Sweet treats at the Traditional German Christmas Market

The Traditional German Christmas Market is now a much-loved feature of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations.

Situated on the Mound Precinct, the wooden chalet-style stalls sell a wide range of decorations – traditional and modern – and a wonderful selection of food and drink. The stallholders from Frankfurt are friendly and happy to tell you more about their produce – though by now the Glühwein needs no introduction!

After dark, the Market looks beautiful, with the lights on the stalls adding to the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s ‘Christmas central’ between the Mound and Waverley Bridge.

We visited during the day, however, when the twinkling lights were just as attractive – as were the aromas coming from the food stalls and the punch cauldrons!

The Traditional German Christmas Market will be at the Mound Precinct until Christmas Eve. It opens at 10am every day, closing at 8pm Sun-Wed; and 10pm Thu-Sat (8pm on Christmas Eve)

Gallery

The Norwegian Christmas Tree on The Mound

Edinburgh’s Christmas got off to a dazzling start yesterday, as The Snow Queen lit the Norwegian Christmas Tree on the Mound as part of the Light Night celebrations.

Although the strong winds curtailed some of the planned fireworks and pyrotechnics, the sound and light show was still spectacular and enjoyed by the onlookers packed onto the Mound.

The German Market, the Highland Christmas Village, the ice rink and the Christmas Fair were all open for business too and attracted huge crowds despite the bitter weather. No doubt the Glühwein helped…

Celebrations continued in St Andrew Square with performances from acts from Edinburgh’s Got Talent; and in the West End, where the lights and decorations of the West End Village were also switched on.

So now the centre of Edinburgh is once again transformed into a festive wonderland – with plenty for everyone to enjoy during the lead-up to Christmas!

Here’s our video and photo record of the evening.

Gallery

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues

16 to 19 Dec. 2000 (2100) @ The Store (formerly The GRV), Guthrie Street

The Eight are the elite reindeer team whose mission it is to see Santa safely through horrendous conditions so that he can penetrate your chimneys, creep about your houses and give your kids something to remember him by. But what exactly does he give them? And what exactly happened in the currently raging Toy Shop scandal? For allegations of sexual harassment have been made against Santa Claus by a member of The Eight and Christmas itself is under threat.
 
Peapod Productions’ debut is a play for adults in which dark and rather dirty comedy, including some fine one-liners, is a strong foil for the severity of the allegations being made. While the claim that the truth becomes ‘funnier and funnier’ isn’t quite merited, the many laughs in Jeff Goode’s play serve to highlight the deeply disturbing subject matter – what those in power might be getting away with, given closed doors and knowing collusion, here seen in the sexual arena. Fortunately, The Eight stimulates thought without being too heavy in its presentation, for Stuart Nicoll’s direction balances the light and dark well.
 
Three actors – Philip Kingscott, Thomas Hallen and Justine Wortsman – bring seven of the elite herd to contrasting life, with obvious humour, clear characterisation and versatility, while Kirsty Eila McIntyre, as Santa’s accuser, makes her presence felt very effectively, and sensually, in her single role. The eight reindeer are clearly depicted and provide great fun which is then punctuated at points by some shocking poignancy. Stereotypes – stiff-upper-lip officer, entertaining gay, feminist activist, reformed hell raiser, bubbly airhead, doddery dad and in-your-face slut – are rounded out with conflicting aspects and made very human for all that they are reindeer.
 
The play is not as ambiguous as one might first expect – that could be a plus or minus – the cabaret setting is not fully explored physically, sometimes accents wander confusingly and very occasionally connection to the style of writing is not fully realised / believable. That said, this is a show worth seeing.
 
There are always a number of claims at this time of year for ‘alternative Christmas shows’ – The Eight: Reindeer Monologues can certainly make that claim without contradiction. This play is already very popular in the states and has become a tradition in some places, playing for its seventh time in one American theatre right now. Here, Peapod Productions brings it to you – find out if this dirty, dark, disturbing comedy can become part of your seasonal traditions!

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

The Secret Garden runs until 8th January 2011 at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre.  Times and prices vary. 

