Edinburgh in December is truly magical. The city comes alive with joy and cheer as it plays host to the world`s most exciting festive celebrations.

Sir Rocco Forte`s five-star Balmoral, located in the heart of the city, has launched its very own calendar of events designed to celebrate the season and confirm its position as Edinburgh`s eventful hotel.
Christmas Activities:
Christmas Party Nights:
* The Balmoral`s glittering party nights ensure an evening of sparkle and fun. The evening kicks off at 7.30pm with a glass of Balmoral Fizz, followed by a sumptuous four-course meal. The festive celebrations continue into the evening with dancing, special drinks promotions and party novelties. Dates: 06, 13, 20, 22 and 23 December from 7.30pm until 1am. Cost is £35 per person.
Call our Christmas Co-ordinator on 0131 622 8810 for further details.

Private Dining:
* The Balmoral has ten beautifully appointed private dining suites with stunning views, offering an exceptional opportunity for a bespoke Christmas event. A wide range of menus created by Michelin-starred Chef Jeff Bland are available on request.
Call 0131 622 8806 or e-mail [email protected] for further details.

Hadrian`s:

* The Balmoral`s buzzy and stylish brasserie is offering a three-course pre-Christmas lunch and dinner from 12 December to 24 December. Cost is £24 per person.
* Enjoy a lavish four-course lunch or dinner on Christmas Day, including entertainment from our resident pianist and a visit from Father Christmas. Cost is £94 per person inclusive of wines.
To book Hadrian`s call 0131 557 5000 or e-mail [email protected]

Number One Restaurant:

* Renowned Michelin Star “number one” restaurant has created an outstanding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu. A truly memorable experience is guaranteed with delicious cuisine and outstanding service.
Christmas Eve dinner menu is £60 per person; Christmas Day Lunch is £120 per person.

The place to stay:
Combine your Christmas Shopping or Night Out with an overnight stay at The Balmoral. Accommodation rates start at £135 for a standard room per night and include full Scottish breakfast and VAT. Guests can liaise with the concierge to arrange excursions to the following:

* Edinburgh`s Winter Wonderland where Princes Street Gardens is transformed into a magical Christmas Village. Here, visitors can enjoy ice-skating under the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and splendid city views from the famous “Edinburgh Wheel”;
* Holiday shopping at the traditional Christmas Market and Christmas Craft Market for traditional Scottish crafts;
* Christmas shopping at Jenners - Edinburgh`s oldest department store or Harvey Nichols - for the young at heart;
* Sampling fresh Scottish produce and whisky at Edinburgh`s Farmers Market.
Rates available from 06 to 26 December 2003; Call 0870 460 7040 or e-mail [email protected].

Hogmanay:
Hogmanay Package:

* Unique to Scotland, Edinburgh`s Hogmanay is billed as the best in the world. The famous Balmoral Clock Tower heralds the start of the New Year as people dance and party in the streets below. The Balmoral has a stunning two-night package available on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 December or Wednesday 31 December and Thursday 01 January, to ring in 2004 in grand style.
Based on double occupancy, rates start at £478 per person and include:

* Two nights` accommodation;
* Admission to the Gala Ball;
* Scottish breakfast and VAT.

Hogmanay Gala Ball:
Edinburgh Residents can experience a night to remember at The Balmoral`s Gala Ball, held in the Sir Walter Scott Suite overlooking Edinburgh Castle. The evening includes:

* Pre-dinner champagne and canapés;
* Four-course dinner created by Michelin-starred Chef Jeff Bland;
* Fine wines, coffee and chocolates;
* Entertainment provided by “The Usual Suspects” followed by our Ceilidh Band and Disco;
* Bagpipes to bring in the New Year;
* The evening starts at 7.30pm with carriages at 2am. Priced at £198 per person inclusive of wines.
Call 0131 556 2414 or e-mail [email protected].

Hogmanay at Hadrian`s:
Celebrate Hogmanay with a four-course gourmet menu and selection of fine wines. Cost is £75 per person inclusive of wines.
To book Hadrian`s call 0131 557 5000 or e-mail [email protected]

Number one Hogmanay:
Enjoy a five-course dinner in the opulent surroundings of number one restaurant and join us on the stroke on midnight with a glass of champagne in our second floor banqueting suites, overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Cost is £150 per person.
Call 0131 557 6727 to book or e-mail [email protected]
All packages are subject to availability. For further information, please contact 0131 556 2414, send a fax to 0131 557 8740 or e-mail [email protected].

——-