Mary King’s Ghost Fest 18 – 23 March 2010
Paranormal investigations, celebrity ghost hunts and other spooky goings on at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Ceilidh Culture 26 March – 18 April 2010
Edinburgh’s traditional arts festival, featuring music, dance, storytelling and more.

International Science Festival   9-25 April 2011
The International Science Festival features a host of fun and educational events, lectures and attractions celebrating all things scientific.

Beltane Fire Festival   30 April 2010
Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival and Edinburgh plays host to some colourful and exciting celebrations to mark the date.

Imaginate Festival  10 – 16 May 2010
The Imaginate Festival is Edinburgh’s children’s festival and has loads of plays, activities and fun things to do for youngsters of all ages.

Leith Festival   11 -20 June 2010
Come and celebrate all things Leith at this festival, featuring music, dance, art and other exciting events.

Edinburgh International Film Festival  16 – 27 June 2010
The Edinburgh Film Festival is an internationally-renowned event on the movie festival circuit and attracts premieres and stars from all over the world.

West Port Book Festival 24 – 27 June 2010
An annual independent book festival taking place in 11 venues across Edinburgh’s West Port district.

Edinburgh Art Festival   29 July – 5 September
Edinburgh Art Festival celebrates the visual arts in all its diversity, from world-class exhibitions to strikingly original installations.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival   30 July – 10 August 2010
Get your gladrags on and party to the sounds of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, a popular event which attracts international talent.

Edinburgh Mela Festival   6 – 8 August 2010
Celebrating the cultural diversity of the city, the Mela Festival brings colour and exotic flair to Edinburgh in August.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival  6 – 30 August 2010
Getting bigger, better and – some may say – weirder every year, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the highlight of many a festival-goer’s calendar.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo   6 – 28 August 2010
Selling out months in advance, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event taking place on the Castle Esplanade.

The Edge Music Festival      August
Adding alternative music to the August festival mix, The Edge Music Festival attracts A-list bands as part of its programme.

Festival of Spirituality and Peace  7-29 August
The Festival of Spirituality and Peace features music, dance, talks and other events highlighting humanitarian issues and causes.

Edinburgh International Festival   13 August – 5 September 2010
The one that started it all, the Edinburgh International Festival is a feast of world-class music, dance and theatrical performances.

Edinburgh International Book Festival  14 – 30 August 2010 
This literary event attracts major names in the writing, publishing and political fields to the serene Charlotte Square Gardens setting.

Scottish Story Telling Festival    22-30 October
Celebrating the great Scottish oral tradition, the Story Telling Festival showcases the talents of national bards, poets and tale-spinners.

Edinburgh’s Christmas    Date TBC – late November
Edinburgh sparkles at Christmas and features events, attractions and shows for all the family to enjoy during the festival season.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay   29 December 2010 – 2 January 2011
End the year with the biggest street party in the world!

New Man Walking

Full moon with New Man

Thank you to an Edinburgh Spotlight reader, S Smith for use of her fabulous photos.

Our winner was Julia Forsyth and she has kindly sent us a report of her experience there, with a fabulous review from her son Logan.  Click the link below to listen to what he had to say on his first Hoog experience!

The Family Hoog (audio review by Logan, aged 7)

Dancing at the Family Hoog

Mum says…..

We took our 2 oldest children (aged 7 and 9) to the family Hoog at the Assembly Rooms.  It was a fantastic night and we all really enjoyed ourselves.  The venue itself was spectacular, beautifully lit to create a very festive atmosphere. The band had a great energy and really “rocked up” the traditional ceilidh sounds.  We danced Strip the Willow. The Gay Gordons, The Dashing White Sergeant, we even attempted an Eightsome Reel.  All the dances were called, and walked through first and there were enough people there who knew what they were doing to ensure the dances didn’t fall apart. The Hoog is recommended for children older than 9.  Our 7 year old coped very well though, and had a great time.  There were a few even younger children there, the venue was very spacious so I think had my nearly 4 year old been able to stay awake that late I would have felt comfortable taking her along too.  Lots of swirling tartan, friendly faces, tasty stovies and an Auld Lang Syne to finish the evening off. Kids home and tucked into bed by 10.30.  Perfect!

Dancing the Gay Gordons

Looks like you had a fabulous time Julia !

Torches on the Royal Mile

Although the torches looked pretty, the high winds resulted in embers and sparks spewing from them like fireworks. It wasn’t long before the fire brigade arrived to douse these particular flames and the High Street was closed off for a short while whilst the hazard was dealt with.