By Danielle Farrow 

This triple Tony Award winning musical by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon focuses strongly on relationships and the harm people do to themselves in being ‘contrary’ to avoid pain. When newly orphaned Mary Lennox is transplanted from India to the Yorkshire Moors, wind wuthers through the haunting ‘house on the hill’, ghosts drift through it and the cries of a hiding boy, Colin Craven, alert her to one of the secrets of her new home. The children’s journey to health in body and mind is beautifully mirrored in the set and lighting of this production, from muted, dull remoteness to warm, ‘wick’ connection, particularly in that other great secret – the garden itself (though a little more brilliance could make its final transformation even more glorious).
 
The boy’s father Archibald Craven makes his own parallel journey, and his relationship to his ghost wife Lily forms probably the strongest thread played out. Relationships (and even whose eyes haunt) are changed from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s story in ways that reinforce the chosen theme: life has its ‘wuthering’, the painful struggle to get through, but being alive – being ‘wick’ – means that along with the pain you can experience joy, growth and connection.
 
The roles of Mary and Colin are shared, with Ellie Coldicutt and Gene Goodman performing on this occasion. Coldicutt was strong throughout, with an apt stillness and occasional deadpan comic delivery that worked well, and Goodman grew into an engaging performance. Siobhan Redmond’s imposing presence means one wishes for more of her Mrs Medlock, but the cast performs well, highlights being the haunting influence of the opening, “Hold On” by Lauren Hood as Martha and much of Sophie Bould’s singing as the dead Lily. Caspar Phillipson as Archibald Craven and Graham Bickley in the altered role of his brother add greatly to the dramatic force of this production, which has strong duets and solos, though occasionally, where three or four principal characters were singing and in some of the choral dance routines, there was a slight ‘messiness’.
 
That said, overall the choreography and the music especially illustrated story and feeling beautifully. The use of lights held by the dancers worked particularly well at differing points, the set was adjusted naturally, and the music really supported the main strength of this production – the way in which heightened feelings were delicately and effectively played upon, bringing great pathos and emotional swells. Place was also reflected well, with traditional influences for both India and the moors.
 
The joys and humour in Mary’s development do appear but are given less attention than the painful relationships because of the chosen focus of this production. Even so, The Secret Garden musical is fairly faithful to the book and, with this focus, has real depth: the audience too can experience joy, growth and connection.

Edinburgh is still under a blanket of the white stuff, but Edinburgh Castle is looking breathtakingly beautiful at the moment.

Edinburgh Castle, 3rd December 2010

From Princes Street Gardens

From West Princes Street Gardens

From Princes Street at Frederick Street

Haggis and turkey feature on this Indian Christmas menu.

Perhaps having Christmas dinner at an Indian restaurant isn’t to everyone’s taste, but let me assure you, it’s well worth having at The Spice Pavilion in the New Town.

Samosas with Crombie's haggis

We do love the restaurant and have reviewed it before for a table of two and a group meal but were interested to see how they would cope with a small Christmas party.  There were eight of us in total, but this review covers two diner’s choices only.

We were warmly welcomed by the staff who took our coats and hats were taken away to be dried out in the staff room whilst we perused the set Christmas menu at £19.95 per person.  Our complimentary poppadoms and dips were brought swiftly to our table as well as the drinks order.

I was intrigued to see what the haggis samosa would taste like, so ordered it for my starter whilst one of my dining partners chose the spicy turkey.  The manager informed us that the haggis had been supplied from Crombies in Broughton Street and was nothing short of heavenly.  The haggis samosa set the tone for the rest of the meal – one of pure excellence.

The spicy turkey starter also received approval and choices of two vegetarian starters  for the non-meat eaters in our party were available.

Main courses were served in unision for the table.   I quickly tucked into my dish of chicken pasanda with lemon rice and peshwari nan bread, whilst my dining partner went for his favourite Kathmandu murgh.  Both of the dishes were perfect in quantity as well as quality, with extremely succulent chicken and wonderful spices.

Delightful Indian food makes a good Christmas meal alternative

Between the table, we covered half of the 15 or so dishes available on the Christmas menu, all receiving  praise.   Along with various rices and nan breads and there wasn’t a morsel of food left on anyone’s plate.

Our table was swiftly cleaned and hot moist towelettes handed out.  A suffucient period of  ’rest time’ passed before our dessert of ice cream kulfu with gulab jaman was served followed by tea and coffee (with mints).

The whole experience was faultless with a great restaurant atmosphere (without being too loud).  At £19.95 (+ alcohol + tip) makes it a good value Christmas meal for the quality of the Indian feast delivered.

The Spice Pavilion continue to provide excellent food with a genuine smile and we’re very tempted to pay them a visit on Christmas day as they’re serving a special menu on the 25th for the same price.

