The first details of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations have been unwrapped (geddit?) by organisers Unique Assembly, and tickets are available now. 

Running from Friday 15 November 2024 until Saturday 4 January 2025 across Edinburgh’s city centre, the packed programme will include the return of the perennially popular Traditional Christmas Market, featuring trinkets, gifts and food and drink stalls across East Princes Street Gardens.

For those looking for carnivalesque thrills, Edinburgh’s Christmas Big Wheel, 80M Around the World Star Flyer and Festival Family Funfair will return to offer impressive views of the city and simple fun. 

At the Ross Bandstand, there’ll be the Light Night Concert (Sunday 17 Nov), St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh (Saturday 30 Nov), Nativity Carol Concert (Sunday 1 Dec), and an extra-special 20-year anniversary edition of the Santa Run (Sunday 8 Dec).

Also in the mix is the ice rink; a brand-new Christmas Tree Maze at St Andrews Square; Santa Stories (a variation on the traditional Grotto); and a series of Festive Workshops, where audiences can learn new skills like Christmas decorations, wreath making, ice carving and mixology. Further events will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said, ‘We want Edinburgh’s Christmas to be a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone, and this packed programme has something for families and Christmas enthusiasts of all ages. We are especially proud of the opportunities it affords to raise funds for local charities. The free tickets donated to charities and community groups will help spread Christmas joy across the capital. We’re also looking forward to supporting other events in communities across the city.’

Tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas are on sale now; main picture: Matt Beech.