Luckily, the remainder of the installations were large scale pieces that were judged to be safe. These were mostly around St Giles and in the nearby Parliament Square, and even the wind and inevitable snow didn’t dampen the atmosphere – or the flames – as Carabosse successfully conjured up some fiery magic and mystery on the Royal Mile.

Firelight

The larger pieces were animated, resembling fiery fountains

Firelight detail

Magical atmosphere on the High Street

Fire and Ice

Carabosse return to the High Street on 1st January from 4-8pm; although it is likely the torches that caused the fire brigade callout will not be featuring!

12pm.   Why not start with a Loony Dook ?    If you’re looking to do something a little unusual on New Years Day, then I suggest having a look at the official site and go for a SWIM !  People wishing to take part should register at the Moorings Lounge, Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry between 9.30am  and 11.30am.  The event kicks off at noon as the parade winds its’ way down the High Street and into the cold icy water.

The event is free to take part, but donations for charity are appreciated.  You can get a hot toddy and some soup afterwards at The Moorings, or why not treat yourself to a good meal at Forth Rail Bistro.  Emergency services are on standby during the event.  

Take a dip at South Queensferry

12pm-6pm  First foot the man himself. John Knox House, 43 High Street.  Tickets: £6/£3.50
Booking/Info: 0131 556 9579 or buy at the door www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

As Scotland marks the 450th anniversary of its religious revolution in 1560, experience re:formation day at John Knox House with live and audio drama. John Knox is played by John Sheddon. 

1pm-4.30pm  New Music at the Palace, Palace of Holyroodhouse Royal Mews – Free Event

New music for New Year’s Day from young, contemporary musicians working in the crossover between folk and jazz, celtic and world music. (Entry to Palace not required.) Palace Tearooms open. 

There is a 2.30pm matinee performance of Off Kilter which is a Scottish dance and music extravaganza playing for five performances only at the Festival Theatre.  Sure to be a sell out, don’t delay in buying your ticket. 

3pm – Gate of the Year at St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.  Looking back, looking forward: an inspirational hour in the tranquil and atmospheric High Kirk with music, poetry, words of reflection and contemplation and the Choir of St Giles. Please note: this event is unticketed but there is a limited capacity.
 

Carabosse

Firelight – Carabosse  4pm – 8pm  Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is proud to present internationally renowned street theatre artists Carabosse with their magical fire installations. Carabosse light up cities around the world, their Scottish premiere will transform the Royal Mile into a breathtaking hub of fire and light. . The Royal Mile (The squares around St. Giles’ Cathedral)  Free Event  

Please note: under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult to enter this event. This is an outdoor event featuring live fire installations, please dress appropriately.  Have a look at the French company’s website 

New man walking

4.30pm, New Man Awakes, Outside Holyrood Palace.  5pm, New Man Walks from Holyrood Palace to The Tron, Royal Mile – Free 

Puppet Lab’s spectacular, giant ‘Big Man’ who has attracted massive crowds as he walked throughout Scotland this autumn, is reawakened to walk the capital’s historic Royal Mile, from Holyrood Palace to The Tron. ‘From a thousand small tremors comes a giant spectacle of celebration and creative adventures’ 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Carnival will still be going strong.  Open 11am – 11pm.   During the day, you can also have a ride on the Helter Skelter or Edinburgh Wheel  to get a bird’s eye view of the Castle and Princes Street.  The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is also still open. 

Extra Information  

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.  

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.  

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

Oor Tours are running a Hogmanay special tour at 2pm, tickets in advance.

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

There is a 2.30pm matinee performance of Off Kilter which is a Scottish dance and music extravaganza playing for five performances only at the Festival Theatre.  Sure to be a sell out, don’t delay in buying your ticket.

At 7pm, the fabulous Hoog for Hogmanay 2009 takes place in the Assembly Rooms in George Street.  This is a formal event with admission for over 18’s only, but is a fabulous (and warm) way to see in the New Year

Assembly Rooms, George Street

At 7.30pm, there is a  Candlelit Concert in St Giles’ Cathedral

A festive celebration in the atmospheric surroundings of St Giles’ Cathedral. This year’s concert marks the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death with his celebratory Coronation Anthems, including Zadok the Priest. This feast of Baroque music also includes J.S.Bach’s Magnificat in D and Alessandro Scarlatti’s Cantata Pastorale. St Giles’   Cathedral Choir, directed by Michael Harris, with the St Giles’ Camerata leader Angus Ramsay, are joined by a  stunning array of young soloists.

