Record numbers of runners have signed up for this year’s Edinburgh Christmas Charity Festival fun runs on Sunday 8 December in Inverleith Park, Edinburgh. Over 1200 runners will run the 5k and 10k for charity, creating a river of runners across the city.
The Christmas Charity Festival which is on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December includes a number of popular events which are now firm favourites in the Edinburgh Christmas calendar. Activities kick-off with the Stockbridge Christmas Santa Parade at 10.00 am on Saturday which starts at Saunders Street in Stockbridge. Led by the Stockbridge Pipe Band and followed by the Tunnocks Classic Van, Santa and his Cairngorm reindeer will lead revellers through the streets to Inverleith Park. Everyone is welcome to join the parade and follow Santa.
Saturday is also the day for the 51st Edinburgh Christmas Walk – a 10k walk through the local area, and for the little ones, the Santa Toddle on Sunday offers the chance to walk with Santa and his reindeer before visiting him in his grotto.
The reindeer will be in the park throughout the weekend in their special pen – a popular sight at Christmas in Edinburgh and part of the more traditional celebrations offered by Great Scottish Events.
Organiser Terry Crossley commented: “The Christmas Charity Festival is all about celebrating Christmas in a traditional way for families and charity-raising-running Santas alike. The Festival raises much needed money for various charities and also offers people the chance to enjoy some community spirit. We are excited to be supported by local pipe bands, school children and residents, as well as our visitors from abroad. It promises to be another great, festive weekend!”
Christmas Santa Parade Saturday 7 December 10am start Saunders Street Stockbridge.
The parade is led by the Stockbridge Pipe Band followed by the classic Tunnock’s Van, Santa and the Cairngorm Reindeer, escorted by elves from Flora Stevens School in Stockbridge. The Glencorse Pipe Band brings up the rear and all are welcome. The parade ends in Inverleith Park.
The Edinburgh Christmas Walk Saturday 7 December start 11.30am Inverleith Park
The walk includes a 10k stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, along the Water of Leith, through Stockbridge and Comely Bank before ending in Inverleith Park.
Free entry via: www.greatscottishevents.org.uk
Santa Toddle Sunday 8 December 1.30pm Inverleith Park
Little ones and families will follow the George Watsons Pipe Band as they lead Santa and his Reindeer on a walk/toddle around Inverleith Park. All toddlers receive a medal / completion certificate and goodies at the end. Buggies welcome!
Santa’s Grotto Saturday 7 December 11am – 5pm Sunday 8 December 09.30am – 5pm
Meet Santa and receive a gift. Cost is £6 per child – book online: www.greatscottishevents.org.uk
Christmas Charity Festival Marquees – Saturday 7 December 10am – 4pm and Sunday 8 December 9am – 4pm
Browse charity stalls, enjoy refreshments and see the reindeer. For the children there will be a special Decatholon Play Tent next to the main marquee.
Santa’s Cairngorm Reindeer
Saturday 7 December Santa Parade 10am through Stockbridge, followed by reindeer pen in Inverleith Park until 2.30pm.
Sunday 8 December 10.30am – 3pm Inverleith Park
Some of the charities that Great Scottish Events support include: Scottish SPCA, Hibs Foundation, Lawscot Foundation, Open Arms Malawi, St Columba’s Hospice, CRISIS, Autism Initiatives, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, British Liver Trust, Marys Meals, Guide Dogs for the Blind.
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