Christmas menu - available now

By Sophia Brennert

Gusto Christmas menu hits the mark

Apple Pie Martini

Is it just me, or is the early onset of one very uppity winter attempting to ruin an otherwise smooth ride towards the proverbial partridge in a pear tree?

The relentless snow has been wreaking havoc with my festive cheer, and I’m fed up. So fed up that I have thrown away years of suspicion over specialty holiday menus and lunged hungrily at the opportunity to have my Christmas spirit literally fed to me.

Gusto on George Street launched their new Christmas menu this week and it turned out to be anything but the dry turkey Christmas meals I’ve suffered through in the past.

First of all, to compliment the menu the talented bar staff have designed an array of Christmas-themed cocktails, including a winter berry mojito and a rum punch with port and the zing of pineapple and orange (like a hug in a glass). I lingered a long time over the apple pie martini, enjoying the waft of cinnamon and vanilla between sips. Ladies: horrible day? Imagine being able to ring out an apple pie and add vodka. It is splendid.

It was hard to choose from the menu, especially the mains (salmon? turkey? steak? cannelloni?). But with some sound advice from our server we settled in and I fell instantly in love with my starter: a winter leaves salad with goats cheese and a honey roasted figs. Peppery rocket, the crunch of homemade olive-oil laden croutons and the sweet whisper of honey over goat’s cheese. 

Winter salad

“I fell instantly in love with my starter”.

For me the test of a Christmas menu is still the turkey. It has to be done, but the challenge for a restaurant is to highlight traditional flavours without succumbing to the pitfalls of same-old turkey and trimmings. Gusto’s answer is a turkey escalope with cured ham and sage, served with a rich white wine reduction and marinated aubergines that almost melted when I ate them.

Of course if you would rather save turkey until the big day, the steak is a great option. They have gone for a warming masala wine sauce which played nicely off the sweet and salt flavours of a shallot and pancetta confit. To accompany, rosemary roast potatoes gave both dishes that homey, Sunday meal feeling.

 ”marinated aubergines that almost melted when I ate them”.

Gusto's turkey

For dessert we chose the cappuccino panna cotta and the chocolate torte. Although it had no alcohol, the panna cotta reminded me of the cozy satisfaction of adding Bailey’s to coffee – pure comfort. The torte was seriously rich but the generous serving of raspberries added the perfect tart contrast.

By the time we finished I had developed the slow, goofy grin that is my body’s response when I am deeply pleased. At £25.95 the Christmas menu is pleasantly affordable, which allows for the addition of other treats (mmmmm….cocktails).

Walking home afterward the winter world looked beautiful again. Christmas spirit restored! Now for presents. Do you think they could wrap an apple pie martini?

Chocolate Torte

You can peruse the Gusto Christmas menu on their website, or join their facebook page.

Suitable for disabled?   Yes, Gusto has a ground level entrance with an accessible bathroom.

Yesterday we posted photos of the Water of Leith Leaf family with a light dusting of snow on top.  Today it seems there’s been a new addition to the bench, a snow-baby, as well as a whole lot of fresh snow.

Snow baby

The Leaf-snow family with even more snow

Leaf dog and snow baby

Original Leaf guy

We love the recent additions of the Leaf family on the Water of Leith walkway, but were concerned for their welfare after the snowfall last night.  We’re glad to report that everyone is fine with their new snow coverage and don’t think it will be that long before they have some snow friends

Updated Sunday 28th November – New addition to the family.

Leaf man

Leaf couple

Leaf guy

Leaf couple with their dog

We wouldn’t dream of revealing who the leaf artist is, but would like to say a huge thank you to that person for providing such lovely leafy art work in a beautiful part of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh’s Christmas kicked off in style Thursday night with the help of the French street theatre company, ‘Transe Express’, which provided a spectacular aerial performance to light the Norwegian Christmas Tree and thousands of lights throughout Princes Street Gardens.

Photos copyright of Angela Bonnar and Edinburgh Spotlight.

Transe Express

High up in the cold Edinburgh air

And the lights are on

Fireworks

Christmas angel

Christmas carousel

Panto season is about to begin in Edinburgh once more, but Jack and the Beanstalk at the King’s Theatre is our firm favourite.  Rehearsals have started and I was lucky enough to speak to director and lead members of the cast over dinner at Gusto in George Street.