Concert commences 7.30pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile.  Tickets £16 plus booking fee

Between 9pm and 1am, in Princes Street there is the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party and The Keilidh.  Be sure to wrap up warm if you are attending these events as the weather is forecast to be well below freezing.  In Princes Street Gardens, the Noisettes and Madness are taking to the stage.  The enclosure is sold out, but there are still tickets available for the Gardens with a limited view.

At midnight there is a spectacular fireworks display from the Castle and Calton Hill.  You will also be able to view this from various points across town as the sky is lit up.  Auld Lang Syne is also sung at midnight and is rumoured to be the biggest sing a long of the song in the world.

Extra information

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

Picture from www.edinburghshogmanay.com

7.30pm.  Off Kilter is a Scottish dance and music extravaganza playing for five performances only at the Festival Theatre.  Sure to be a sell out, don’t delay in buying your ticket.

The Family Hoog takes place from 7pm – 10pm at the George Street Assembly Rooms.  Perfect for families with children over the age of 9 to enjoy and is held for the benefit of the Bethany Christian Trust.

Winter Light – St. Giles’ Cathedral, Parliament Square, Royal Mile 7pm – 10pm
Free Entry (limited availability)

Michael Begg and Colin Potter, major figures in European electronic avant garde, present a unique performance – ‘Fragile Pitches’ – reflecting themes of light, space and fire in sound structures that compliment the experience of being in St Giles’ Cathedral at night. 

Dark Light – Mary King’s Close, Royal Mile  7pm – 10pm.  Ticket £10.50 adults
(with concession) (limited availability) Booking/Info: 0845 070 6244 or at door if available.  www.realmarykingsclose.com

A rare opportunity to visit Edinburgh’s most famous subterranea at night. The sights, the sounds and even the smells of the street that time forgot. Hear about the Great Fire of 1824 that changed the world

Carabosse

 Firelight – Carabosse  Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is proud to present internationally renowned street theatre artists Carabosse with their magical fire installations. Carabosse light up cities around the world, their Scottish premiere will transform the Royal Mile into a breathtaking hub of fire and light. 7pm – 11pm. The Royal Mile (The squares around St. Giles’ Cathedral)  Free Event

Please note: under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult to enter this event. This is an outdoor event featuring live fire installations, please dress appropriately.

Have a look at the French company’s website

The Calvin Harris club night has sold out as has Legendary Light at Edinburgh Castle

Extra Info

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

Tuesday 29th December – Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Carnival will be in full swing (Market Street carnival opens 11am on the 28th).  Why not have a ride on the Helter Skelter or Edinburgh Wheel to get a bird’s eye view of the Castle and Princes Street ?  The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is open until 4th January 2010 and is fun for all the family.

Off Kilter is a Scottish dance and music extravaganza playing for five performances only at the Festival Theatre.  Sure to be a sell out, don’t delay in buying your ticket.

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

The Torchlight Procession and Son et Lumiere Finale will also be another wonderful event.  The procession is the opening event of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and will see thousands of people create a river of fire from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill.  Starts at 6.30pm from Parliament Square.  Torches cost £5 in advance, £6 on the night and the money raised goes to local and Scottish charities.

At 7.45pm (approx) The spectacular Son et Lumiére light and firework display, signals the beginning of the five day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival.  Calton Hill, free and unticketed.

Extra Information

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

Today Edinburgh Spotlight took another ride on the wheel despite the temperature being -2c during the day!

View from Big Wheel

As you can see, the views are fabulous and even better now the tram works have disappeared from Princes Street and open to traffic and pedestrians again.

If it’s a windy day, you can be swayed from side to side as they load everyone on and you could be stuck at the top as they do so.

Jenners from the wheel

You could see the snow on the hills over in Fife and an unsual angle of Jenners roof (normally reserved for birds).

Scott Monument

When the ride was in motion we were waving to people in the Scott Monument.  It was definitely unusual to be looking at it from this height.

Carousel

The Carousel looked like a toy from up so high and the Castle looked as wonderful as ever with the last remains of the snow.

Castle from the wheel

The Edinburgh Wheel is in operation now until the 4th of January, open from 10am to 10pm (6pm on Dec 31st).

Suitable for disabled ?   Depends on mobility level as you could transfer from the platform onto the ride, the staff are helpful to young and old.

On the 31st, the rides are open until 12.30am on the 1st meaning you could bring in the New Year upside down or spinning round!

