December what's on

The countdown to Christmas is on and the festivities have begun! Edinburgh comes alive at Christmas and there are plenty of ways to join in with the festivities.

24 Days of Advent: The countdown to Christmas begins with 24 Doors of Advent from Edinburgh’s Christmas. Each day, from 1st – 24th December, one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems will be opening its doors to visitors. Doors include the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, Mansfield Traquair, Real Mary King's Close and the City Chambers. Entry to all of the venues is free, although some may require pre-booking. For more information click here.

Edinburgh’s Christmas: Visit Princes Street or St Andrew Square for fantastic festivities this Christmas. Get your skates on at one of the ice rinks, take a ride on the terrifying Star Flyer, pick up unique homemade gifts from the fabulous Christmas Markets, have a bite to eat from the delicious street food on offer, or soak up the atmosphere with some festive mulled wine. For more information click here.

Hogmanay Street Party: This world famous New Year party, known as one of the ‘top 100 things to do before you die’, is a must-do for anyone celebrating Hogmanay in Edinburgh. Music from live DJs and bands fill the streets and the city centre comes alive with party goers. At Midnight, sing and dance along to Auld Lang Syne while watching the spectacular fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. Images of the fireworks will be beamed around the world alongside images from Sydney, New York, Berlin and London.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party takes place on Thursday 31st December from 9pm – 1am. Tickets cost £25 and can be purchased here. 

(Image courtesy of Fraser Cameron at Edinburgh's Christmas)