With a spring in their step, the foursome walk into the restaurant and greet one another like they haven’t seen each other for months: but in reality it’s only been a couple of hours.  There’s no hiding the firm friendship between Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott as they bounce off each other all evening, with director Paul Elliot chipping in with memories and one-liners that had everyone in stitches.

Andy, Grant, Allan and Paul

I had intended to ask a series of set questions, but that plan soon went out the window as they started recalling stories from previous pantos, the overgrown boys trying to show each other up with outrageous tales of what really goes on behind the scenes.

This year sees Paul produce the panto for the 9th time and he is extremely happy with the script which he has been working on since April.  Nothing is repeated in panto land, with all ideas fresh and current.  It’s certainly going to be interesting to see a 40 foot beanstalk and a 30 foot giant grace the stage.

Baby-faced Allan

Holding my hands over my ears, I try not to listen when they talk about specific scenes they are rehearsing – I want everything to be a surprise when I go and watch it.  It’s been a firm fixture in our family for years and despite my 30 something years, I wouldn’t miss it for the world – it’s not just for children, adults can enjoy a trip to the panto too.

Allan Stewart who is playing Dame Trot,  looks at least 15 years younger than his age of 60 and puts it down to his healthy lifestyle.  He tells me: “It’s hard work performing for 7 weeks with very little time off, so I’ve been walking everywhere and watching what I eat to build up my stamina.”  

It was the first time I had met Stewart in person and was strange to see him out of a frock and not speaking like a woman.  His skin is the envy of women across the land and he lets me into the secret that as well as good genes he’s using Keihl’s Face Fuel.  

Allan tells me that he was as gobsmacked as anyone when Susan Boyle turned up at a performance at last year’s pantomime and joined him on stage as he impersonated her.  I asked him if there was a chance that this year’s ‘target’ could turn up and he winked at me and said “it’s rumoured that she’s a local now, so who knows?”

Andy Gray is delighted to be back in Edinburgh as King Crumble and I’m shot down in flames by the others when I said it would be excellent this year, now that the trio are back together again (insinuating it wasn’t excellent before).  I quickly justify myself, but my cards are marked.  Andy does no special training prior to rehearsals apart from a ‘vitamin regime’ but he adds, “I just give up my galaxy caramels and the routine of the panto keeps the weight off anyway.”

Andy's back

He’s genuinely delighted to have returned to work with his friends.  “It’s like I’ve never been away” he tells me as Allan and Grant look on and express how happy they are he’s back.  When asking all of them what they do on their few days off during the panto run, spending time with family is the answer.  Andy and Allan live in Edinburgh for the duration with director Paul returning to London to keep his eye on his many other theatre projects.  “When the directors away………” they all laugh, nudging each other to say that everything goes to plan in his absence.  I’m  not convinced with this trio and their power to ad lib.  Paul continues to eat his food and keeps quiet, he knows after 9 years of working with them what they are truly like.

Although Grant Stott lives in Edinburgh with his family he almost has us reaching for the violins when he tells us he doesn’t get a single day off apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s day.  “Aaaaawwwwww” we all tell him, but as Edinburgh people know, he’s got his daily Radio Forth show to do as well as his many charity events he helps out with.  Sporting a dodgy-looking Movember moustache, the ardent Hibee says, “there won’t be a Hearts strip on my body ever again in panto, I’ve still got the rash from last time” he jests.  “But there’s certainly a few references to that part of town this year, shall we say”.  

Taking on the role of Fleshcreep the baddie, I ask him if he’s booed when spotted in the flesh. “Yes, I am and it took me a while to work out a few years back that it was because of the panto”.  He recalls a booing incident at a charity event and says “it must’ve been because I play the baddie” as Allan nudges me and says “that’s the story he’s going with”.

Grant with his Movember moustache

There’s no doubting that trio are firm friends and bounce ideas off each other to produce the best pantomime they can under the watchful eye of their director.  “We’re so lucky to have a job to wake up to in the morning that we genuinely love” Allan states, as Andy says “yes, yes” and goes off on a tangent quoting his own catch phrase “I’m no very well”.

I certainly knew it wasn’t going to be a straightforward interview as they jostled to see what notes I made when they went slightly ‘off the wrong direction’ shall we say.   It was a pleasure to meet Paul, the talented director of this venue’s Pantomime and tell him how much Edinburgh people love his work.  I inform him that the mini-Spotlight members quote from the panto all year round and he smiles and acknowledges that he loves his job too.

