It’ll be all light on the night
There’s only a few days left until the official start of the Capital’s Christmas celebrations, Light Night, and final preparations are being made for Thursday’s big event, when the city will transform into a winter wonderland with one thing on its mind – the countdown to Christmas.
Festivities begin at 5pm with a giant Santa leading the well-wrapped up but eager crowds up The Mound, to where they will be treated to the “Christmas Dream Machine”, which will use illuminations, aerial performances and pyrotechnics to reveal the dreams of a child on their most important day of the year.
Advertisement
Hide AdThe show will culminate in the lighting of Edinburgh’s Christmas Tree – as always, a gift from the people of Hordaland in Norway.
But it’s not all about the city centre. There are plenty of other events taking place across the Capital and the Lothians in the coming weeks. Here are some of the main community celebrations:
TOLLCROSS
Junction of High Riggs and Earl Grey Street, December 4, 5.45pm
Carol singers from Tollcross Primary School, accompanied by James Gillespie’s High School Brass Band and Edinburgh Samba Band, will gather to sing carols and hear various speeches before the Christmas Tree lights are switched on.
SOUTHSIDE
St Patrick Square, December 4, 5.40pm
Following the ceremony, participants will walk a short distance to the SouthSide Community Centre for light refreshments.
LONGNIDDRY
Shops at Longniddry, December 4, 4pm
Come down to see the tree and the switching on of the lights.
BLACKHALL
Advertisement
Hide AdSouth side of Queensferry Road at junction with west side of Craigcrook Road, December 6, 6pm
A school choir and Salvation Army band will take part in the
ceremony.
WALLYFORD
Miners Memorial Stone, December 7, 6.30pm
Advertisement
Hide AdA torchlight procession will leave Wallyford Miners Club at 6.30pm. Lead by Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band it will travel through the village up to the Christmas tree at the Miners Memorial Stone. The Gala Day King and Queen Liam Molak and Chloe McCole will switch on the lights.
MARCHMONT & SCIENNES
Warrender Park Road, December 8, 4-5pm
James Gillespie’s High School pipe and brass bands, accompanied by Sciennes Primary School choir, will assemble outside Scotmid to take part in a ceremony to turn on the Christmas tree lights.
PENICUIK
Precinct, December 8, 4pm
This year the Christmas Lights will be switched on by the Citizen of the Year, Mr Derek Wilson. During the day there will be a Christmas Fair from 10am to 2.30pm in the upper hall.
MAYFIELD
The Square, December 9, 4.30pm
Visitors to Mayfield Leisure Centre, will be welcomed at 2pm by Piper with Santa in his grotto, plus fancy dress competition, crafts, Christmas fayre, bands, a choir, a gymnastic display and raffle with great prizes. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.30pm.
GORGIE & DALRY
Gorgie City Farm, December 16, 6pm
The award for Best Dressed Shop Window will be presented and there will by carols sung by Dalry Primary School choir.
GILMERTON
Gilmerton Community Centre, November 24, 2-5pm
The Gilmerton Christmas fair & Christmas lights switch-on event includes arts and crafts stalls, face painting, tombolla, live music and Christmas carols,.
DAVIDSON MAINS & SILVERKNOWES
Holy Cross Church Hall, November 30, 6.30pm
Advertisement
Hide AdCouncillor Norman Work will perform the switch on and the RHS choir will sing carols.
CORSTORPHINE
Corstorphine Old Parish Church, December 4, 6.30pm
Residents will be meeting on the village green to light the Corstorphine Christmas tree and welcome a special guest on his sleigh.