This review is not a definative guide of rides available, but covers the main ones.

115ft Booster ride

This ‘Booster’ ride is not for the faint hearted.  Not only are you propelled at speeds of 65mph round and upside down circle of the arm, you twist round at the end as well !  Thankfully this ride was in test mode when I visted so couldn’t try it out

The price for this ride was not available either, despite asking the staff.

Ghost train

The Ghost Train is a family classic and is priced at £3 per person for a ride.

Market Street is very narrow with the Carnival in place and the area can be exceptionally busy, so keep an eye on your belongings and pockets.  Music is pumped out very loudly in the early evening, so if going with kids, be sure to visit in the day time to have a more enjoyable experience.  There are very few rides suitable for smaller children (Ghost Train and Fun House are).

Sticky Wall

The Sticky Wall is great fun and is priced at £2.80 !?  Yes, some of the prices were hand written today and I have a feeling that the prices will fluctuate depending on how busy the Carnival gets with prices peaking on the 31st.  You can also pay 50 pence to view others experience the ride.

My top tip for this one is when you think the floor is about to disappear, strike a pose with legs and arms away from the body at an angle  as it can be quite painful if you are left hanging vertically with some of your bodyweight falling into your trousers.

Music is constantly played throughout the street even in the daytime and is of the high speed techno variety!  No Dean Martin to be found here.

Jumbo Fun House

The Fun House is priced at £2.50 per person and is probably the best value attraction at the Carnival.  There is a lot to do within the attraction such as a moving floor to negotiate and spinning tubes to walk through.  There is no time limit, but you are only allowed to go through it one way.

Freak Out

The ride called ‘Freak Out’ might indeed cause you to do just that.  Priced at £4, it swings you back and forward as well as spinning around, but does not go over the top of the ride / upside down.

Stalls

There are also a few stalls in which you can win cuddly toys and other prizes by throwing darts or hooknig a duck.  The prices were not displayed for these stalls and again, I have a feeling the price will depend on the time that you go.

Booster rules

All in all, I feel that it’s an expensive part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.  You could easily spend £30-£40 and still not have gone on all the rides.  There is also the super bungy in which you are shot upwards into the sky whilst spinning around which costs around £20 per person.  It would be a memorable experience though.

There are food stalls to fuel up but no public toilets.

Suitable for disabled ?    You can certainly visit the Carnival, but none of the rides are disabled friendly.

As well as the famous Street Party and the Concert In The Gardens (featuring everyone’s favourite Nutty Boys, Madness), there’s a whole host of other activities planned to herald the start of 2010.

Courtesy of www.edinburghshogmanay.com

The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay box office is now open for all your ticketing needs.

You can download an excellent event map (PDF) what’s on and safety information to make sure you have an enjoyable time as possible.

Edinburgh Spotlight plans to go to as many events as possible.  Why not enter our Hogmanay Competiton ?  You could be in with a chance of winning a tickets for up to five people for the Family Hoog on the 30th and the main Hoog on the 31st.    Details here.

The Hoog

The full event list can be found at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay web site.   You can even post your New Years’ Resolutions on the online wall.

We have a pair of tickets to give away for the main Hoog event on 31st December, as well as a set of tickets for the Family Hoog on 30th December (up to a family of 5 people) – a prize worth a combined total of £150!

To win these fantastic prizes, simply email us at info@edinburghspotlight.com with the answer to the following question:

“How does The Hoog get its name?”
(Please include your name in the email and remember to indicate which event you would like tickets for. Also optionally add a contact number so we can get in touch with you if you’re lucky enough to win!)

The closing date for entries for the main Hoog event is 10pm 27th December, and the family Hoog closing date is 10pm 28th December – so enter quickly to be in with a chance of winning!

The winners will be notified by email immediately and will be able to pick up their tickets at the venue on the evening of the event.

More info on the Hoog events can be found at the main Hoog website and also on FringeGuru’s site.

Good luck!

_______________________________________________________________

Update 27th December - Congratulations to George Shanks  who wins two tickets to the main Hoog event on the 31st December.  You can still enter our competition for a five person tickets to the Family Hoog event on the 30th

Update 28th December – Congratulations to Julia Forsyth who wins the Family Hoog tickets.

If you wish another chance to win two more tickets to the Hoog on the 31st, then Fringe Guru is place to be.  See his site for details.  Good luck!

On the 31st, the rides are open until 12.30am on the 1st meaning you could bring in the New Year upside down or spinning round!