The King’s Theatre pantomime is not to be missed in the Edinburgh calendar  and is guaranteed to leave the theatre beaming after sharing in an extravaganza that has delighted audiences for years.

Break a leg boys!

You can buy tickets for the pantomime through the King’s Theatre box office.  Jack and the Beanstalk runs from  Saturday 4 December 2010 to Sunday 23 January 2011. Start your vocal warm ups of ‘he’s behind you’ and be prepared to hold your sides with laughter no matter what your age is.

Thank you to the staff of Gusto, George Street for hosting us all and supplying the excellent food and service.

Where's ma wine? The trio back together

Edinburgh Wheel 2010

One of the most recognisable attractions of Edinburgh’s Christmas is the 33-metre Edinburgh Wheel, situated next to the equally distinctive Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens.

Ascending above the nearby activities, markets and Princes Street in the wheel is now a firmly established family festive favourite and the views from the top are breathtaking.

At weekends and peak times, you may have to queue for a while before enjoying your ride, but it’s worth it – and as other attractions such as the Christmas Carousel and Highland Christmas Village Market are right next to it, the atmosphere is still fun and enjoyable.

As with many of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, riding the Wheel at night can be a spectacular experience, when everything around is glittering and sparkling with lights and decorations.

Opens 25th November 2010.

Edinburgh Wheel at night (2009 photo)

It's A Wonderful Life

Gallery of Modern Art screens this classic film for free.

Warm up and relax at the Gallery of Modern Art this December.   On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th December they’ll be hosting free screenings of It’s A Wonderful Life, one of the all time Christmas classics.  There are two free screenings each day, at 11am and 2pm, at which you can enjoy an afternoon of popcorn and James Stewart.

Space is limited so to avoid disappointment, book your seat early!

The film will be shown at the Gallery of Modern Art Gym – Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Art Galleries) and although the event is free, you need to book your seat by calling 0131 624 6249 or email: marketing@nationalgalleries.org

Suitable for disabled?  Yes, their website says: “For events in the Gymnasium, parking is available in the south car park. Wheelchair access to the Dean Gallery is from the car park at the rear entrance. Near this entrance is a specially adapted toilet and lift and all parts of the building are accessible by wheelchair.”

Edinburgh's Nativity Scene

A feature of Edinburgh’s Christmas since 2003, Tim Chalk’s Nativity Scene this year returns to its home in St Andrew Square gardens.

Although it attracted some initial criticism and controversy when first installed above the Floral Clock in Princes Street Gardens, the piece is now as much a part of the city’s Christmas as the Edinburgh Wheel or the Norwegian Tree on the Mound.

A life-size sculpture, it depicts a family taking shelter in a ramshackle shed, with the Mary figure clutching her newborn child close, a look of forlorn contemplation on her face. Tim Chalk, the sculptor, aimed to have his piece provoke question and challenge by shying away from the traditional representation of the scene, instead presenting a timeless and poignant work which could be placed anywhere at any time.

The Nativity Scene will be on display from November 28th until 4th January in St Andrew Square.

Christmas meals in Edinburgh

We love dining out at Edinburgh Spotlight and have selected some of our favourite restaurants around town for a Christmas meal.  This list is by no means exhaustive, just a wide selection of suggestions, all of which we have eaten at in the past.  

The dates on which Christmas meals are served from differ with some available from end of November and some during December only.  

The lower of the two prices detailed is for lunch and the higher price is for dinner (some exceptions)  Please check with the restaurant’s website direct as they can change information and prices.  

Edinburgh Spotlight will be having lunch at a few of those listed below as soon as they start and will report back on our findings.   

Gusto  George Street     £21-£26 –  menu          Review added 2nd December 2010

The Saint  St Stephen Street       £15 lunch menu  £19 dinner menu  

The Spice Pavilion   Dundas Street     £20 menu     £20 Christmas Day       Review added

Chez Jules  Hanover Street     £9.90 lunch menu  from £13 dinner menu  

Pierre Victoire   New Town   from £16 lunch and dinner menu    Xmas day menu  

Cafe Marlayne    Thistle Street, Fleshmarket Close and Antigua Street   £20 for three courses   

Rick’s   Central  £23.95 lunch menu £27.95 dinner menu and private dining deals for groups  

Calistoga Rest  Rose Street North Lane    From £16 lunch  £25 dinner  & £50 Christmas day   

