Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations unveiled
Organisers are promising the biggest festive event yet
Organisers have unveiled plans for Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations this year.
The series of events, which are produced by Underbelly, are thought to have drawn 917,000 people to the capital last year.
This time around, a giant advent calendar projected onto the General Register House and a walk-through display of ice sculptures will be among the attractions.
They'll join returning features, like the St Andrew's Square ice rink and stalls along George Street.
Ed Bartlam from Edinburgh’s Christmas, said: “This is the fifth year Underbelly has produced Edinburgh’s Christmas on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and we are extremely excited to be presenting such an ambitious and refreshed programme spreading farther and wider across the city.
"They'll reach more communities than ever before, from the free to access giant Advent Calendar on General Register House to the brand new icy Scottish journey of The Ice Adventure on George Street to the breath-taking La Clique Noel taking residence in our Festival Square Spiegeltent on Lothian Road, and Winter Windows on display in Craigmillar and Wester Hailes.
"The economic impact of Edinburgh’s Christmas on the city is growing every year and with the positive effect it has socially on the residents of Edinburgh, we are proud to be able to bring world class winter entertainment to the Scottish capital yet again.”
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, said: “Produced on behalf of the Council for the enjoyment of everyone, Edinburgh’s Christmas has become one of the top winter festivals in the UK.
“This year’s programme celebrates the past, present and future of our city, with a combination of new attractions, popular events and old favourites.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the festive cheer spread beyond the city centre this winter with decorative displays in many of our local communities. From Westerhailes to Leith, 50 artworks by local schoolchildren will provide a window into the Edinburgh of the future. It will spread awareness of the 2050 City Vision initiative and brighten all corners of Edinburgh."