In pictures: Christmas in Edinburgh from years gone by

By The Newsroom
Published 4th Dec 2018, 16:12 BST
Updated 4th Dec 2018, 17:15 BST
Children play on the model of the Golden Arrow engine in Jenners, Edinburgh, November 1965.placeholder image
Children play on the model of the Golden Arrow engine in Jenners, Edinburgh, November 1965.

Christmas in Scotland's capital seems to get bigger and begin earlier every year - but there was a time when it was a far simpler affair.

We take a trip back through the archives to a time when Edinburgh’s Yuletide season involved the simple delights of hunting for Santa at the city’s numerous department store grottos, gawping at the tremendous tree on the Mound, admiring the fairy lights on George Street and descending on Waverley Market to enjoy the Christmas Carnival.

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The simple delight of admiring the fairy lights on George Street was enough to get you in the festive spirit.placeholder image
The simple delight of admiring the fairy lights on George Street was enough to get you in the festive spirit.
Crowds gather at The Mound in Edinburgh to watch the lights of the Norwegian Christmas tree being switched on.placeholder image
Crowds gather at The Mound in Edinburgh to watch the lights of the Norwegian Christmas tree being switched on.
Dozens of locals gather at Waverley Station to catch a glimpse of the Christmas tree.placeholder image
Dozens of locals gather at Waverley Station to catch a glimpse of the Christmas tree.
Shoppers outside Patrick Thomson's department store as Santa Claus climbs down a golden ladder.placeholder image
Shoppers outside Patrick Thomson's department store as Santa Claus climbs down a golden ladder.
Christmas tree and carol singers at the Kirkgate shopping centre in Leith.placeholder image
Christmas tree and carol singers at the Kirkgate shopping centre in Leith.
Michael Fielden, 4, and Father Christmas beside the Scottish Railway Preservation Society's steam locomotive Maude at Waverley station, running the Santa Special.placeholder image
Michael Fielden, 4, and Father Christmas beside the Scottish Railway Preservation Society's steam locomotive Maude at Waverley station, running the Santa Special.
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