Winter Magic Lights up the Inspiring Capital
19th December 2005
Visitors flock to Edinburgh in winter. Its bright, crisp days
are perfect for seeing the city’s beauty and enjoying the range of
shops. At night the city is illuminated, creating a magical
atmosphere for parties, the fairground or dining out. The Winter
Festivals programmes offer a rich diversity of events, by day and
by night.
Highlights of the Christmas in Edinburgh programme include the
Winter Wonderland in Princes Street Gardens. The ice rink draws
visitors of all ages and the famous Edinburgh Wheel gives
spectacular views of the city’s skyline. The traditional German
street market on the Mound offers unusual gifts and warming mulled
wine.
Edinburgh’s shops – from major chains to exclusive boutiques –
offer a fantastic range for Christmas shoppers and bars and
restaurants serve traditional and contemporary food.
The Hogmanay programme takes on a Catalan flavour this year,
with events running from 29 December 2005 to 01 January 2006. On 30
December on George Street the Castellers will form a stunning human
tower of over 150 people and there will a vibrant Catalan
parade.
The climax of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals is the celebrated
Hogmanay street party in Princes Street, featuring Scottish talent
including Texas and KT Tunstall and the stunning Seven Hills
fireworks that are visible from as far afield as Fife and the
Lothians.
As Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals light up the long, dark nights
and the city prepares for the world’s biggest street party at
Hogmanay, Edinburgh is a magical place to visit. So much so that
every year visitors decide to come back and make it their home.
Christmas in Edinburgh runs until 24 December
Hogmanay runs from 29 December to 1 January
