Christmas is a time for celebrations, it's a time to spend in peace with family and friends. A time to give and receive gifts, eat nice food, and enjoy all the good things about life. Many of us like to make the season a little bit more special by joining in with events that are taking place nearby, or by visiting a place where they really make something special of Christmas. Lapland sounds like a great trip, but it's a little expensive for most of us, so how about a trip to Edinburgh instead. In Edinburgh there are some extra special events that take place which help to make Christmas even more special for everyone.

Have you ever seen the Santa Stroll? It's quite a sight to see, and it's even more fun to take part in! Taking place on 14th December at West Princes Street Gardens, it is a festive stroll down to the Grass market. It does cost ?10 for adults and ?5 for kids under 10 to take part, but all the proceeds are donated to ?Radio Forth's Cash for Kids?, and ?When you wish upon a Star? and the money raised is used to help fulfil the wishes of courageous kids across the UK. The Grassmarket traders offer promotions at this time to anyone wearing a Santa suit too, so you can get some extra special deals from joining in.

Another event that takes place at this time of year this time in East Princes Street Gardens, is the Winter Wonderland ice skating. Whether you fancy having a skate yourself, or watching some of the wonderful shows that are set to take place here, this is another part of Christmas in Edinburgh which is delightful indeed. (There's even a special children's ice rink next to the main rink so that the little ones can join in safely too!).

Of course Christmas is a religious festival really, and even though many people celebrate these days who don't believe in god, for those who do, this side of things is still very important, and there are many advent carol services, and nativity services that take place all around the City that you can visit and take part in. As well as many other special services in the churches in the area.

For people with children, Breakfast with Santa, and the Santa's Grotto in the shopping centre at Leith Mills is pretty special, and whether your child takes breakfast with Santa, or pays him a visit in his grotto, they will receive a gift as part of their ticket price. Mum's and dad's can have a bite to eat too if they want as well.

The lights on all the streets in the City centre are pretty spectacular to see as well, especially if you pay a trip in the early evening when they show up really well. The whole place has an almost fairy tale feel to it.