BY Alice Gawthrop
CHRISTMAS IN EDINBURGH is truly lovely. In fact, it’s so lovely that Edinburgh tops most lists of “best places to visit for Christmas in the UK”, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its festivals all year round, the city doesn’t take any time off in December, instead coming alive with festive decorations, markets and special events. Stroll through charming wooden stalls and pick out handmade gifts for your family, or warm up with some mulled wine, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights.
If you’re not so fussed about Christmas, you can take in the city’s scenic views instead. Climb up the famous Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano whose peak boasts panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. After a bracing walk up and down the hill, reward yourself with Scottish delicacies like haggis or neeps and tatties.
The party continues into the new year with the city’s Hogmanay celebrations. Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the old year, and it is often celebrated with firework displays and heartfelt renditions of “Auld Lang Syne” sung in a circle of linked arms. Edinburgh certainly doesn’t hold back: its 1996–97 celebrations were recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest New Year party, with approximately 400,000 attendees. These days, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay involves live music, fireworks and a torchlight display.
With the holiday season fast approaching, we speak to locals about what life is like among the magical markets, luminous light displays and sensational street parties. ➺
I CAME TO EDINBURGH as a student in September 2003 and never left. I did a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts, thinking that I wanted to perhaps be a performer, and then I got hooked on the Edinburgh festivals. I first worked for the Edinburgh International Children's Festival and then the Fringe. More recently I've got involved in Edinburgh Christmas and Hogmanay.
Edinburgh is like a big village really. You can turn the corner and see someone that you know. I grew up in Dumfries and Galloway so I was used to that kind of village feel. I was ready for more when I left, and I remember Edinburgh gave me that village feeling but with so much more to do and see. At Christmas, when you come into the station as a visitor, you look up and immediately see that incredible big wheel, the trees all sparkly, the gorgeous architecture and the castle. We’re right in the heart of the city, and it feels like walking into an oldtimey, magical kind of Christmas.