Prices vary and this area can be exceptionally busy, so keep an eye on your belongings and pockets.  Music is pumped out very loudly in the early evening, so if going with kids, be sure to visit in the day time to have a more enjoyable experience.

Suitable for disabled ?   The street itself is on a slope, but it is unsure at the time if any of the rides are suitable for those less mobile.

Edinburgh Spotlight took to the ice recently to try this popular activity experienced by thousands of people over Christmas and Hogmanay period.  With snow on the trees and buildings as I type this, it truly is a Winter Wonderland and fun for all the family.

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

East Princes Street Gardens - Open now (except 25th) through to Monday 4 January 2010
Open: Sunday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm
Christmas Eve 10am – 10pm
Christmas Day Closed
Boxing Day 11am – 10pm
New Years Eve 10am – 6pm
New Years Day 12noon – 8pm
(Last entry 1 hour before closing)
Prices vary

Suitable for disabled ?    Yes, we are pleased to report that wheelchairs are allowed on the ice.  We saw some very happy skaters last week.

Glisten in the Grassmarket

Contemporary Scottish craft fair in the Grassmarket – more info here.

Loony Dook participant

All Miss Edinburgh’s picture from this years’ event are here to help you with costume ideas.  People wishing to take part should register at the Moorings Lounge, Hopetoun Road, South Queensferry between 9.30am  and 11.30am.  The event kicks off at noon as the parade winds its’ way down the High Street and into the cold icy water!

Nice tan for January

The event is free to take part, but donations for charity are appreciated.  You can get a hot toddy and some soup afterwards at The Moorings, or why not treat yourself to a good meal at Forth Rail Bistro.

Emergency services are on standby during the event.

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Today we visited again, with some younger members of the extended Spotlight team to see Santa himself feed his reindeer (every day at 1pm and 4pm).

Santa and his reindeer

Santa appears from the rear of the Gardens (near the bridge to the rear right of Ross Fountain) and rings his bell, shouting ho ho ho and meeting all the children (young and old) who have come to see him.

One of the Spotlight team didn’t want to shake his hand, so Santa asked him for a High five!  Santa is down with the kids.

Meeting Santa

He continues to make his way towards his post box where he picks up all his mail before feeding his reindeer.  He enlisted the help of the younger members of our team who held his sack for him, whilst he collected his letters.

Santa's helpers

Every child there is welcome to help put the letters in, but some of them just stood with their mouth wide open, unable to speak.  Santa then moved carefully into the reindeer enclosure, taking extra care today to not slip in the snow.

Santa with the reindeer food

Hungry reindeer

After he has fed the herd, he takes a seat within his igloo (indoors and heated) and began to tell some stories and sing carols with the children.  Santa really was good with the children and delt with the heckles extremely well.  One of todays’ was ‘what happens if you’ve been bad during the year, do you not get any presents?’  Santa replied that he is always good and swiftly explained that the elves get him a present.

Story time

Well worth a visit and best of all it’s FREE.  Santa is there every day until the 23rd December as are the reindeers and igloo.

Santa below the Castle

Suitable for disabled ?    Yes, santa is on ground level all the time.

One of the attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas, The Santa Express offers trips around West Princes Street Gardens for £2 (£1.50 for kids).

14th – 24th December, 10am – 6pm   (Sundays 11am – 6pm)   Closed   25th & 26th.  27th – 30th December, 9:30am – 10pm     31st  December   9:30am – 9pm        
 
Organisers Unique Events, advise party-goers to ensure they collect their tickets early to avoid queues and the last minute rush that the last date for international delivery was 5th December and that all overseas bookings made after this date must be collected from the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Box Office at the Hub.  All pre-booked tickets must be collected by Wednesday 30 December.

Tickets can also be purchased in the following ways:
Online:            www.edinburghshogmanay.com
By phone:   Box Office: 0844 894 2010 / direct dial +44 141 564 4200     

Other ticket agents:
Tickets Scotland LTD, 127 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DT
Phone: +44 131 220 3234 Opening hours: 9am-6pm (until 8pm Thursdays. 11am-6pm Sun)

Ticketsoup, Box Office SECC Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW
Opening hours: 10am-6pm (10am-5pm Sat. Closed Sun)

Ripping Records, 91 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1HN
Opening hours: 9am-6pm (12.30pm-5.30pm Sat)

Here’s our report. If you took part, check out the photo gallery at the bottom of the article to see if you can spot yourself!

The Great Scottish Santa Run

Hundreds of people of all ages braved the freezing cold to take part in The Great Scottish Santa Run in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens.

