Hogmanay in Edinburgh
The city of Edinburgh is used to transforming itself for the hundreds of thousands of visitors it receives each year for its festivals. There is no more beautiful transformation than the dazzling array of lights, wonderful music and incredible atmosphere that visitors to Edinburgh are treated to each December. The two cornerstones of the holiday season are the Christmas transformation of Princess Street Gardens and the ultimate blow-out that is Hogmanay (New Years Eve for the uninitiated).
In the shadow of the historic castle, Edinburgh's Capital Christmas makes the city the place to be. From Thursday 23 November, the city's beautiful Princes Street Gardens become the focus of Edinburgh's enchanting Christmas celebrations and positively sparkle with white lights and traditional festive charm. The striking Edinburgh Ferris wheel, next to the city's famous Scott Monument, will make a welcome return this year and will provide exhilarating views across the city from its 33 metre vantage point. Winter Wonderland, one of the largest open air ice rinks in Europe, is also back as the stunning and vibrant centrepiece to the Gardens. There are plenty of goodies to fill your Christmas stocking at the traditional Christmas Market, where 25 stalls come direct from Germany to provide an authentic continental experience. The variety of products range from authentic Christmas delicacies, to beautiful hand-blown baubles to wooden toys and the very popular traditional German mulled wine.
In the true Scottish spirit of a good party needing more than just one day, Edinburgh hosts not one but four days of festivities (29 December to January 1) including processions, concerts and a world-famous street party. Highlights include the Torch lit Procession and Fire Festival, a magical spectacle of light winding its way through the city, and the Night Afore Fiesta, a vibrant blend of entertainment including the musicians from all over the world (this year's line up will be announced shortly, with last year's lineup including Scots KT Tunstall, Texas and El Presedente). The focal point of all festivities is of course the Royal Bank Street Party (admission by pass only) on New Year's Eve, one of the biggest such events in Europe, with a unique atmosphere generated by over 100,000 revellers. Celebrate the first day of the new year by taking a traditional dip in the forth river, with the traditional new years day dunk, followed by a little traditional Scottish whiskey.
With this and so much more it's not hard to imagine Edinburgh lighting up each December and becoming a magical holiday wonderland everyone can enjoy...
