Edinburgh’s Christmas sold a record number of tickets for the festive period of 2017, rising 13 per cent from the previous year.
781,520 tickets were sold for the six weeks of festivities which included a range of rides, lights and shows.
Edinburgh’s Christmas itself attracted vast numbers of visitors, coming from an estimated 47 different countries.
Locals were given 20 per cent discounts on attraction tickets, of which 142,333 were sold.
Edinburgh’s Christmas directors Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood told the BBC: “What another bumper year with record tickets sales and more locals than ever engaging in Edinburgh’s Christmas.
“In our fifth year of producing the event, we were delighted to introduce some great new attractions, most especially the Ice Adventure which transported visitors into an historical and mythical Scottish winter wonderland.
“We are especially proud of the extension of Winter Windows out of the city centre and into local communities and of the introduction of Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar – both entirely free attractions that help spread Christmas joy across the city.”
Third Year International Relations Student Emily spoke to The Student about why she found Edinburgh’s most recent Christmas to be one of its best yet: “Everything was just so beautiful and exciting.
“Each year I’ve been in the city the lights and markets have become bigger and better. This year has been particularly special because of the George Street Grotto and lights.”
First year French and German student Olivia told The Student about her first experience at Edinburgh’s Christmas: “It felt really special. There were very strong community and Christmassy vibes. I particularly enjoyed the waffles and Bratwurst at the market. Also, the rides and music really created a fun and friendly atmosphere.”
Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, told the BBC: “Edinburgh’s Christmas was a real show-stopper, with more tickets sold than ever before, a welcome rise in the number of Edinburgh residents enjoying their local discount, and people from 47 countries flying in to experience the city’s rides, attractions and everything the city has to offer.”
Image: Kyoshi Masamune via Flickr