Recognised as one of the best cities in the UK to spend Christmas, Edinburgh comes to life in the winter with six weeks of festive celebration.

Check out the What’s On section for full details of this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas programme and information on other events, exhibitions, shopping, shows and promotions happening across the city this Christmas.

Featured Events

Edinburgh's Ice Rink

24 November 2011 - East Princes Street Gardens, by the Scott Monument

Edinburgh's Ice Rink

  • Thursday 24 November – Wednesday 4 January
    Sun – Weds: 10am – 8pm
    Thurs –Sat: 10am – 10pm
    Christmas Eve 10am – 8pm
    Christmas Day Closed
    Boxing Day 11am – 8pm
    Hogmanay 10am – 6pm
    New Year’s Day 12noon – 10pm
    *Edinburgh Wheel open until 10pm every night

The Edinburgh Wheel

24 November 2011 - East Princes Street Gardens, by the Scott Monument

The Edinburgh Wheel

  • Opening times for all Christmas fair rides:
    Thursday 24 November – Wednesday 4 January
    From 10am (last ticket sold at 10pm)
    Christmas Eve 10am – 8pm
    Christmas Day Closed
    Boxing Day 11am – 8pm
    Hogmanay 10am – 6pm
    New Year’s Day 12noon – 10pm

Princes Street Comes Alive!

2 December 2011 - Princes Street

Princes Street Comes Alive!

Princes Street has been transformed to embrace festive activities throughout the Christmas season.  The majority of events and activities will run until the 24th December, although The Scottish Café Christmas Hut and unique La Favorita pop-up restaurant will remain open until the 29th December.  Special events will include: live reindeer visits; the return of the popular Santa Express on Princes Street; performance space for buskers and choirs; a Santa Zumbathon flash mob; eating and drink al fresco; as well as Scottish Christmas and Ethical Christmas fairs, stalls and live music.

Unless specified, all events detailed below are free!

The Great Edinburgh Santa Run

11 December 2011 - West Princes Street Gardens

The Great Edinburgh Santa Run

  • Run begins and finishes in West Princes Street Gardens, by the Ross Bandstand
  • Route also includes West End of Princes Street
  • 11am, registration open from 9am
  • £12.50 adults – includes Santa suit to keep; £7.50 children
  • Register at www.thesantarun.org.uk or call 01357 529 950 / 01332 521 212

Future Events

Other things on in the city today

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh

Admiral Cochrane, The Real Master and Commander
Special Exhibitions Gallery 2, Level 3 – 7 Oct-19 Feb 2012
www.nms.ac.uk/cochrane
 - 0300 123 6789

City Art Centre, Market St, Edinburgh

That was then, this is now
Nov-12 - Feb-12
www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Reflection - Contemporary Visual Arts and Crafts in Edinburgh

Admission FREE
19 Nov 2011 - 12 Feb 2012
Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm
www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/reflection - 0131 529 3993

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh

Beauty and the Beast
25-30 Dec 2011 – Tickets: £10-£24, Children’s tickets half price – Family Tickets just £60
www.lyceum.org.uk/beauty

Box Office: 0131 248 4848
Groups 8+: 0131 248 4949

Centotre, 103 George Street, Edinburgh

Centotre Christmas Christmas Parties – Lunch or Dinner
http://www.lovehappyfood.com/christmas2011/
 | 0131 225 1550

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