New York Steam Packet Rose Street North Lane        £18.95 menu  

La Favorita      Leith Walk   Sun – Thurs £24  Fri – Sat £30   menu  

The LOT  Grassmarket  from £22.50  

L’ Artichaut   (vegetarian)    Eyre Place  from £9.50 lunch  £15 dinner  

Roseleaf   Leith    from £20 menu   (£25 for the ‘full shebang’)  

Howies   Victoria Street, Bruntsfield, Waterloo Place £20 – £28     menu  

Angels With Bagpipes    High Street  from  £18 lunch  £25 dinner  

The Rutland Hotel   West End  £27 – £30  menu  

The Cellar Door    George IV Bridge      (menu coming soon but food is great)  

The Orchard Bar    Inverleith  £22 – £26 menu  

21212   Royal Terrace    £110 Christmas Day menu  

Ondine  George IV Bridge    £40  menu  

Please leave your suggestions or experiences in the comments section below.  If you are a restaurant, please email us the information we need and it can be added to the article.  

Let someone else do the cooking

Yesterday saw Grant Stott and Billy Boyd switch on the Christmas tree lights at Dobbie’s Garden Centre.  The tree is UK’s largest Christmas Tree and stands at a whopping a 75ft (23m).  It is a Sitka Spruce tree and was grown on British soil rather than Norwegian.  As well as being the tallest Christmas tree this festive season, Dobbies has also made it the UK’s largest wish tree, helping grant once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill children by raising money for Starlight Children’s Foundation.  So if you see the tree twinkling in the night sky or even during the day like we did, please make a donation  and help make Starlight wishes come true this Christmas.

You can read more about the big tree here.  There are also lots of Christmas related events at Dobbies including an appearance from Keith Jack.

Dobbie's huge tree

Make a wish for Starlight

We love Christmas at Edinburgh Spotlight and have come up with some suggestions for gift ideas for family, friends and loved ones.  Everything we suggest below is related to Edinburgh in someway and there’s something for every budget.

Massage vouchers from Knot Stressed

Massage

A selection of massage related vouchers from Onie Tibitt at Knot Stressed.  Perfect for a relaxation session after the madness of Christmas and suitable for anyone.  We can’t recommend Onie highly enough for aromotherapy massage , but she also specialises in pregnancy massage and for when the little one comes along, baby massage.  You could also make use of her teaching skills and buy a lesson on how to massage.

Fitness

Staying on the health theme, you could also opt for vouchers for sessions with Craig Ali from Total Health.  Craig is Edinburgh based and has trained Mark Beaumont, so will be sure to get you motivated and fit!  Lifestyle and nutrition advice is also available.

Food

Why not treat someone to an afternoon tea at Anteaques in Clerk Street? Gift vouchers are available or treat a tea-jenny to a selection of their loose teas.  Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about tea, the staff are delightful with their knowledge and advice.  A Morningside  Loopy Lorna’s afternoon tea would also go down a treat with their cute tea cosies and freshly baked goodies.

Anteaques afternoon tea

Of course, there are many restaurants in Edinburgh you could visit and pick up the bill as a gift.  Have a look at our food reviews for ideas, but you could also promise a night out at Charlie and Evelyn’s Table in 2011 (fully booked for 2010) which is an exquisite experience from start to finish.

You could visit the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market and let your friend or family member choose what they want from the fantastic stalls and vans.  The last market before Christmas is on Thursday 23rd December from 9am – 2pm.

Staying on the theme of food, you could give vouchers for Valvona and Crolla, Peckhams or Earthy Foods, all of which are a foodie’s heaven.  A trip to the Foodies Festival in early December would be a great pre-Christmas gift as well.

Gift Shops

For more ideas that you can wrap up and give, why not browse some of Edinburgh’s excellent independent gift stores?

In central Edinburgh, we suggest Lava and Eden in Cockburn Street.  At the top of Leith Walk, we love The Cat’s Miaow and round on Easter Road there is the fabulous Eero and Riley.  In Bruntsfield, you have a wide selection of gift shops to get that ‘little something’ for friends and family.  There’s Clementine, Halibut and Herring and The Bay Tree Company.

Image courtesy of Harris Tweet

In the same area, you have the excellent Edinburgh Book shop for your book-loving friends.  A slightly new and unusual gift is from Harris Tweet.  Although the tweed used is from Harris to comply to their quality standards, the Christmas stockings are made here in Edinburgh.  Other Harris Tweet gifts include a unique iPad case which we absolutely love.

