On Sunday 17th November 2024, there is a free, family friendly concert at the Ross Band Stand to mark the start of Edinburgh's Christmas festival, a package of yuletide events.
On Monday 18th, the switch is flicked on the festive lights of Edinburgh's historic Christmas tree on the Mound in a free event in the courtyard at Assembly Hall.
As well as these Christmas Lights Switch On events, communities around Edinburgh hold similar Switch On events.
Norwegian spruce
Light Night 2024 also refers to the turning on of the lights of the large Christmas Tree on The Mound, a traditional gift given each year by the people of Hordaland, Norway (now part of Vestland), to the City of Edinburgh Council. The Christmas Tree marks the help given by the Scots to Norway during WWII.
A special ceremony is attended by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and Deputy Convener of Vestland County Council.
Light Night Pyrotechnics
Under former Edinburgh's Christmas organiser, Underbelly, Light Night 2019 was a major event on the Royal Mile.
A special guest was chosen to flick the big switch to turn on the Christmas Lights that adorn the streets of historic Edinburgh.
In 2018, The Voice competitor Saskia Eng, who attended the Edinburgh School of Music from age 11, was chosen to turn on the Christmas lights.
In 2019, the evening's entertainment included live music sung by choirs from across Edinburgh such as Little Voices Big Stars (the Edinburgh singing group for children between 4 and 16 year olds), Rock Choir Live, and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh’s Community Choir.
Two giant screens at key points on the Royal Mile allowed the crowd of around 20,000 people to enjoy the free entertainment, which included a pyrotechnic display and a "flying visit" from Santa appearing on his sleigh on a zipline.
Christmas around Edinburgh
Light Night also comes as many other Edinburgh's Christmas attractions are opening. There is a Christmas Market, mulled wine and hot toddies on The Mound, and various fairground rides such as a Big Wheel and 60 metre-high Star Flyer in East Princes Street Gardens.
For younger kids, there's two carousels, Christmas tree maze, and other Santa Land activities.
There are a number of smaller Christmas Light Nights in other Edinburgh areas in the days following the main city centre Light Night event.
Edinburgh's Christmas Light Night is a free, public event.