The Capital is celebrating the start of December with the ongoing success of Edinburgh’s Christmas, culminating in the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations at the end of the month.
In the two weeks since the opening of Edinburgh’s Christmas, there have been over 750,000 visitors through attractions in East Princes Street Gardens alone.
Community events at the Ross Bandstand have welcomed audiences of over 10,000 people. These have included the Edinburgh’s Christmas Opening Concert, Edinburgh’s Diwali, and St Andrew’s Outdoor Ceilidh.
December is shaping up to be a very busy month for the attractions and residents and visitors are advised to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. There are limited tickets available for weekends throughout December and we highly encourage attendees to visit during the weekday to avoid crowds if possible. From Santa Stories in St Andrew Square to the Big Wheel and much more there’s something for everyone.
In the true spirit of the season over 5,500 free tickets for attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas have been allocated to community groups from across the city. This ensures that as many people as possible are able to enjoy the festivities.
Looking ahead to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the city will be treated to a fantastic four-day programme of events. Alongside the main schedule, the Assembly Rooms will present a host of free and ticketed events, including family events, live music, ceilidh dancing and comedy.
This year also sees the return of the fantastic Torchlight Procession to kick off Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on December 29. The Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral on December 31 is the first event for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to sell-out.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will ring in the bells with cultural icons Pulp headlining the Concert in the Gardens on December 31. Tickets for this are selling fast so booking ahead is important. There are also limited EH Postcode Street Party tickets remaining which give residents a £5 discount.
More information on programmes, schedules and tickets can be found on the websites for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Val Walker said:
The success of Edinburgh’s Christmas in the first two weeks is truly impressive and a testament to the stellar reputation of our festivals, and the hard work of the organisers and Council colleagues who have my sincere thanks. To see three quarters of a million people passing through East Princes Street Gardens in such a short space of time is fantastic.
It’s great to see our residents and visitors getting into the festive spirit as we gear up for December and the return of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. From the Torchlight Procession, to the Night Afore Hoolie, all the way to Pulp seeing us into 2024 at the Concert in the Gardens, and beyond to the First Footin’ we’re in for a real treat.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Co-Directors Dani Rae and Al Thomson said:
It's been a wonderful start to festivities in the city this year and we're well on our way to seeing over 3 million people come and celebrate Christmas with us. With just three weeks until the big day, there's plenty still to enjoy at Edinburgh's Christmas, including a Nativity Carol Concert and When You Wish Upon A Star's Santa Fun Run.
The countdown to Hogmanay has begun in earnest with bring four days of events to celebrate 30 years of Edinburgh's Hogmanay. There's something for everyone in this year's programme and we cannot wait to welcome in the New Year as only Edinburgh can.
Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay are created and designed by collaborators UniqueAssembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council.