Other hand-crafted goods can be found at Hannah Zakari which is a a boutique of handmade jewellery, accessories, bags and art made by the best independent designers.

Pantomime

Why not treat someone to a trip to the pantomime?  At the King’s Theatre this year, the trio of Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott are reunited for the first time in years for the production of Jack and the Beanstalk. On until January 23rd, it really is suitable for adults who will get all the jokes as well as being loved by children.  Other productions on are:  The Snow Queen at the Lyceum, A-Lad-In-Leith at the Cruise Liner Terminal and Mother Goose at the Brunton Theatre.

Social

If there is someone new to town or moving here, why not treat them to a membership of Edinburgh’s leading social club – The Sunday Brunch Club.  Perfect for putting the oomph into anyone’s social life, the club is also ideal for keeping fit with their weekly sports sessions.

Caring Christmas Tree

It needs to be ordered before 13th December, but a Caring Christmas Tree would be a great present for someone who cares that their tree is 100% carbon neutral.  The bonus with buying a Caring Christmas Tree is that all the profits raises funds for Bethany’s Care Shelter, giving homeless people a hot meal, a safe place to sleep and much-needed advice over the winter months.

Not definitive

This list is by no means definitive, but demonstrates the great choices within Edinburgh, many of which ca be ordered on-line and from the comfort of your own home!   Of course, you could join the masses in the Boots Christmas shop or panic on the 24th when there’s only Homer Simpson socks left in BHS.  We prefer the thoughtful gift choice whilst supporting Edinburgh’s businesses.

Donate to Charity

If you don’t believe in giving gifts at Christmas, you could always donate some money to charity.  We support It’s Good 2 Give all year round but will be making a special donation prior to Christmas.  If you can afford £50,  you could buy a  pamper box for the parents we look after in hospital.  It’s Good 2 Give present the wonderful pamper boxes to parents of children and teenagers with cancer.

Delicious food in Edinburgh

King's Theatre Edinburgh

Stewart, Gray and Stott back together.

Edinburgh Spotlight loves the pantomime at The King’s every year.  The mini-spotlight members are still scared of Blackheart the Pirate from last year’s Robinson Crusoe!

We were super-excited to learn that Edinburgh’s favourite Andy Gray is to return to the King’s Theatre to star alongside Allan Stewart and Grant Stott in this year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Andy will play the role of King Crumble in this year’s production and will undoubtedly bring gales of laughter and tears of joy to Edinburgh audiences. Allan Stewart will be donning his frock to take on the mantle of Dame Trot and providing helpless laughter to young and old alike. Joining this hapless duo will be The King’s regular baddie Grant Stott in the role of Fleshcreep.

Written and directed by Paul Elliot, this is guaranteed fun for all the family. 

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the King’s Theatre from Saturday 4 December 2010 to Sunday 23 January 2011.  Tickets can be booked on 0131 529 6000 or online here.

Jenners Christmas Tree 2010

Edinburgh Spotlight loves Christmas, and some of our earliest yuletide memories are of being taken into Jenners Department Store on Princes Street to marvel at the 40ft Christmas tree in the main hall.

Happily, this tradition is still upheld – even with Jenners now having lost its independent status and being part of the House of Fraser group.

The tree is brought in through the South St David Street entrance. This is still a major feat, however: Jenners have to remove the revolving door in order to get it in.

Well worth a visit to see this traditional tree.

Christmas 2010

At Ocean Terminal from 3rd Dec until 27th 2010

The Gilded Balloon brings you ice-skating at Ocean Terminal

The Gilded Balloon is putting on ‘Ocean Ice’ at Ocean Terminal in December, which is ice-skating for those aged under 12.     

This fabulous new Ocean Ice Rink will be within the warm and festive setting of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Especially designed for young children, Ocean Ice offers your wee ones the exciting opportunity to skate on real ice, indoors!    

 A session costs £5 and the opening hours are as follows:    

Daily:   10am – 8pm    (last entry 1 hour before ice rink closes)    

Christmas Eve:  10am – 5pm    

Christmas Day:   closed    

Unfortunately, we are just a little too old to try this indoor rink out, but it’s a great way to introduce children to the joys of ice-skating.    

School & Nursery Group Bookings: 0131 622 6552