Winterfest

Christmas on Ice

Beneath the magnificent shadow of the Castle, Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens bloom in a blaze of colour under the city's Christmas lights during Capital Christmas. Between November and January, the festive mix of fun and attractions make Edinburgh a popular destination for winter city breaks. Highlights this year include: a traditional German Christmas Market; Winter Wonderland – one of the largest open air ice rinks in Europe; Edinburgh Wheel which revolves 33 metres above the ground next to the famous Scott Monument, and Santa's Reindeer who make West Princes Street Gardens a temporary home.

The heart of Glasgow becomes unusually icebound when George Square is transformed into another winter wonderland. The city's main square becomes home to Glasgow on Ice – a Moscow-style ice rink for budding Torvills and Deans relaxing away from the bustle of Christmas preparations. The rink stages outdoor ice performances featuring some of the UK's top skaters, themed evenings, ice discos and traditional carol singing. And Glasgow, of course, remains the serious shopper's dream throughout this period.

He's Behind You . . .

The colourful characters of pantoland rub their genie-inhabited lamps and climb giant beanstalks in many city theatres and town halls across Scotland. A pun-filled pilgrimage to the pantomime is a favourite treat for young and old alike, and you can find out where and when the Aladdins, Cinderellas, Mother Gooses and Peter Pans are appearing on the VisitScotland website.

Hogmanay Celebrations Across Scotland

Across Scotland, there are many festivities taking place to welcome in 2005. For a look at the parties, ceilidhs, shindigs and balls organised for this year, see the VisitScotland. website

"Home of Hogmanay"

The sound of cool jazz and hot pop music, street theatre, fireworks, film, pipes and drums will feature as Edinburgh's famous Street Party counts down to 2005. Helped with support from EventScotland, Edinburgh has earned the reputation of being the "Home of Hogmanay".

The capital's New Year extravaganza starts on 29 December. This year an array of Scottish and French film, music, dance, food and street performers helps celebrate the Auld Alliance and the centenary of the Entente Cordiale. Top pop acts, Blondie and Scissor Sisters, join local band Aberfeldy for the "Concert in the Gardens", while all around the party mood will flow as the streets are transformed into a massive carnival. For those fit and motivated enough, New Year's Day sees "Parklife", a programme of free activities, family fun events and urban sports in Holyrood Park. For full details see Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.

Glasgow Counts Down too

George Square is the focal point for Glasgow's official Hogmanay celebrations, with up to 25,000 ticket-holding revellers gathering to see in 2005, enjoying a night of first class entertainment with a mix of performers taking to the stage- from band-of-the-moment Snow Patrol to the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band. Simone Welsh, a traditional violinist and vocalist will share centre stage with various club and dance DJs. For full details see Glasgow's Hogmanay celebrations.

Celtic Connections 2005

In January, Scotland becomes the world's premier showcase for internationally acclaimed traditional musicians. The Celtic Connections festival, with its top line-up of musical talent and exciting new acts, is now recognised as the biggest winter music festival in the world.

Between 12 and 30 January, Glasgow will be alive with the sound of modern Celtic rock, dance, big bands, choral performances, international folk superstars, theatre and traditional pipe bands and ceilidhs. Runrig, The Dubliners, Eddi Reader, Kathryn Williams, Shane MacGowan, Billy Bragg, Dr John and Karen Matheson are amongst the cream of the world's Celtic musical talent playing in the city.

Celtic Connections has always focused on encouraging new and young talent to connect with traditional music. Ranging from 5 young fiddlers from the Borders who have just released their debut CD to uniting the last 4 winners of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year, more than 60 musicians are lined up to take part.

Each of the "Master and Apprentice" concerts will feature two young traditional artists alongside an established artist chosen by the younger musicians. Masters appearing will include Phil Cunningham, Eddi Reader, John Doyle and Kenna Campbell.

For further information see Celtic Connections.

Up-Helly-Aa in the Shetlands

On the last Tuesday of January, visitors flock to the town of Lerwick, which becomes the site of Britain's most magnificent fire festival, incorporating the burning of a Viking galley and a torchlit parade of 800 people, dressed as Vikings or in other fancy dress. Going back 12 centuries, the torchlit procession and galley burning are said to represent an ancient Viking sacrifice to the sun.

Early in the evening 1000 parade members or "guizers" assemble in the town centre. One man is chosen as the "jarl", his job to head up the procession dressed as a fierce Viking warrior, while the guizers form themselves into squads, each with a distinct theme for their costume. Then they set off, torches lit, towing a specially built Viking galley. When they reach the burning site, all the marchers throw their flaming torches into the galley.

Afterwards squads disperse and visit local halls to perform specially practiced set pieces, whether special songs or a sketch or dance routine they have prepared. About 5000 visitors share in the spectacular festival.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Not all is urban festivity however. Our rugged landscape of rolling hills and craggy mountains takes on a new attraction as frost and snow transforms it. Those who come to experience the fresh air and breathtaking scenery are catered for in every way to ensure an enjoyable winter stay.

Skilled and seasoned hill walkers believe that you have missed the best of Scottish hill walking if you haven't experienced the mountains in winter. So, if you have some winter walking experience and want to move on, or you are an experienced summer walker looking to broaden your horizons – or a walking novice wanting to develop skills under expert guidance – then Scotland gives a first-class setting to sample winter walking. For more information on climbing and walking in Scotland see the VisitScotland website.

Places to See. . . Things to Do

Far removed from the frantic pace of gift buying and busy bargain hunting, the National Trust for Scotland offers an alternative – a series of winter events ranging from conservation projects to craft fairs in beautiful settings across the country.

Visitors can enjoy the sights of Scotland's ancient monuments, cathedrals and castles throughout the winter months with Historic Scotland opening over 40 historic buildings, including major attractions like Edinburgh and Urquhart Castles. VisitScotland's Autumn Gold programme aims to attract visitors during the autumn and winter months, and so spread tourist activity throughout the year.

So with this sample of what's going on, it's clear that Scotland has much to offer the winter traveller. Why not experience it too?