in environmentally managed fields across Scotland.
Each tree is grown from specially selected seeds at the Needlefresh farms, taken from hand-picked cones which have been left to dry and nurtured into seedlings.
Specialist pruning techniques are used to create a bushy, uniform shape with emphasis on each individual tree’s features, and the work is done by hand to keep any impact on surrounding wildlife to a minimum.
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton talks through some tips on what to look out for where choosing your real Christmas tree, and how to keep it looking its best for longer.
Nigel says: “Before you come to Dobbies to pick your real tree, make sure to measure the height, depth and width of your ideal Christmas tree space, and bring a tape measure to the store to double check the dimensions.
“However, don’t worry if your tree is a little too big when you get it home as you can always trim it to fit the space.
“Once you get your tree home, keep it outside in a sheltered area, cut 1 inch off the base of the trunk and stand in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it indoors – this will help reduce needle drop.
“Once you bring your tree inside, position it in its water holding stand and ensure the water reservoir is topped up on a regular basis to make it last throughout the season. Ideally, you’ll want to position your tree away from any radiators or heat sources as this can cause the needles to dry out faster.”
For more advice, and to explore Dobbies’ range of Christmas trees for 2024, visit www.dobbies.com
From today, visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decorated with magnificent Christmas displays.
A highlight this year is the wood-panelled Throne Room, which has been decorated with two 12-foot-high Christmas trees and a sparkling mantle garland.
A glistening 15-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree and two decorated mantelpieces create a festive atmosphere in the storied Great Gallery, while in the Royal Dining Room visitors will see a spectacular table display.
