The magic of Edinburgh at Christmas and Hogmanay.
Bursting to life with fireworks, markets, Christmas lights and entertainment, Edinburgh’s Christmas draws thousands of visitors every year. A new addition to this year’s festivities is the introduction of the fabulous Speigeltent; presenting the White Magic Christmas Cabaret and live music.
Overlooking Princes Street’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and German Market is Edinburgh Castle. For one afternoon only, Edinburgh Castle will open its doors for Christmas at the Castle. A day of music, shows and performances – and, of course, a visit from old Saint Nicholas himself – made extra special by this historic setting.
Hogmanay in Edinburgh is now a fantastic four-day festival and the capital proudly proclaims itself the place to be when the clock strikes midnight on December 31.
Celebrations include the annual torchlight procession through the historic Old Town and up Calton Hill for a spectacular finale of pipes, drums, blazing sculptures and fireworks.
As for New Year’s day, you can always join the Looney Dook, set against the backdrop of the Forth Bridge – an event which sees hundreds of revellers take the plunge into the chilly waters of the River Forth. Or you can take part in Edinburgh’s One O’Clock Run, when participants are sent on their way from Edinburgh Castle Esplanade down the Royal Mile by the famous One O’Clock Gun.
Glasgow at winter comes alive with a sparkling mass of lights, entertainment and Christmas festivities. At the heart of the city is the festive spectacle of George Square, one of the jewels in the city’s Christmas crown.
Throughout the build-up to the festive period and into the bright lights of the New Year its fun all the way in the ‘City with Style’.
Making Hogmanay special this year is local lad-turned international star Paolo Nutini, on stage in George Square to headline the night’s music. A spectacular fireworks display will see in the New Year, before the young at heart can hot-foot it to one of the city’s many nightclubs to dance into the wee small hours.