Tuesday October 20th 2026
Edinburgh's Christmas Market (photo by Craig Duncan)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay have announced a new headline sponsor, alongside the return of free festive events and a community ticket scheme open to groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is set to launch its festive programme next month, with free events, live music and community ticket opportunities for people across the Lothians.
Event producers Unique Assembly have announced software management company Halo as the new headline sponsor of both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
The partnership will support a programme of free events at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, beginning with a Kick Off Concert on Saturday, November 14.
The concert will feature bagpipe supergroup Red Hot Chilli Pipers and marks the start of seven weeks of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations.
The Ross Bandstand programme will continue across five weekends, with events including Diwali celebrations delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Diwali on November 15, Light Night on November 22 and St Andrew’s Day celebrations on November 28 and 29, featuring a free outdoor ceilidh.
The programme will also include a Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws event on December 6, raising funds for charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star.
Alongside the events, Edinburgh’s Christmas is bringing back its Community Tickets initiative following what organisers described as a successful year in 2025.
The scheme offers free tickets to attractions including the LNER Big Wheel, Family Ice Experience with Icelandair and Around the World Star Flyer. Tickets are available to community groups and charities in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Applications opened on Tuesday, October 20, and close on Wednesday, November 4. The initiative aims to help local organisations provide festive experiences to people who may otherwise struggle to access them.
Unique Assembly said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of our Community Tickets initiative, this year supported by our new headline partner Halo. We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the communities that host us, and to give out festive treats to those who need it most!”
Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher welcomed the expanded festive programme and the return of community tickets.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see another event being added to an already packed festive programme, giving people even more to look forward to as the festive season gets underway. With tickets being made available to local communities and charities, I’m delighted that more residents will be able to experience the magic and atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Christmas. It’s also a lovely way to recognise and thank the organisations that make such a positive difference to people’s lives throughout the year. I’d encourage community groups and charities to put forward an application and take advantage of this opportunity.”
Halo said it was proud to support the celebrations, adding: “Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay is one of the great winter celebrations in the world, and we’re proud to be part of it. Founded in the Highlands, Scotland has always been special for Halo, and through our sporting partnerships that connection is as strong as ever. We believe in supporting the moments that bring people together, and there are few bigger than Hogmanay in Edinburgh, welcoming locals and visitors from every corner of the globe. We can’t wait to see the city light up this winter.”
The full programme for the Ross Bandstand is available at edwinterfest.com, with further events still to be announced.
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