Santa helps light up Edinburgh as Christmas arrives in the city

Author: Max SteelePublished 18th Nov 2019

Around 12,000 people gathered in the Royal Mile on Sunday for Edinburgh's Light Night event, marking the official start of the city's Christmas events.

The weekend also saw the opening of the Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens which attracted 88,000 people on Saturday alone, up 30% on last year.

Light Night, a free event hosted by Forth One's Arlene Stuart, saw five local community groups showcasing their talents on stage from 3.30pm.

Santa himself turned up at 5pm to switch on the lights, flying up the Royal Mile in his sleigh while fireworks filled the skies.

Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations take place across the capital until 4 January 2020.