Edinburgh Christmas: 5000 tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions gifted to local community groups and charities

Everyone deserves to share in the magic of Christmas and this year, 5,000 tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are being gifted to local community groups and charities to ensure those less fortunate can join in as the city comes to life with the festive spirit.

UniqueAssembly, who produce Edinburgh’s Christmas on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, has announced that applications are now open for local groups and charities who work with disadvantaged people in the community to claim tickets for rides and attractions at this year’s events – including the Alpine Ice Rink and Big Wheel – which will take place in the Capital from Friday, November 17 until Saturday, January 6.

A spokesperson for UniqueAssembly said: “Applications can be made via the form on Edinburgh’s Christmas website, or via email at [email protected]. Tickets will be limited per applicant/group, and applicants will be asked to include details of their organisational aims and how they would like to use the tickets.

"Applications are now open and will close at midnight on Sunday, November 5, with decisions to be made by Friday, November 10. Event producers invite applications from charities and volunteer organisations, including young carers, refugee groups, and others in the community who need support.”

Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations will also include access to the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens which will host a community-focused programme of events in association with various local charity partners. Running for four weekends from November 18 until December 10, there will be a mix of free and ticketed events.

The spokesperson added: “Some of the partners that Edinburgh’s Christmas are supporting this year include Edinburgh Diwali on November 19, a St Andrew’s Day Outdoor Ceilidh on November 26, Nativity Carol Concert with Edinburgh Churches Together on December 3, and the 19th annual Santa Fun Run with When you Wish Upon a Star on December 10. More details will be available on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website in the coming weeks.

“The spirit of giving and community continues with Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, which includes the 10 metre tall Kindness Tree and Gift Donation point, dedicated to spreading goodwill to those who need it most. Donations can be made to help provide thousands of Christmas dinners, food packs and gifts to homeless and vulnerable families, children, and individuals, or for shelter to those without a roof over their heads this winter.”

Over the festive period, the city centre will form a circuit of Christmas cheer with four zones to explore – a Festive Family Funfair in West Princes Street Gardens, the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Santa’s Workshop and Social Bite Festival of Kindness at St Andrew Square, and the Alpine Ice Rink and LocalMotive Castle Street Christmas Market on George Street West and Castle Street.

Another uplifting Christmas initiative is the return of the annual Winter Windows schools competition. School children from across Edinburgh are encouraged to submit an artwork that represents their idea of the festive season to be selected for display along walkways across the city. The winners’ artworks will also be showcased on Edinburgh’s Christmas social channels.

Residents with an EH postcode are eligible for a 20 per cent discount on tickets to all of Edinburgh’s Christmas events, visit Edinburgh’s Christmas website.