Well….that’s just my humble opinion at least. Whilst I do LOVE the fringe and festival in August and all the food, smells, sights, circus and fun around every corner – there is something so exciting about this season, with the dark cosy nights, the twinkling lights and the hint of magic in the air…

This weekend is light night and the official start to Edinburgh’s Christmas which is once again bursting at the seams with a host of fun activities and events this year. Light night is Sunday 18th November from 3pm and is a free event for all to enjoy, which encapsulates the true spirit of the festive season: family and the community. Choirs from across Scotland will perform in front of an expected audience of around 20,000 people, as  George Street is lit up with fireworks. The Christmas Tree on the Mound, a gift to the City of Edinburgh Council from Hordaland County Council in Norway, will be lit as part of the Light Night switch-on.

Other free events to look out for over the festival are :

24 Doors of Advent – From 1st – 24th December go and discover an exciting new place each day of advent, as this real-life advent calendar takes you through a different door, throughout December as Edinburgh opens its doors to showcase the unique buildings in the city. A full list of what buildings are featured this year can be found here .

Winter Windows – The Winter Windows form a magical pathway from West Parliament Square – outside St Giles to Newhaven. Each stained-glass window is designed by a budding young artist from Edinburgh’s schools to the theme of Kindness. This year’s Winter Windows is working in conjunction with St Giles Cathedral.

And of course the Christmas market will be here again, tempting us with the smells of mulled wine and delicious foods…..Santa land is currently settling back into Princes Street gardens to entertain the kids, ice rinks are being smoothed into place and something very special is brewing on George Street….