These were just a few of the exciting Edinburgh festivities for enjoyment over 2011/2012. Check back in September for the top tips for Edinburgh Sparkles 2012/2013.
Want to plan your day out? Or just have a nosey at the festive folly you can get up to in Edinburgh?
Here are our 'what's on' highlights for the festive season:
17th November - 23rd December – The Edinburgh Sparkles Treasure Hunt! Taking place every week before Christmas in the city-centre, solve the clues via Twitter (Edinburgh_) to be in with the chance of finding some phenomenal prizes.
1st December - 7th January 2012 - We Will Rock You, created by Queen with Ben Elton, returns to The Edinburgh Playhouse for one final momentous 6 week season. This worldwide smash-hit musical is packed with legendary Queen hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Radio Ga Ga, Under Pressure and Somebody to Love. Book now!
1st December – The National Portrait Gallery re-opens – 3000 paintings, 36000 photographs in the world’s first purpose built portrait gallery space.
3rd December – 22nd January 2012 ‘He’s behind you!’ Bring our your inner child at the opening night of the Cinderella panto at the King’s.
Throughout December you can vote for your favourite shop on George Street as they compete in a festive window dressing competition! All along George Street, retailers from Anthropologie to the White Company are pulling out the stops to make their window display's sparkle!
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Vote here for your favourite!17th December - The Scottish Snowsport Festival sees Scotland’s elite freestyle snow athletes battle it out on a purpose built ski run in Princes Street Gardens. With live DJ's providing the soundtrack for the day, you can take part in snowsports tutorials or just browse for gifts and soak up the atmosphere.
31st December – Edinburgh's Hogmanay! Have you bought your tickets to the world’s biggest street party yet?
Also on at Christmas....
One World Marquee at the West End
Come and enjoy a range of multi-cultural World Musicians and Performers to add colour and enjoyment to your Christmas activities on Princes Street, situated at the West End, in front of St Johns Church, now extended until 19th December! See below for details:
Thurs 15 Dec
12 - 5pm - One World Fair Trade Stall
6 - 7pm - St John's Church Choir
Fri 16 Dec
12 - 5pm - One World Fair Trade Stall
Sat 17 Dec
11 - 1pm - One World Fair Trade Stall
1 - 2pm - Dojo Taiko Performance Team
3 - 5pm - Waa Sylla African percussion
Sun 18 Dec
11.45 - 12.45pm - Cauldstane Slap - A Scottish & Irish traditional band
1 - 2pm - Indian dance - Classical and Bollywood dance performed by Dance Ihayami
2 - 4pm - Michael Angelo, Fun stilt walker and juggler
2 - 5pm - Waa Sylla African percussion
Horse and Carriage Rides along Princes Street (Adult £5, Child £2.50, Carriage £14)
Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December between 1300 & 1900 (approximately)
Thursday 22, Friday 23 & Saturday 24 December between 1300 &1900
Reindeer Pen on Princes Street – 15 - 18 December, plus 21 – 23 December, find them at the Hanover Street junction.
Hog the Street Competition - Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December from 1300 - 1700
Hog the Street is the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay new bands competition taking place on Princes Street this weekend. Scotland’s best new acts will busk it out for the chance to kick off the world’s greatest New Year party. The winning band will open the Concert in the Gardens - the music and fireworks spectacular – and join the bill alongside headliners Primal Scream and special guests Bombay Bicycle Club and Sons & Daughters.
Ten lucky bands have been chosen from over 80 entries to compete in a live busking final on Princes Street this weekend, hosted by DJ, broadcaster and champion of new music, Jim Gellatly. Each band will perform on stage at the West End for 20-25 minutes and must include their favourite Christmas cover. The line-up includes an eclectic mix of indie, hip-hop, folk and soul to entertain the weekend crowds on Princes Street. The act which raises the most money for Shelter Scotland during their busking set will win the coveted opening slot for Concert in the Garden on 31 December. All money raised at the event goes to Shelter Scotland
Scottish Snowsports Festival - Saturday 17 December & Sunday 18 December
Britain’s best freestyle skiers and snowboarder compete for the largest snowsports cash prize in Scotland on real snow as part of a purpose built slope on Princes St. Snowsports specific MCs, DJs and interviews with athletes /snowsports prominent figures. Mobile ski and snowboard slope for all ages and abilities to try skiing and snowboarding for FREE (with instruction)
Edinburgh Rugby - 23 December
Edinburgh Rugby players will be on Princes Street on the 23rd as they prepare for their Boxing Day clash with Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield. The team, which is packed with Scotland stars looking forward to the 6 Nations Championship in the new year, will be around all day helping out with some great interactive games and handing out prizes to the top performers! The team looks forward to seeing you there. In the meantime, to find out how you could get a FREE ticket to Edinburgh v Glasgow on 26 December, visitwww.scottishrugby.org/france for details.
