The countdown to Edinburgh's Christmas has begun.
Although many are holding onto the last warm days of September, others are preparing for the festive season.
After being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus, Edinburgh's Christmas market by Underbelly is starting preparations.
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Edinburgh turns into a winter wonderland, whether there is snow or not, with German style markets filling Princes Street Gardens and attractions set up through George Street.
Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh's Christmas, have officially submitted planning applications for the capital's winter festival 2021.
The new application includes complimentary additions to the already granted planning application for Edinburgh’s Christmas at East Princes Street Gardens and The Mound. The updated 2021 application also incorporates West Princes Street Gardens and George Street into the festive mix.
What to expect at Edinburgh's Christmas 2021
- Ice rink
- 62 trading stalls
- Four attractions will pop up in East Princes Street Gardens
- The Big Wheel
The Double Carousel
- A star flyer
- 15 stall concessions
- 11 attractions including the Christmas Tree Maze and a Santa's Grotto
- Underbelly is also seeking permission to reinstate an ice rink between Charlotte Square and Castle Street
There are also reports that a 'family area' will be near the bandstand if permission is granted.
Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Christmas with Covid-19 in mind and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 Christmas celebrations.
Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021 will run from 19 November to 2 January.
Here is the breakdown, including opening times are what to expect in each area of Edinburgh's Christmas Festival 2021.
The East Princes Street Gardens market opening times
The East Princes Street Gardens (EPSG) market will open from 10am to 10pm, from November 19 to January 2.
People will able to enjoy the 62 market stalls. fairground rides, bar, box office and information point and toilets.
The organisers have confirmed that the Big Wheel and The Double Carousel will be among the rides on offer.
EPSG is fully accessible from both Princes Street and Market Street.
Pay and display parking for EPSG is available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Waterloo Place.
The West Princes Street Gardens
The West Princes Street Gardens (WPSG) market will be open between 10am to 10pm and will run from November 19 to January 1.
There will be market stalls, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, bar and the box office/information point.
In total there will be ten fairground rides, including the Santa train, and there will be 15 market stalls.
Pay and display parking for WPSG is available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Waterloo Place.
The George Street Christmas event
George Street will be lit up with festivities from the hours of 10am to 10pm, and will run from November 19 to January 2.
For Edinburgh's Winter Festival, there will be an ice rink, bar and three markets stalls.
Pay and display parking for the George Street event is available on Charlotte Square, Frederick Street, George Street and Hanover Street.
You can follow all the latest updates on Edinburgh Christmas' official Instagram here.
