Capital Christmas a 'success'

City lights: Edinburgh in festive mood

Edinburgh has hailed its Christmas Carnival as a festive financial success.

The city splashed out £200,000 to create an "unrivalled" experience, including a giant ferris wheel, an open-air ice rink and a Bavarian market.

The council claims it has pulled in 200,000 visitors and generated £3.5m.

Leaders had hoped to extend the city's reputation as a festive destination.

I think the whole thing is lovely. It gets you in the festival holiday spirit

Clare, from Canada

Edinburgh claims to have one of the biggest and best hogmanay celebrations.

Councillor Lezley Cameron said that half the initial outlay for the festival came from commercial sponsorship.

She said: "Edinburgh already attracts many thousands of visitors throughout the year.

"Capital Christmas will complement these existing festivals generating a boost to Edinburgh's economy."

Money has also been raised for three children's charities.

Tree cheer

The ice rink, which takes a leaf out of Christmas fairs in New York's Central Park, has room for more than 300 skaters.

The Bavarian market sells traditional German fare, such as wooden toys, handmade decorations and stollen, a type of fruit loaf.

One stallholder said she had been enjoying the visit and taking advantage of the attractions.

She said: "My son has learned ice skating here and my son and my little sister have been on the big wheel - fantastic views."

Another visitor from Aberdeen said: "It's a fantastic idea . . . we should have it more often . . . it creates a Christmas atmosphere."

Clare, from Canada, said: "I think the whole thing is lovely. It gets you in the festival holiday spirit."