Enjoy a Spectacular Festive Season in Edinburgh, Scotland

The city's full winter line-up will be revealed in October but here's a preview of what to expect:

EVENTS

Edinburgh's Christmas, 22nd Nov – 2nd Jan
From an outdoor ice-rink overshadowed by Edinburgh Castle, to German markets (the obligatory Gluhwein is delicious!) and a dazzling fairground.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay, 30th Dec – 2nd Jan
The world's biggest street-party – four days of events, five stages of bands and DJs, fireworks and a torch-lit procession. Previous acts have included Primal Scream and the Scissor Sisters. The Loony Dook – an icy swim in the Forth on New Year's Day – is the perfect antidote to any lingering headaches from the night before! Tickets on sale now.

Cinderella, Royal Lyceum Theatre, 29th Nov – 29th Dec
What's Christmas without a panto? A new version of the classic fairy tale has been written for this year's show, with a good sprinkling of magic and slapstick thrown in too.

Mother Goose, Kings Theatre, 1st Dec – 20th Jan
This Christmas join Mother Goose and Priscilla, the Goose that lays the golden eggs, on a flight of fantasy in an unmissable pantomime adventure.

The Snowman, Festival Theatre, 13th-30th Dec
When a young boy's snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. On their travels they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and naturally, Father Christmas.

Dirty Dancing, 4th Dec–12th Jan
The spectacular smash-hit musical takes to the stage at the Edinburgh Playhouse. This classic story of Baby and Johnny has already been seen by millions across the globe. Get ready to dance in the aisles and sing along in your seat.



ATTRACTIONS & EXHIBITIONS

Edinburgh Castle, 27th – 31st Dec, 12noon – 4pm
The days between Christmas and the New Year were traditionally known as the 'Daft Days', as the spirit of revelry reached its peak. Meet Mary Queen of Scots and her lady in waiting, who'll tell tales from the age.

John Bellany retrospective, Scottish National Gallery, 17th Nov – 27th Jan, 10am – 5pm
The largest retrospective of Bellany's work for 25 years, to celebrate the 70th birthday of this great Scottish artist.

The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 Years, Palace of Holyrood, 16th Nov – 24th Feb, 9.30am– 4.30pm
60 photographs of the Queen by 60 leading press photographers are brought together for this exhibition to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

The Storytelling Festival, 19th – 28th October
Scotland's vibrant and enduring annual celebration of traditional and contemporary storytelling from home and across the world. Features all kinds of storytellers at various venues throughout the city.



SHOPPING

Jenners, 48 Princes Street
One of the world's most iconic department stores, it's the place to go for designer goodies set in a classic Christmas atmosphere.

Rox, Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street
George Street is filled with luxury high-street brands – Whistles, Hobbs, White Company, Jack Wills, Jo Malone and Scotland's only Anthropologie to name just a few. Its newest addition is Rox; a stunning jewellery boutique with a 1,500sq ft. Thrill Room and invitation-only champagne bar. And don't forget the new Kiehl's store also based in the new Assembly Rooms, this classic New York apothecary will charm you with its unique blend of cosmetic, herbal and medicinal knowledge developed through the generations.

Harvey Nichols, 34 St Andrews Square
There's no greater time to treat others (or yourself) than at Christmas. From McQueen to DVF, Harvey Nichols is packed full of designer delights. Next-door, Multrees Walk is just as swanky; Mulberry, Armani and Louis Vuitton



FOOD & DRINK

The Gardener's Cottage, 1 Royal Terrace Gardens www.thegardnerscottage.co
With more Michelin stars than any UK city outside London, Edinburgh has a fantastic foodie reputation. Chefs Dale Mailley and Edward Murray are committed to using the best seasonal, local produce. Expect dishes such as Roe deer, lardo potatoes, walnuts and tayberries.

Jelly & Gin, www.burgherburger.co.uk
Look out for Burgher Burger; a monthly event where an established chef leaves their posh restaurant to cook in a greasy spoon café.

The Last Word, 44 St Stephen Street, www.lastwordsaloon.com
The Last Word Saloon shows off Edinburgh's eclectic bar scene at its best. Described as a ‘cocktail saloon', it takes inspiration from pre-prohibition American drinking dens.

The New Leaf Co-op, 23 Argyle Place www.newleafcoop.co.uk
Opening as a co-operative this September, the store will offer affordable unpackaged wholefoods plus 'meet the producer' sessions, cookery demonstrations and a bicycle delivery service.



WHERE TO STAY

The Atholl, 11 Atholl Crescent www.theatholl.com
In the very heart of the city you will find the UK's most expensive hotel. Its four exclusive suites each have their own state of the art kitchen facilities and elegant dining rooms. The Atholl offers a bespoke dining menu designed by the legendary Albert Roux OBE, prepared and served in your suite by your own personal chef.

The Caledonian Hilton Hotel www.caledonianhiltonedinburgh.co.uk
After a £24m investment programme this iconic Edinburgh hotel is set to join Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts Portfolio. The landmark property will be known as The Caledonian, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Michellin starred brothers, Chris and Jeff Galvin, will take over the Pompadour Restaurant and the ground-floor Brassiere de Luxe.

Grassmarket Hotel www.thegrassmarkethotel.co.uk
The newly refurbished Grassmarket Hotel is the perfect choice for work and play, and is located just moments from the best attractions Edinburgh has to offer. If you like to unwind in quirky stylish surroundings, you won't be disappointed. The hotel's unique design adds a distinctive and fresh flavour to the Edinburgh hotel market whilst incorporating traditional Scottish twists, with a few surprises along the way!

Snoozebox, www.snoozebox.com
Enjoy novel, luxury accommodation in the heart of the Edinburgh with Snoozebox, the portable hotel that is returning to the city for the festivities - after a successful stint at this year's Fringe Festival. The Snoozebox village will have 120 comfortable living units; each room has its own bathroom, Wi-Fi and TV.

For more information on Edinburgh's Christmas please visit: www.edinburghschristmas.com

Tickets are on sale now for Edinburgh's Hogmanay: www.edinburghshogmanay.com