Registration was open from 9am, and Forth One were on hand to keep the competitors and specators entertained from the Ross Bandstand.

The Stockbridge Pipe Band were there to provide a soundtrack to the event, and I caught them practicing beforehand:

…though I’m not sure everyone appreciated their efforts…

As the starting time approached, the gardens were a sea of red and white.

Competitors prepare for the Great Scottish Santa Run

The entertainment continued until 11am, with Edinburgh’s Got Talent star, 14-year old Jack Robertson, getting everyone into the Christmas mood.

Soon, the assembled Santas lined up at the starting line…

The Great Scottish Santa Run about to start

…and then they were off!

The Great Scottish Santa Run begins!

Competitors of all ages took part as the race wound its way around 2 circuits of East Princes Street Gardens.

The uphill section!

As the santas finished back at the Ross Bandstand, everyone who finished was handed a medal to keep and proudly show off to their friends and family.

Santas queue up for their medals

And the cast of We Will Rock You entertained the throng with some appropriate music and dance routines:

The whole event was a great success and hugely enjoyable for everyone. It was quite funny to see Princes Street and the surrounding areas “invaded” by people in red & white soon afterwards!

Click on a thumbnail to view full-size.

Groups of up to 6 people are allowed to enter the Snow Globe from the rear and pose as their photo is taken of them having fun in the artificial snow. It costs £10 for one photo, no matter how many people you have and additional ones cost £4.

Snowglobe in Santa's Garden

So as much as I would like to have posted a picture of some people inside the globe to show the full effect of it, I couldn’t take a picture and want to keep on the right side of Edinburgh’s Christmas as Santa has yet to pay his visit down my chimney

Santa's Reindeer

The Reindeer have come down from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where the only herd of reindeer in Britain are found free ranging in the Cairngorm Mountains.

Taking it easy before the big night

You can visit Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen in the Reindeer Garden.   Make sure to keep your eyes open, just in case Rudolph has come to visit his friends!

Glowing reindeer

You are allowed to walk around the entire pen, but it’s already muddy on the slopes, so be careful.  This poor fellow has lost his antlers, but they’re on display within Santa’s Igloo.

Nae antlers

Kids love visiting these reindeer and when taking these pictures I spoke with a family from Newcastle who had come especially to see them.
Appearing 12th – 23th December  from 10am to 6pm before they take to the skies and help Santa.

Santa Train

The train made it’s first journey of the season shortly after 10am.  Carols played out of the speaker system getting all the passengers in a festive spirit.  The cost of the fare is £2 for adults and £1.50 for children, which is pretty reasonable for a tour around the Gardens.

The train snakes away and around the back of Santa’s Igloo, up past the play park and right along to the end of the gardens, before turning back towards the Ross bandstand, past the Ross fountain back to the start.

Heading towards the Ross fountain

It’s extremely popular with adults and the children, with the added bonus that the train driver has a uncanny resemblance to Santa himself.

Well worth the money for this trip when compared to the same price for one slide down the Helter Skelter.  Runs from 12th to 23rd December 10am-6pm.  No delays or track works expected!

Oor tours

 

Starting at 2 pm on  31st. December 2009, tickets are £15 and include a nip of Whisky – Reservations only.

email: ask@oortours.com Tel: +44 (0) 7817 362171

Spaces are limited

Graeme Pearson

In conjunction with Edinburgh’s Christmas campaign, Edinburgh Sparkles, we are delighted to be running a festive competition for our readers.

You can win a luxury Edinburgh Sparkles stocking, packed full of treats from the city’s boutiques, including Paper Tiger, Anthyllis Organic Health & Beauty and Mrs Smith: perfect as an additional present for someone special – or just to keep for yourself!

We also have an additional prize of 4 tickets to enjoy ice-skating in West Princes Street Gardens and a trip on the Big Wheel next to the Scott Monument, where you can enjoy soaring views over the city.

Edinburgh sparkles at Christmas

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning one of these fabulous prizes is answer this simple question:

E-mail your answer to us here at info@edinburghspotlight.com – good luck!  Competition closes 5th December at midnight.

This picture was taken whilst in motion on the wheel !   Cost to ride it is £3.50 per person, it goes around a few times for that, but loading people on and off gives you more time if you don’t mind getting stuck at the top !

Open during the day and well into the evening.   More info

SUITABLE FOR DISABLED ? Access into Princes Street Gardens East is on flat level from both sides and there are sloped paths down to the rides, along by the wheel / Scott Monument.