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.
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:
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.
The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour will visit Edinburgh on Saturday 30th November at 12pm
With the ambition to make kindness travel, the tour will encourage visitors to embrace their inner Santa and share an act of kindness with others during the festive season.
Bringing friends and family together to enjoy a magical moment of festive fun, the loved tour will this year support FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste.
Holidays Are Coming! The magic of the holiday season is set to sparkle even brighter this year and to celebrate, the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour, will be parking today at Fort Kinnard, from 12pm to 8pm!
Under a canopy of twinkling lights and festive music, visitors will be able to enjoy fun, festive games, participate in a lucky dip with the chance to win exclusive Coca-Cola merchandise and experience a festive food truck that will serve up delicious seasonal tastes alongside an ice-cold Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, all whilst capturing that perfect seasonal selfie in front of the iconic red truck.
Bringing friends and family together to enjoy a magical moment of festive fun, the loved tour will this year support FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste.
Promising to be bigger and better than ever before and set in a magical winter wonderland setting, for every person that attends the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour, the equivalent of a meal will be donated on their behalf. Coca-Cola aims to donate the equivalent of up to a total of 1 million meals* via FareShare this festive season.
FareShare works with the food industry to redistribute surplus food, which might otherwise go to waste, to a network of 8,000 charities and community groups across the UK. These groups include community centres, faith groups, homelessness shelters, refuges, and schools, all working hard to support people in need. Food is used to bring people together, strengthening communities and helping people access vital support services.
Kirsty Ford, Head of Fundraising at FareShare said: “We are so grateful to Coca-Cola for their continued support for FareShare.
“These invaluable donations help us get good-to-eat food to the people who need it rather than going to waste. Every day, the food we redistribute to a network of over 8,000 charities in every region helps to strengthen communities.
“Coca-Cola’s generous support for FareShare is instrumental in helping people affected by the cost-of-living crisis. This support means charities can unite more people through food to form connections and access essential support services. Thank you for helping FareShare make the food go further.”
This year, the Coca-Cola Truck Tour focuses on the ambition to make kindness travel. Echoing the wider Coca-Cola Christmas campaign message, “The World Needs More Santas”, the tour will encourage visitors from Gateshead to embrace their inner Santa and share an act of kindness with others during the festive season.
Florence Wheatley, Marketing Manager for Coca-Cola Great Britain Coca-Cola, said: “Coca-Cola has and remains synonymous with Christmas, with many people eagerly awaiting the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour and Holidays Are Coming advert to create a little festive magic.
“This year, we’re delighted to continue our relationship with FareShare to support its mission to reduce hunger and surplus food waste. We hope that every person that attends the Truck Tour not only experiences the magic of Coca-Cola Christmas, but also supports FareShare, knowing that the equivalent of a meal has been donated on their behalf, acting as a little moment of kindness to ensure that thousands of people across the country enjoy a more meaningful Christmas.”
For those unable to visit the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck in person, from November, a promotion with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Original Taste will invite fans to scan on-pack QR codes for the chance to win Christmas shopping vouchers!
With a packed schedule of exciting Truck Tour stops taking place throughout Great Britain in the lead-up to Christmas, eager Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour fans can follow announcements about the schedule which will be made over the coming weeks at @CocaColaGBI (Instagram) and @CocaCola_GB (Twitter).
On Thursday 5th December at 6pm, come join us for a festive evening of carol singing, choir singing and live music performance in the warm and welcoming surroundings of The Hub @ Edinburgh College, Granton Campus.
Free festive treats and mulled wine will be served by Edinburgh College Professional Cookery students to get us in the festive spirit, and there will be live performances from Edinburgh College musicians, with lyrics made available for singalongs for everyone to join in.
This is a free, family-friendly event and all are welcome!
The Hub is fully accessible but if you have any concerns about accessing the event please do get in touch.
This event is run in partnership with Edinburgh College and The City of Edinburgh Council.
But this year we have added an extra ho ho ho … book a slot to meet Santa on Saturday 7th December 11.30am – 2.30pm at our family friendly community hub on Cheyne Street.
£8 (including a small gift) with all proceeds supporting our vital services, call 0131 343 0940 to book in.
In the lead up to the festive period, Fort Kinnaird is on the hunt for its first ever Chief Christmas Officer (CCO)!
The lucky young recruit will bag their dream role, with the opportunity to try out the wealth of retailers and experiences at the centre for free, indulging in tasty festive treats and bagging plenty of Christmas goodies all in exchange for their review.
The new CCO will spend a big day out at the centre from seeing one of the latest movies at ODEON Cinema to reviewing the new festive menu at Frankie & Benny’s, with Fort Kinnaird’s newest and littlest recruit rating their experience to make sure it’s fit for a fun-filled festive season.
What’s more, the CCO will also get the chance to sample the new festive hot chocolate and treats at Hotel Chocolat and test out this year’s most popular toys and gadgets at Menkind, with the lucky individual getting to take one home.
The ideal candidate for the role will be a fun-loving adventurer who loves trying new experiences and must be aged between six and twelve.
To apply for the opportunity of a lifetime, youngsters should ask their parent or guardian to email fortkinniard.CCO@citypress.co.uk with their name, age and why they’d be the perfect candidate, by Monday 2nd December at 23:59.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “At Fort Kinnaird, we’re constantly working to improve the experience of our visitors, and launching the quest for our new Chief Christmas Officer does just that – helping one lucky family to make unforgettable memories while ensuring our festivities are up to scratch!
“Whether you’re shopping for a new Christmas outfit, sampling the latest festive menus or catching a much-loved family-favourite on the big screen, Fort Kinnaird is the perfect place to enjoy a family day out, and our CCO’s suggestions will help us to make sure we’re giving visitors the best possible festive season.
“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a child to become our new Chief Christmas Officer will be the ultimate test to see how we shape up, and we can’t wait to welcome the lucky recruit to the centre!”
For more information and to find out whether the CCO role is for you, please see the full job description and terms & conditions, here.
